Radioguided Occult Lesion Localization for Gynecologic Tumor Relapses: Development of a Technique

Purpose of the Report Excision of peritoneal or nodal isolated recurrences frequently involves performing a surgery on a previously operated area, which is more difficult to achieve with minimally invasive approaches. Our aim was to describe the technical aspects, feasibility, and complications derived from the application of the radioguided occult lesions localization (ROLL) in gynecologic oncology recurrence excision. Patients and Methods All consecutive patients bearing localized relapses of a gynecologic tumor that were considered candidates for surgical excision were assessed to undergo a ROLL procedure. Radiotracer (99mTc-albumin macroaggregate) injection of the lesions was performed by ultrasonography or CT guidance. Relapses were localized using a gamma probe by minimally invasive surgery when located in the abdomen, or percutaneously when located in the groin. Intraoperative and early (up to postoperative day 30) complications were prospectively recorded. Results A total of 8 patients underwent the procedure. The median age was 59 years (range, 35-87 years). Four patients had abdominal relapses, whereas 4 patients presented groin relapses. The mean operative time was 120 minutes (range, 30-190 minutes), whereas the median estimated blood loss was 5 mL (range, 0-150 mL). All the targeted lesions were successfully removed. No intraoperative complications were reported. One postoperative complication (inguinal lymphocele) was recorded. Conclusions ROLL surgery constitutes a new approach for isolated recurrences in gynecological tumors.