The use of minimally invasive or laparoscopic surgery for exploratory and/or tumor debulking was a critical step forward in the treatment of patients with gynecological cancers. In the process, a surgion makes small incisions in the abdomen and groin area, then inserts a tiny probe or camera to examine the suspect areas. The surgeon views the internal organs on a screen, and using special tools, can identify cancerous or precancerous growths or remove “suspicious” tissue for immediate evaluation. In many cases, the patient may never need to undergo standard open surgery, resulting in less trauma, less pain, and faster recovery times.

The physicians of the Women’s Cancer Center of Nevada were pioneers in the use of this technique to treat their cancer patients. They have been performing minimally invasive (laparoscopic) surgery since the early 1990’s, as well documenting their progress and adding to the body of research on this important topic. In fact, a video demonstrating the technique was created and distributed during one of the annual Gynecologic Oncology Group (GOG) conferences and is available to physicians upon request.