Currently, laparoscopic surgery for early-stage uterine cancer is reimbursed by the National Health Insurance scheme; therefore, an increasing number of laparoscopic procedures are being performed in clinical practice. The Japan Society of Gynecologic and Obstetric Endoscopy and Minimally Invasive Therapy (JSGOE) held discussions for evaluation of the surgical technique to ensure curative surgery. These discussions included members of the Committee for Surgery on Malignant Tumors and the Committee for the Endoscopic Surgical Skill Qualification System of JSGOE, and the results of the discussion and the process were made available to members at a special program at the 62nd Annual Meeting of the JSGOE. It was concluded that it was important to clarify eligibility for patients with uterine cancer and to be mindful of cancer cell spillage when applying for a qualified endoscopic gynecologist (laparoscopy/hysteroscopy), JSGOE. In our view, the surgical criteria and procedures will continue to evolve, following availability of further evidence. We expect that further discussions will be held in accordance with the times and environment and that safe and curative surgical procedures will become widely available.
