Laparoscopic surgery is associated with reduced levels of postoperative pain, early discharge from hospital and quick return to normal activity. Chemoradiotherapy is considered as the main treatment for advanced cervical cancers such as FIGO stage II and above. The majority of women with endometrial cancer will be cured by a total hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. Meta-analysis has reported lower complication rates and similar recurrence and survival after laparoscopic surgery. The role of laparoscopy in advanced stage ovarian cancer is controversial. Several retrospective studies have reported that laparoscopic surgery is safe and offers outcomes equivalent to open surgery. The main indication for a pelvic lymph node dissection is in the management of cervical cancer often combined with radical surgery. New developments such as robotic laparoscopic surgery and the use of small single-site incisions are likely to further expand the number of women suitable for laparoscopic management and reduce morbidity.