Rectal mobilization for laparoscopic pelvic lymphadenectomy of the lower paracervical pathway in patients with uterine cancer

• Published in: Obstetrics & gynecology science Vol. 64; no. 6; pp. 555 - 559
• Main Authors: Iori Kisu, Hidetaka Nomura, Miho Iida, Kouji Banno, Tetsuro Shiraishi, Moito Iijima, Kayoko Nakamura, Kiyoko Matsuda, Nobumaru Hirao
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Korean
• Published: 대한산부인과학회 30-11-2021
• Subjects: Cervical cancer; Laparoscopic surgery; Pelvic lymphatic pathway; Uterine cancer
• ISSN: 2287-8572

Objective
The pelvic lymphatic drainage system comprises the upper and lower paracervical pathways (LPPs). Lymph node dissection of the LPP, including the cardinal ligament, internal iliac, internal common iliac, and presacral lymph nodes, requires higher surgical skills because of the anatomical limitations of the pelvic cavity and the dissection of vessels while preserving the nerves in the pelvic floor. In this video, we demonstrate rectal mobilization for laparoscopic complete pelvic lymph node dissection of the LPP in patients with uterine cancer.
Methods
Rectal mobilization was performed before complete pelvic lymph node dissection of the LPP. The pararectal space was opened widely and the connective tissue between the presacral fascia and prehypogastric nerve fascia was dissected bilaterally, allowing the rectum to be pulled.
Results
This procedure created a wide-open space in the pelvic floor, allowing clear visualization of the nerves and lymph nodes of the LPP. Laparoscopic complete lymph node dissection of the LPP was performed in the open space while preserving the hypogastric and pelvic splanchnic nerves and isolating the extensive network of blood vessels in the pelvic cavity.
Conclusion
Rectal mobilization enabled the safe execution of laparoscopic complete pelvic lymph node dissection of the LPP in patients with uterine cancer.