Preliminary results of laparoscopic modified radical hysterectomy in early invasive cervical cancer.

STUDY

OBJECTIVE

To compare laparoscopic modified radical hysterectomy (LMRH) with traditional modified radical hysterectomy (MRH) in women with early invasive cervical cancer.

DESIGN

Prospective, nonrandomized study (Canadian Task Force classification II-1).

SETTING

Chi Mei Foundation Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan.

PATIENTS: Ten women with cervical cancer stage Ia2 to Ib1 (</=2 cm). Intervention. LMRH (class II radical hysterectomy) and pelvic lymphadenectomy.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN

RESULTS

The pathologist examined all specimens. The width of parametrium (mean +/- SD) was 1.75 +/- 0.68 cm on the right and 1.70 +/- 0.54 cm on the left. The length of the vaginal cuff was 1.37 +/- 0.86 cm. Operating time for LMRH (159 +/- 26.4 min) was similar to that for MRH (165.7 +/- 30.5 min). Postoperative hospitalization for LMRH (4.1 +/- 1.5 days) and estimated blood loss (250 +/- 147.2 ml) were significantly less than for MRH (8.3 +/- 4.4 days and 611.5 +/- 256.8 ml, respectively). No intraoperative complications occurred, and no patient experienced postoperative voiding dysfunction or constipation.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on preliminary results, LMRH is feasible for treatment of early invasive cervical cancer, and may become preferred for surgical staging of the disease.