Minimally Invasive Sentinel Lymph Node Mapping for Cancer of Endometrium

Endometrial cancer is one of the most common gynaecologic malignancies all over the world. Pathological confirmation of lymph node metastasis is important for risk stratification and the administration of adjuvant treatments. Comprehensive systematic lymphadenectomy has been routinely performed but is associated with various morbidities. To tide over these, the concept of sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping and biopsy has emerged, that identifies and biopsies the initial lymph nodes most likely to contain cancer cells, reducing the need for extensive lymph node removal. In endometrial cancer, this targeted approach aids in accurate staging, minimizing surgical morbidity and guiding treatment decisions based on lymph node involvement. This chapter addresses the escalating global burden of endometrial cancer, highlighting the crucial shift from conventional to minimally invasive surgical approaches and discusses the potential impact of SLN mapping on accurate staging, thereby influencing decisions regarding adjuvant therapy and tailor treatment strategies for patients with endometrial cancer.