Costs and effects of laparoscopy versus laparotomy in women with early endometrial cancer

PhD ceremony: Ms. C.B.M. Bijen, 14.45 uur, Academiegebouw, Broerstraat 5, Groningen

Thesis: Costs and effects of laparoscopy versus laparotomy in women with early endometrial cancer

Promotor(s): prof. M.J.E. Mourits, prof. G.H. de Bock

Faculty: Medical Sciences

The standard surgery for early-stage endometrial cancer is total abdominal hysterectomy (TAH) and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, which is associated with substantial morbidity. Total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH) and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy is less invasive and is assumed to be associated with lower morbidity. The purpose of this study is to determine the effectiveness and cost effectiveness of TLH versus TAH in women with early stage endometrial cancer.

Our results showed no evidence of a benefit for TLH over TAH in terms of major complications, but TLH was beneficial in terms of cost effectiveness, a shorter hospital stay, less pain, and quicker resumption of daily activities. Therefore TLH should be recommended as the standard surgical procedure in early endometrial cancer under the condition it is performed by skilled surgeons.