Laparoscopic Approach to Carcinoma of the Endometrium

Endometrial cancer is the most common gynaecological malignancy in countries of the developed world. In 2000 alone some 1,564 new cases were diagnosed in Australia and the incidence is steadily rising.

For patients with Stage 1 Endometrial Carcinoma removal of the uterus, tubes and ovaries is considered the current standard treatment. Traditionally, this surgery is performed through a laparotomy in health care facilities through out the world. More recently, however, advances in laparoscopic techniques have allowed the completion of a hysterectomy to be performed entirely laparoscopically with the aid of the McCartney Tube which facilitates the removal of the uterus through the vagina.

The LACE Trial is an international multi-centre randomised phase three clinical trial investigating the differences in quality of life of patients with Stage 1 Endometrial Adenocarcinoma post Total Abdominal Hysterectomy (TAH) versus Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy (TLH).