30+ years of experience
3,000+ CRS+HIPEC procedures
International multidisciplinary committee
Reviewed by Prof. Luis González Bayón · Updated: April 30, 2026
Specialty

Surgery for endometrial cancer

At Quenet-Torrent Institute we treat endometrial cancer with minimally invasive surgery, complete oncological staging and multidisciplinary planning.

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Clinical summary

Endometrial cancer is treated with total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy and pelvic/para-aortic lymphadenectomy depending on stage, ideally by laparoscopic or robotic surgery. At Quenet-Torrent Institute (Teknon Barcelona · Memorial Publio Cordón Madrid), Prof. Luis González Bayón, together with Dr. Quenet and Dr. Torrent, uses sentinel lymph node mapping when indicated.

EXPLANATORY VIDEO

What is endometrial cancer?

Our specialists explain what endometrial cancer is, the most common gynecological tumor, and the surgical techniques used to treat it.

  • Risk factors and warning symptoms
  • Why early diagnosis matters
  • Minimally invasive surgical options

What is endometrial cancer?

Endometrial cancer is a malignant tumor of the inner lining of the uterus. It is the most common gynecological tumor in developed countries and mainly affects postmenopausal women.

The main risk factors are obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, long-term use of estrogen without progesterone, tamoxifen, never having given birth and Lynch syndrome. The most common symptom is abnormal vaginal bleeding, especially after menopause.

When detected early, endometrial cancer has very high cure rates. Surgery is the main treatment and determines the prognosis.

Symptoms of endometrial cancer

The most common and earliest warning sign of endometrial cancer is abnormal vaginal bleeding. In postmenopausal women, any bleeding should be considered suspicious and prompt a gynecological visit without delay, since in many cases it leads to a diagnosis at an early stage with excellent cure rates.

In premenopausal women there may be bleeding between periods, very heavy or prolonged periods and abnormal vaginal discharge. In more advanced stages, persistent pelvic pain and discomfort when urinating or during sex may be added. With any of these symptoms, especially postmenopausal bleeding, it is advisable to see a specialist as soon as possible to rule out endometrial disease.

Causes and risk factors of endometrial cancer

The main mechanism involved in the development of endometrial cancer is prolonged exposure to estrogen without the counterbalance of progesterone, a situation that favors excessive growth of the uterine lining. Obesity is one of the most relevant factors, since fatty tissue produces estrogen independently. Diabetes, high blood pressure, early first period, late menopause and never having given birth also increase the risk.

Other risk factors include polycystic ovary syndrome, tamoxifen treatment for breast cancer and hormone replacement therapy with estrogen without progesterone. There is also a hereditary predisposition linked to Lynch syndrome, which significantly increases the lifetime likelihood of developing this tumor. Knowing these factors allows active surveillance measures for women at higher risk.

Why ask for a second opinion on endometrial cancer?

Asking for a second surgical opinion can provide reassurance and clarity about the best approach.

Confirm staging

Confirm whether the planned surgical staging is the most suitable.

Assess minimally invasive surgery

Assess whether the operation can be performed by laparoscopy or robotics.

Evaluate the sentinel lymph node

Evaluate the sentinel lymph node technique to avoid unnecessary extensive lymphadenectomies.

Preserve fertility

In young women who wish to become pregnant, assess conservative options.

A second opinion can confirm the initial strategy or propose changes.

How do we treat endometrial cancer?

Surgery is the main treatment for endometrial cancer and usually includes total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy.

Total hysterectomy + bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy

Removal of the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries.

Surgical staging

Peritoneal washing and evaluation of pelvic and para-aortic lymph nodes according to risk.

Sentinel lymph node

Identification of the first draining lymph node to assess spread with fewer side effects.

Radical surgery

In advanced cases, resection of affected adjacent structures.

Each operation is planned individually, following international oncology protocols.

Technology to treat endometrial cancer

These are the techniques we use to operate precisely and less invasively.

High-definition 3D laparoscopy

Less invasive approach with three-dimensional vision.

Robotic surgery

Greater precision in confined spaces.

Sentinel lymph node detection

With indocyanine green and near-infrared fluorescence.

Imaging-based planning

High-resolution pelvic MRI to assess local spread.

A comprehensive approach to endometrial cancer

Quenet-Torrent Institute offers a complete approach, from diagnosis to recovery, with a team that supports each patient throughout the process.

Experience in complex cases

We focus on advanced cancer and complex cases, with techniques such as radical surgery with resection of neighboring structures, which not every center offers.

Comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach

Surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, nutritionists and psychologists review your case together.

Research

We follow the published scientific evidence and review our protocols when new data appear.

Surgical technology

We have 3D laparoscopy, robotic surgery, sentinel lymph node detection with indocyanine green and high-resolution pelvic MRI.

Personal, close care

We explain each step of the treatment and answer your questions throughout the process.

SEE MORE CASES

Endometrial cancer specialists

Surgeons on the team who treat endometrial cancer.

Dr. François Quenet

Dr. François Quenet

Oncological surgeon

View doctor: Dr. François Quenet
"Surgeon with expertise in gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary tumors and in highly difficult operations."
Dr. Juan José Torrent

Dr. Juan José Torrent

Oncological surgeon

View doctor: Dr. Juan José Torrent
"Specialist in gynecological tumors, peritoneal carcinomatosis and complex oncological surgery."

Frequently asked questions about endometrial cancer

Answers to the most common questions about diagnosis, treatment and prognosis.

Can endometrial cancer be cured?

Yes, especially when it is detected at early stages: surgery alone is curative in most cases. It is a tumor that usually causes symptoms early, in the form of abnormal bleeding, and that early warning explains why most are diagnosed while still confined to the uterus.

Is it always necessary to remove the uterus?

In general, yes, because hysterectomy is the standard treatment. In very selected cases of very early stage, low grade and a wish to become pregnant, conservative treatment with hormone therapy and close monitoring may be considered, with the intention of operating once the wish to have children has been fulfilled.

What is the sentinel lymph node?

It is the first lymph node that the tumor drains to. It is located and removed selectively, and its analysis shows whether the disease has spread, avoiding extensive lymphadenectomies. This considerably reduces the risk of lymphedema in the legs, a side effect that affects daily life.

Can it be operated on laparoscopically?

Yes. Most cases are operated on by laparoscopy or with robotic surgery, with less pain and a faster recovery. Unlike cervical cancer, here the minimally invasive approach offers oncological results equivalent to those of open surgery.

How long does recovery take?

The hospital stay is usually 1 to 3 days and full recovery takes between 4 and 6 weeks. It is one of the oncological operations with the shortest postoperative period, thanks to the minimally invasive approach. The return to work depends on the type of activity and on any additional treatment indicated.

Is chemotherapy or radiotherapy needed?

It depends on the stage, the grade and the molecular profile of the tumor. In low-risk cases surgery is enough and nothing else is added. In intermediate- or high-risk cases, radiotherapy, brachytherapy or chemotherapy may be indicated, depending on what the analysis of the surgical specimen shows.

What follow-up is required?

Regular check-ups with gynecological examination and imaging tests according to the protocol, more frequent during the first years. Most recurrences are detected through symptoms or on examination, so it is advisable to consult about any new bleeding or discomfort without waiting for the next appointment.

Is a second opinion necessary if there is already a surgical plan?

It is advisable, especially if the tumor is high risk or if there are doubts about the need for additional treatment. A second review of the pathology and the molecular profile can change the indication for radiotherapy or chemotherapy, and with it the whole plan that follows.

Where can I receive this treatment safely?

At centers with proven experience in gynecological oncological surgery and an established sentinel lymph node technique. It is worth asking whether the team performs it routinely: avoiding an unnecessary lymphadenectomy is what makes the difference between a quick recovery and lifelong lymphedema.

Where to treat endometrial cancer?

We operate in two private hospitals in Spain. The same medical team treats you in Madrid and in Barcelona, with the same surgical and oncological protocols.

Memorial Publio Cordón Hospital, Madrid
Madrid

Memorial Publio Cordón Hospital

Private hospital in Pozuelo de Alarcón with a multidisciplinary team specialised in digestive surgical oncology.

Paseo de la Casa de Campo, 5 28223 Pozuelo de Alarcón, Madrid
View Memorial Publio Cordón Hospital
Centro Médico Teknon, Barcelona
Barcelona

Centro Médico Teknon

Private hospital in Barcelona where the team performs high-complexity surgical oncology.

Carrer de Vilana, 12 08022 Barcelona
View Centro Médico Teknon

Patients treated by the Quenet Torrent team

Real testimonies from patients treated by our team in high-complexity surgical oncology.

Debra's case

66-year-old English woman with advanced ovarian cancer and peritoneal metastases. Treated with cytoreduction + HIPEC, she is now disease-free.

Read the full case

Rosario (Charo)'s case

73-year-old patient with advanced cancer treated with chemotherapy and high-complexity surgical oncology, with good survival and quality of life.

Read the full case

Felipe's case

A mistaken diagnosis of terminal colon cancer that a second opinion revealed to be pseudomyxoma peritonei, treatable with cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC.

Read the full case

Santiago's case

Diagnosed with widespread peritoneal carcinomatosis and considered inoperable. After complete cytoreduction with HIPEC, today his is a story of survival.

Read the full case

What our patients say

See on Google 4.5/5
L
Loreto Toscano
4 weeks ago
5/5

Wonderful surgical team, among the best out there. Dr. Torrent (expert in peritoneal carcinomatosis) is an exceptional surgeon and an even better person. His coordinator is super kind, fast and efficient. The personal care is excellent and so are the results. This is of vital importance for cancer patients.

K
Kanijo Sánchez
5 months ago
5/5

In the public healthcare system they gave my father a maximum of one year to live. They only offered him chemo and no hope, said it was impossible, that nothing could be done. He had several tumors inside the peritoneal sac with metastases. A year and a half later he is clean, completely cured. His latest PET scan came back clean. We are very happy. Thanks to Dr. Torrent and his team. THANK YOU.

M
Manuel S.D.
A year ago
5/5

Excellent professionals, especially Dr. Torrent, attentive at all times to the patient (my wife), operated for peritoneal pseudomyxoma. They helped us with all our needs since we came from outside Barcelona. Thank you Elisabeth. We are very grateful to Quenet Torrent Institute, thank you for everything.

P
Pilar Garcés
2 years ago
5/5

I am a 63-year-old patient. They detected adrenal gland cancer and told me there was nothing to be done. I sought a second opinion and they told me about the Quenet Torrent team, specialists in complex operations. Dr. Torrent, from the first moment, told me they could operate. They operated and removed a large tumor mass. I spent a week in the ICU and a month on the ward. Every day he came morning and evening, no matter Saturday or Sunday. Never throw in the towel. I am happy to have found these professionals who gave me my life back. Thank you.

I
Imma Rondán
3 years ago
5/5

Many thanks for your attention. Dr. Torrent always attentive, involved and decisive. The reception staff very pleasant and always offering the best option. 100% RECOMMENDED. THANK YOU.

M
Mª Cristina Domínguez
5 years ago
5/5

Dr. Torrent helped me make the best decision at a difficult moment. I think he is a great professional and a person capable of accompanying you and putting himself in another's shoes. Thank you for everything.

F
Francisco García
6 years ago
5/5

I have peritoneal carcinomatosis. When I sent my diagnosis to every center, practically all of them agreed on palliative chemo with little survival time, since I had a very aggressive type of cell. Until we reached Dr. Quenet, Dr. Torrent and their team. I can only confirm what their CV announces: they are far ahead of the rest. They saved my life, because during the operation the harmful cells that everyone had diagnosed, and that were the reason nobody would operate on me, were not there. This intervention has become the best investment of my life.

M
Mara Reboredo
6 years ago
5/5

The best decision of my life was finding this excellent team of surgeons who saved my husband's life. At a prestigious international clinic in Madrid he was given up for lost with advanced peritoneal carcinomatosis from appendiceal cancer, and thanks to them, the best professionals in this field, he was operated on very successfully. A perfect recovery with no complications, because they were on top of his progress at all times. They have a great quality: from the start they were very honest and close. I can only be deeply grateful; we went to buy time and thanks to them my husband got his life back.

E
Elisenda Br.
7 years ago
5/5

Dr. Torrent is a brilliant surgeon and a very approachable and warm doctor, whose manner reveals all the qualities that make him a great person and professional: perseverance, innate curiosity and a desire to learn, humility, sincerity and empathy. Going through an operation is undoubtedly an intense experience, physically and emotionally, in which anxieties arise and you feel very vulnerable. All of that is normal, and as his former patient I can say that his care and professionalism throughout the process were absolutely exceptional. I felt very supported by him, with the confidence of knowing I was in the best hands. I will always be grateful to him. Moltes gràcies Dr. Torrent!

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