Dr. Wingo on the Evolution of Surgery in Endometrial Cancer

Shana Wingo, MD, gynecologic oncologist, Arizona Oncology, discusses the evolution of surgery in endometrial cancer.

Gynecologic oncology is extremely complex—it is a melding of multiple concentrations into 1 specialty, says Wingo. Advanced surgical training for gynecologic oncology includes more complex surgeries in the upper abdomen. One thing that has persisted over time and remains true to this day, Wingo says, is that the amount of residual disease affects survival. Surgical knowledge and skills need to be improved and modified as time goes on so that the field is continuing to provide the best outcomes.

Surgery for patients with endometrial cancer has changed drastically in the past 20 years, Wingo explains. Surgeons often performed open surgeries in the past, whereas now, 80% to 90% of cases are minimally invasive. Through proper development, Wingo believes that there is a chance that the technique of minimally invasive surgery can be perfected. If that proves to be true, patients will experience quicker recoveries, which will allow clinicians to administer the next line of therapy sooner.