Laparoscopic surgery for gynecologic cancer in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs): An area of need

Abstract

Over 90% of people living in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) do not have access to surgical care. In the absence of appropriate surgical care, there is high morbidity and mortality from surgically curable diseases, such as cervical cancer. Laparoscopic surgery for gynecologic cancer in LMICs is extremely limited. The benefits of laparoscopy over open surgery are even more pronounced in LMICs than in resource-rich countries. Barriers to implementation of laparoscopic surgery in LMICs should be identified and addressed in order to improve global cancer care and the lives of women worldwide.

Keywords

• Laparoscopy
• Low- and middle-income countries
• Gynecologic malignancy