Objective:

Describe the use of laparoscopy for the diagnosis and surgical treatment of patients with gynecological cancer in the Hospital Oncological Service of the Venezuelan Institute of Social Security, between 2013-2023.

Methods:

Observational, retrospective, descriptive research. The records of 25 patients in whom laparoscopy was used were reviewed.

Results:

Twenty cases (80%) were ovarian, three (12%) were endometrium, one was cervical (4%) and one was vulvar (4%). Serous carcinomas predominated (15 cases; 75% of ovarian tumors). There were three endometrioid-type endometrial adenocarcinomas; an endocervical adenocarcinoma and a vulvar squamous cell cancer. In ovary, 7 (35%) had less than 8 points in the laparoscopic prediction of cytoreduction and 13 (65%) had 8 points or more. Fluid collection and/or peritoneal lavage were performed in 16 patients (80%), peritoneal implant biopsies in 13 (65%). Six cases (24%) required conversion to open surgery. The duration of the intervention was: 30-90 minutes in 13 cases (65%) of ovarian cancer; 91-180 minutes in 6 ovarian cancers (30%) and one vulvar cancer; more than 180 minutes: one case of ovary (5%), three of endometrium (100%) and one cervical (100%). There was one postoperative complication (4%): paralytic ileus in a patient with ovarian cancer.

Conclusion:

The laparoscopic approach is a useful tool for the diagnosis and treatment of patients with gynecological cancer, since it demonstrates satisfactory surgical results.