Lymph node dissection in gynaecologic malignancy: the role of laparoscopy.

Surgical sampling and resection of the pelvic and para-aortic lymph nodes plays a critical role in the management of women with selected gynaecologic malignancies. Techniques to perform laparoscopic bilateral pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomies have been developed. Published reports reviewing the use of these techniques are limited and have critical deficiencies. Well-controlled multicentre trials must be completed to confirm the merit and efficiency of this innovative approach prior to it becoming a new surgical standard.