Single-port laparoscopic extraperitoneal para-aortic lymphadenectomy.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and the safety of single-port extraperitoneal laparoscopic para-aortic lymphadenectomy for patients with gynecologic cancer.

Methods: From July 2012 to January 2013, a total of 7 patients with gynecologic cancer underwent a laparoscopic pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomy with a single-port device. An extraperitoneal approach was performed for para-aortic lymphadenectomy using only one 2.5-cm incision on the left side. In 6 patients, additionally, hysterectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy with conventional laparoscopy were performed to complete the treatment.

Results: Aortic dissection was complete in all cases without complications. The median age of the patients was 63 years (range, 48-78 years), and the median patient body mass index was 31 kg/m(2) (range, 19-38 kg/m(2)). The median number of para-aortic nodes was 17 (range, 10-25); the median operative time was 204 minutes (range, 120-300 minutes). The median hospital stay was 4 days (range, 3-6 days). No patient encountered postoperative complications.

Conclusions: This study demonstrates the feasibility of single-port laparoscopic extraperitoneal para-aortic lymphadenectomy.