Nerve-sparing radical hysterectomy made easy by laparoscopy.

STUDY

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the technical feasibility of nerve-sparing radical hysterectomy performed laparoscopically.

PATIENTS: Thirty-five women with cervical cancer stage Ia1 or Ib1.

INTERVENTIONS: All patients underwent laparoscopic nerve-sparing hysterectomy.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN

RESULTS

Oncologic results were comparable to those of conventional laparoscopic radical hysterectomy. There was complete recovery of bladder function after removal of the Foley catheter. Results of urodynamic studies at 3 weeks after surgery were normal.

CONCLUSION

Oncologic and functional results are comparable to those of conventional laparoscopic radical hysterectomy. Magnification enabled by laparoscopy is helpful in better dissection and preservation of nerve anatomy.