Learning curve and surgical outcome for robotic-assisted hysterectomy with lymphadenectomy: case-matched controlled comparison with laparoscopy and laparotomy for treatment of endometrial cancer

Study ObjectiveTo determine the learning curve for robotic-assisted hysterectomy with lymphadenectomy for surgical treatment of endometrial cancer.DesignAn analysis of robotic-assisted hysterectomy with lymphadenectomy vs total laparoscopic hysterectomy with lymphadenectomy and laparotomy with total abdominal hysterectomy with lymphadenectomy (Canadian Task Force classification II-1).SettingSolo, experienced, minimally invasive gynecologic oncology practice in a tertiary hospital.PatientsOne hundred forty-eight patients including 56 patients who underwent robotic-assisted hysterectomy with bilateral pelvic and paraaortic lymph node dissection, 56 patients who underwent total laparoscopic hysterectomy with bilateral pelvic and paraaortic lymph node dissection, and 36 patients who underwent traditional total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral pelvic and paraaortic lymph node dissection performed by the same surgeon for treatment of endometrial cancer.InterventionsRobotic-assisted hysterectomy with bilateral lymphadenectomy, total laparoscopic hysterectomy with bilateral lymphadenectomy, and traditional total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral lymphadenectomy were performed. Data were categorized by chronologic order of cases into groups of 20 patients each. The learning curve of the surgical procedure was estimated by measuring operative time with respect to chronologic order of each patient who had undergone the respective procedure.Measurements and Main ResultsFor the 3 surgical procedures, data analyzed included mean age, body mass index, operative time, blood loss, lymph node retrieval, and complications. Mean (SD); 95% confidence interval [CI]) operative time for the 3 procedures was statistically significant: 162.5 (53) minutes (95% CI, 148.6–176.4]), 192.3 (55.5) minutes (95% CI, 177.6–207.0), and 136.9 (32.3) minutes (95% CI, 126.3–147.5), respectively. Analysis of operative time for robotic-assisted hysterectomy with bilateral lymph node dissection with respect to chronologic order of each group of 20 cases demonstrated a decrease in operative time: 183.2 (69) minutes (95% CI; 153.0–213.4) for cases 1 to 20, 152.7 (39.8) minutes (95% CI, 135.3–170.1) for cases 21 to 40, and 148.8 (36.7) minutes (95% CI, 130.8–166.8) for cases 41 to 56. For the groups with laparoscopic hysterectomy with lymphadenectomy and traditional total abdominal hysterectomy with lymphadenectomy, there was no difference in operative time with respect to chronologic group order of cases. There was a difference between the number of lymph nodes retrieved between robotic-assisted hysterectomy with bilateral lymphadenectomy (26.7 [12.8]; 95% CI, 23.3–30.1) compared with laparoscopic hysterectomy with bilateral lymphadenectomy (45.1 [20.9]; 95% CI, 39.6–50.6) and traditional total abdominal hysterectomy with lymphadenectomy (55.8 [23.4]; 95% CI, 48.2–63.4). The rate of intraoperative complications for laparoscopic hysterectomy with bilateral lymphadenectomy was 12.5% (7 of 56) compared with 0 % for robotic-assisted hysterectomy with bilateral lymphadenectomy. The rate of postoperative complications was 14.3% (8 of 56), 21.4% (12 of 56), and 19.4% (7 of 36), respectively, for the 3 groups. There was less blood loss with robotic-assisted hysterectomy with bilateral lymphadenectomy (89.3 [45.4]; 95% CI, 77.4–101.2) compared with laparoscopic hysterectomy with bilateral lymphadenectomy (209.1 [91.8]; 95% CI, 185.1–233.1) and traditional total abdominal hysterectomy with lymphadenectomy (266.0 [145.1]; 95% CI, 218.6–313.4). Duration of hospitalization was shorter in the group with robotic-assisted hysterectomy with bilateral lymphadenectomy (1.6 [0.7]; 95% CI, 1.4–1.8) compared with the groups who underwent laparoscopic hysterectomy with bilateral lymphadenectomy (2.6 [0.9]; 95% CI, 2.4–2.8) or traditional total abdominal hysterectomy with lymphadenectomy (4.9 [1.9]; 95% CI, (4.3–5.5).ConclusionThe learning curve for robotic-assisted hysterectomy with lymph node dissection seems to be easier compared with that for laparoscopic hysterectomy with lymph node dissection for surgical management of endometrial cancer.     

Comparison of laparoscopic and conventional surgery in the treatment of early cervical cancer

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To compare efficacy, results, and complications of laparoscopic-assisted radical hysterectomy (LARH) and pelvic lymphadenectomy with abdominal radical hysterectomy (ARH) and pelvic lymphadenectomy in management of early (stages 1a2, 1b) invasive cervical carcinoma. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study (Canadian Task Force classification II-2). SETTING: University-affiliated hospital. PATIENTS: Sixty women enrolled for radical hysterectomy as most appropriate primary treatment. INTERVENTION: Radical hysterectomy performed by laparoscopy or laparotomy. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Thirty patients each underwent LARH and ARH. The groups did not differ in terms of age, weight, disease stage, operating time, and hospital stay. Mean blood loss was 962 +/- 543 ml for ARH and 450 +/- 284 ml for LARH. No laparoscopic procedure was converted to laparotomy. There was no significant difference in intraoperative and postoperative complications. There was no significant difference in recurrence rates. CONCLUSION: LARH with pelvic lymphadenectomy does not increase recurrence rates and morbidity when performed by experienced endoscopists and oncologists.     

Total laparoscopic radical hysterectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy using harmonic shears

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To describe the feasibility and outcome of total laparoscopic radical hysterectomy with or without pelvic lymphadenectomy for patients with stage I cervical cancer or severe pelvic endometriosis using harmonic shears as the sole instrument for dissection, division, and maintenance of hemostasis of all major surgical pedicles. DESIGN: Retrospective review (Canadian Task Force classification II-2). SETTING: University hospital and affiliate institutions. PATIENTS: Seven patients who underwent total laparoscopic radical hysterectomy using harmonic shears for International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage IA2 to IB1 cervical cancer and pelvic endometriosis at our institution or affiliate hospital from January 2004 through February 2005. INTERVENTION: A retrospective review of patients that underwent total laparoscopic radical hysterectomy with or without pelvic lymphadenectomy at our institution using harmonic shears was performed. Information regarding preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative events was recorded and analyzed. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Pelvic lymphadenectomy was performed in all cancer cases. Mean patient age was 40 years (range 30-53 years). Mean estimated blood loss was 143 mL (range 100-200 mL). Mean operating time was 293 minutes (range 255-385 minutes). Mean pelvic node count was 27.8 (range 24-34) for cancer cases. Mean hospital stay was 3.2 days (range 2-7 days). One patient developed a vaginal cuff abscess postoperatively that was managed conservatively with drainage in the office setting followed by intravenous antibiotics. Another patient developed urinary retention for 2 weeks after surgery. There were no other intraoperative or postoperative complications. CONCLUSION: Total laparoscopic radical hysterectomy with pelvic lymphadenectomy using harmonic shears is a technically feasible and safe procedure. Larger studies and long-term follow-up are required to determine the oncologic outcomes of these patients.     

Total laparoscopic radical hysterectomy with pelvic lymphadenectomy using the argon-beam coagulator: pilot data and comparison to laparotomy

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to describe the feasibility and outcome of total laparoscopic radical hysterectomy with pelvic lymphadenectomy for stage I cervical cancer using the argon-beam coagulator. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of patients with FIGO stage IA1-IB1 cervical cancer who underwent a total laparoscopic approach for definitive surgical treatment. Comparison was made to a cohort of 195 patients who were treated with laparotomy. RESULTS: Between 12/2000 and 12/2002, 19 patients were offered the laparoscopic approach. The procedure was completed laparoscopically in 17 patients (89.5%). Two patients, in the beginning of the study, underwent conversion to laparotomy, 1 due to parametrial bleeding and 1 due to pelvic adhesions and cystotomy. Mean age was 42.6 years (range, 30-69 years); mean body mass index was 23.1 (range, 18-30); FIGO stage included IA1 with LVI (2), IA2 (6), IB1 (11). Mean pelvic lymph node count was 25.5 (range, 15-39), and 1 patient (5.3%) had positive nodes. Mean estimated blood loss was 301 cc (range, 75-1500 cc) compared to 693 cc in the laparotomy group (P < 0.01), mean operating time was 371 min (range, 230-600 min) compared to 295 min in the laparotomy group (P < 0.01), and mean hospital stay was 4.5 days (range, 3-11 days) compared to 9.7 days in the laparotomy group (P < 0.01). There were no ureteral injuries or fistula formation. All patients remain clinically disease free at the time of this report. CONCLUSIONS: Total laparoscopic radical hysterectomy with pelvic lymphadenectomy for selected patients with stage I cervical cancer is feasible, safe, and associated with a low morbidity in the pilot phase. Estimated blood loss and postoperative hospitalization appear shorter than historical controls, at the cost of longer operating time. Oncologic outcome requires longer follow-up.     

腹腔镜下广泛性子宫切除术治疗早期子宫颈癌的疗效及对患者预后和生命质量的影响

目的 探讨腹腔镜下广泛性子宫切除术[即腹腔镜下广泛性子宫切除+盆腔淋巴结切除术( LRH+ LPL)]治疗早期(Ⅰa2～Ⅱa期)宫颈癌的疗效及对患者预后和生命质量的影响.方法 回顾性分析2002年1月1日至2011年1月1日在广西医科大学附属肿瘤医院妇瘤科行LRH+ LPL的85例早期宫颈癌患者(腹腔镜组)和行开腹广泛性子宫切除术[即开腹广泛性子宫切除+盆腔淋巴结切除术( ARH+ APL)]的85例早期宫颈癌患者(开腹组)的临床病理资料,采用欧洲癌症研究与治疗组织(EORT)的生命质量核心量表——EORTC2C30及自制的特异性量表对存活患者进行生命质量调查,比较两组患者的疗效及生命质量调查结果,并采用Cox比例风险模型分析影响患者预后的因素.结果 腹腔镜组中2例患者中转开腹,其他患者均成功完成了LRH+ LPL.与开腹组相比,腹腔镜组的手术时间[腹腔镜组和开腹组分别为( 242±74)和(190±61) min,P=0.000]明显增加,术中出血量[分别为( 367±252)和(460±220)ml,P=0.006]明显减少,术后肛门排气时间[分别为(45±7)和(63±11)h,P=0.000]、术后排尿功能恢复时间[分别为(19±4)和(21±4)d,P=0.000]明显减少,而盆腔淋巴结切除数目、宫旁组织切除长度、阴道切除长度以及术中、术后并发症发生率无明显差异(P＞0.05).开腹组与腹腔镜组患者的复发率和病死率(均分别为7％和5％,P=0.540)、累积5年无瘤生存率(分别为90％和94％,P=0.812)、累积5年总生存率(分别为90％和95％,P=0.532)、生命质量调查结果比较,差异均无统计学意义(P＞0.05).Cox比例风险模型分析显示,仅脉管浸润是影响宫颈癌患者预后的独立危险因素(P=0.016).结论 LRH+ LPL治疗早期宫颈癌能达到与ARH+ APL相同的疗效,而术中出血量少,术后恢复快,且患者术后生命质量相似;脉管浸润是影响患者预后的独立危险因素,而手术方式并不影响患者预后.因此,对于有经验的术者,LRH+LPL是治疗早期宫颈癌的一种较为理想的手术方式的选择.     

Radical hysterectomy in obese and morbidly obese women with cervical cancer

OBJECTIVE: To compare intraoperative and postoperative outcomes, pathologic findings, cancer recurrence, and death rates in normal-weight, overweight, obese, and morbidly obese women undergoing radical hysterectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy for early-stage cervical cancer. METHODS: A review of patients who underwent radical hysterectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy for invasive cervical cancer between 1990 and 2006 was performed. On the basis of body mass index (BMI) (calculated as weight [kg]/[height (m)](2)), women were categorized as normal weight (BMI 18.5-24.9), overweight (BMI 25.0-29.9), obese (BMI 30.0-34.9), or morbidly obese (BMI at least 35.0). RESULTS: Four hundred eight women met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 155 (38%) were normal weight, 126 (31%) were overweight, 77 (19%) were obese, and 50 (12%) were morbidly obese. There were no statistically significant differences between these four groups in age, Charlson comorbidity score, smoking history, stage, histologic grade or subtype, tumor size, depth of invasion, transfusion rate, operative time, or intraoperative complications. Higher BMI was significantly correlated with higher estimated operative blood loss (P=.001). There were no statistically significant differences between the groups in pathologic findings, length of postoperative hospital stay, postoperative complications, readmission rate, or proportion of women receiving adjuvant radiotherapy. At a median follow-up time of 64 months, there were no differences between groups in rates of recurrence or death from disease. CONCLUSION: Radical hysterectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy is feasible for obese and morbidly obese women with cervical cancer. Obesity alone should not be a contraindication to radical hysterectomy in women with cervical cancer.     

Total laparoscopic radical hysterectomy and lymphadenectomy: the M. D. Anderson Cancer Center experience

OBJECTIVE: To retrospectively evaluate the feasibility and morbidity of total laparoscopic radical hysterectomy and lymphadenectomy. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of all patients who underwent a total laparoscopic radical hysterectomy at our institution between May 2004 and August 2005. Data collected included age, body mass index, stage, histopathologic subtype, tumor grade, estimated blood loss, perioperative blood transfusions, number and status of lymph nodes obtained, status of surgical margins, length of hospital stay, time to resumption of normal bladder function, intraoperative and postoperative complications, and disease-free interval. RESULTS: Twenty patients underwent total laparoscopic radical hysterectomy during the study period. None of the surgeries required conversion to laparotomy. The median patient age was 41.5 years (range, 25-76). Eighteen patients had cervix cancer (5 stage IA2 and 13 stage IB1), and 2 had endometrial cancer (1 stage IB and 1 stage IIIA). Among those with cervix cancer, 12 had adenocarcinoma, 4 squamous cell carcinoma, and 2 adenosquamous carcinoma. The median weight was 70 kg (range, 49-112). The median number of resected pelvic lymph nodes was 13 (range, 9-26). One patient had nodal disease. The surgical margins were free of disease in all cases. The median blood loss was 200 ml (range, 25-700 ml). Only 1 patient required an intraoperative blood transfusion (1 U packed red blood cells). The median length of hospital stay was 1 day (range, 1-5). There were 3 short-term complications--unintentional cystotomy, pulmonary embolus, and pneumomediastinum with subcutaneous emphysema. There were 2 long-term complications--vaginal eviscerations and a lymphocyst. The median time to resumption of normal bladder function was 16 days (range, 13-29). The median follow-up time was 8 months range (1-16). All patients remain free of disease at the time of this report. CONCLUSIONS: Total laparoscopic radical hysterectomy can be performed safely with minimal blood loss and postoperative morbidity, and patients undergoing this procedure may be discharged after an overnight stay in the hospital.     

Feasibility and morbidity of total laparoscopic radical hysterectomy with or without pelvic limphadenectomy in obese women with stage I endometrial cancer

Objective  The aim of this study was to describe the feasibility and morbidity rates associated with total laparoscopic radical hysterectomy (TLRH) with or without pelvic lymphadenectomy for stage I endometrial cancer in obese women. Patients and methods  Obese patients with stage I endometrial cancer who underwent total laparoscopic radical surgery at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of San Gerardo Hospital were compared to nonobese patients. The same group of obese patients was compared with patients who underwent radical laparotomic surgery. Obesity was defined as a body mass index more than 30 kg/m². Results  Between September 2003 and September 2007, 75 women underwent TLRH. Median age was 54 years and median body mass index was 28 kg/m². Thirty-seven women were obese. There were no differences between nonobese and obese women in operative, time length of parametria and pelvic nodes removed and operative or late complications. Blood loss was significantly higher in obese patients. Comparing retrospectively laparoscopy and laparotomy in obese women treated in our center, laparotomy was associated with decreased operative time, but also with increased blood loss, transfusion rate, duration of hospitalization and frequency of post surgical complications. Conclusions  Total laparoscopic radical hysterectomy (with pelvic lymphadenectomy) is a safe option in patients with endometrial cancer. Obesity is not a contraindication to perform a TRLH with no differences in surgical parameters between obese and nonobese population. TLRH show a significant decrease of complications compared to laparotomic radical surgery in obese women.     

Place of Schauta's radical vaginal hysterectomy

Women affected by early stage invasive cancer of the cervix are usually treated by surgery. Radical abdominal hysterectomy with pelvic lymphadenectomy is the most widely used technique. Because the morbidity of the abdominal approach can be important, the radical vaginal hysterectomy has gained acceptance in gynaecologic oncology. New instrumentation in laparoscopy also opens the possibility of treating cervical cancer by laparoscopically assisted vaginal radical hysterectomy and also total laparoscopic radical hysterectomy. Before these techniques become widely accepted, it has to be shown that safety and efficacy are comparable with the 'standard' abdominal approach. In this chapter, we review the technique of radical vaginal hysterectomy with pelvic lymphadenectomy and evaluate results of published studies, comparing the abdominal, vaginal and laparoscopic approaches.     

Pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomy for surgical staging of endometrial cancer: morbidity and mortality.

This analysis compared retrospectively the morbidity and mortality of patients with endometrial cancer who had total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (TAH/BSO) alone or with pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomy performed by the same surgeon at one private institution. Between August 1987 and March 1991, 77 women with endometrial cancer were staged surgically by a standard protocol without preoperative radiotherapy. Thirty-five patients (45%) had TAH/BSO alone and 42 (55%) had TAH/BSO with pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomy. The median number of lymph nodes removed was 18. Patients having lymphadenectomy had an increased mean (+/- standard deviation) operative time (129 +/- 29 versus 87 +/- 26 minutes; P less than .0001), increased mean estimated blood loss (391 +/- 192 versus 272 +/- 219 mL; P = .013), and a longer postoperative hospital stay (P = .017) compared with patients having TAH/BSO alone. However, there was no difference in transfusion rate, febrile morbidity, postoperative complications, or mortality. We conclude that pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomy can be added to TAH/BSO in patients with endometrial cancer without a clinically significant increase in morbidity or mortality.     

Feasibility, morbidity, and safety of total laparoscopic radical hysterectomy with lymphadenectomy: our experience

STUDY OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to retrospectively evaluate, in a series of 65 patients, the feasibility, morbidity, and safety of total laparoscopic radical hysterectomy with lymphadenectomy for early cervical carcinoma. DESIGN: Retrospective, nonrandomized study (Canadian Task Force classification II-2). SETTING: Advanced Gynecological Endoscopy Center, Malzoni Medical Center, Avellino, Italy. PATIENTS: Sixty-five nonconsecutive patients with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage Ia1 with lymphvascular space involvement, Ia2, and Ib1 early cervical cancer. INTERVENTION: Fourteen patients underwent a laparoscopic class II procedure, and 51 patients underwent a class III procedure according to the Piver classification. All the patients underwent total laparoscopic radical hysterectomy with pelvic lymphadenectomy during the study period, and none of the surgeries required conversion to laparotomy. Paraaortic lymphadenectomy is not routinely performed unless suspicious pelvic lymph nodes are confirmed to have metastatic disease on frozen section evaluation. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Fifty-six patients had squamous cell carcinoma; 7 patients had adenocarcinomas, and 2 had adenosquamous carcinoma. The mean age was 40.5 years (95% CI 27.7-69.1) and the SD was +/- 7.5. The median weight was 56.2 kg (range 44-75 kg). The median operative time was 196 minutes (range 182-240 minutes), and the surgical margins were free of disease in all cases. The median blood loss was 55 mL (range 30-80 mL). No patient required an intraoperative blood transfusion. The median length of hospital stay was 4 days (range 3-7 days). CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic treatment of cervical cancer offers patients the potential benefits of decreased discomfort with decreased convalescence time, but it should be reserved for oncologic surgeons trained in extensive laparoscopic procedures.     

Laparoscopic surgery in treatment of stage IIb cervical cancer after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. A case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND: A detailed operative procedure of laparoscopic radical hysterectomy (type III) with pelvic and aortic lymphadenectomy after neoadjuvant chemoterapy in treatment of Stage IIb cervical cancer is described. CASE REPORT: A 50-year-old patient with Stage IIb squamous cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix, who initially was not surgically resectable, received three courses of neoadjuvant chemotherapy that included ifosfamide 5 g/m2, cisplatin 50 mg/m2 and paclitaxel 175 mg/m2 (TIP). Following a partial clinical response to chemotherapy, the patient underwent laparoscopic type III radical hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy and pelvic and paraaortic lymphadenectomy. The surgical procedure lasted 250 minutes. Blood loss was 310 ml. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 4. The mean length of the resected parametria and paracolpia was 4.1 cm and 2.0 cm, respectively. The number of dissected lymph nodes was 48:29 pelvic and 19 paraaortic nodes. No major intraoperative or postoperative complications occurred. The patient also underwent adjuvant radiation therapy. Follow-up was performed at six months so far. CONCLUSIONS: This experience suggests that such a surgical procedure is safe. Laparoscopic radical hysterectomy potentially allows for decreased perioperative morbidity and blood loss, faster recovery and better cosmetic results. Large studies with long term follow-up are needed to confirm that this approach may be proposed as an alternative to conventional surgery.     

Laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy versus abdominal hysterectomy in stage I endometrial cancer

Abstract. Fram KM. Laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy versus abdominal hysterectomy in stage I endometrial cancer.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare laparoscopic treatment for stage I endometrial cancer with the traditional transabdominal approach. From July 1996 to July 1998, 61 patients with clinical stage I endometrial cancer were treated at the Gynaecology Oncology Unit at the Royal North Shore of Sydney, Australia. Twenty-nine patients were treated with laparoscopic assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH) and bilateral salpingo-oophrectomy (BSO) ± laparoscopic pelvic lymphadenectomy (LPLA), while 32 patients were treated with the traditional laparotomy and underwent total abdominal hysterectomy (TAH) and BSO ± pelvic lymphadenectomy (PLA). The main outcomes studied were operative time, blood loss, blood transfusion, intraoperative complications, postoperative complications, duration of hospital stay, and number of lymph nodes obtained. In conclusion, laparoscopic treatment of endometrial cancer is safe in the hands of experienced operators with minimal intraoperative and postoperative complications. This procedure is associated with significantly less blood loss and shorter hospitalization; however, it is associated with significantly longer operating time. Proper selection of patients for the laparoscopic procedure is the vital step in achieving the major goals of this approach.     

Analysis of survival after laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy compared with the conventional abdominal approach for early-stage endometrial carcinoma: a review of the literature

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To assess potential differences in perioperative features and survival between laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy and conventional transabdominal hysterectomy in stage I endometrial cancer. DESIGN: Retrospective, nonrandomized clinical study (Canadian Task Force classification II-2). SETTING: Acute-care, teaching hospital. PATIENTS: A total of 370 patients undergoing hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy with surgical staging for primary treatment for clinical stage I endometrial cancer from January 1995 through June 2001. INTERVENTION: Clinical outcomes and survival in patients treated with laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy (n = 55) and hysterectomy using the conventional abdominal approach (n = 315) were compared. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Baseline characteristics and histopathologic variables were similar in both groups. A total of 91.4% of patients underwent pelvic lymphadenectomy and 49.7% paraaortic lymphadenectomy. The median follow-up was 38.1 months. Blood loss, blood transfusions required, and length of stay were significantly lower in the laparoscopic group, but surgical time was significantly longer. The mean number of pelvic and aortic nodes recovered was higher in the laparoscopic group (p < .001). Differences in overall and recurrence-free survival rates were not observed. CONCLUSION: Surgical staging of early-stage endometrial cancer by laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy is feasible, with lower perioperative morbidity and shorter hospital stay compared with transabdominal hysterectomy. Prognosis and survival were not affected by the laparoscopic vaginal approach to hysterectomy.     

Evaluation of the Pfannenstiel incision for radical abdominal hysterectomy with pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomy

Abstract. Mendez LE, Cantuaria G, Angioli R, Mirhashemi R, Gabriel C, Estape R, Penalver M. Evaluation of the Pfannenstiel incision for radical abdominal hysterectomy with pelvic and para-aortic lymphandenectomy.
Radical abdominal hysterectomy with pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomy (RAH/P + PAL) has classically been described through a low midline vertical incision. Transverse incisions have been used with good results for various pelvic surgical procedures. Hesitancy has been encountered when utilizing these transverse incisions in gynecologic oncology patients. In most studies, muscle-splitting transverse incisions seem to be of equal efficacy as midline vertical incisions in regards to surgical exposure and clinicopathologic data obtained and are known to be superior in cosmesis and postoperative morbidity. A retrospective chart review was performed to identify 25 patients who underwent RAH/P + PAL for stage I carcinoma of the cervix from 1990 to 1998 through a nonmuscle splitting (Pfannenstiel) abdominal incision. All patients were seen and had follow-up in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University of Miami School of Medicine/Jackson Memorial Medical Center (Miami, FL). Data were collected on various clinical and surgical parameters including height/weight, operative time, blood loss, number of lymph nodes obtained, length of hospital stay, and postoperative complications. Analysis of the data revealed that operative time and average blood loss were within acceptable parameters. The yield at lymphadenectomy for pelvic and para-aortic lymph nodes was also respectable. Postoperative complications were minimal and there were no wound complications reported. Therefore, the Pfannenstiel incision can be safely utilized in a select group of patients undergoing RAH/P + PAL.     

Radical hysterectomy in the elderly female: a comparison to patients age 50 or younger

BACKGROUND: Longevity in the United States is increasing, therefore the knowledge of whether radical surgery can be performed on patients over age 65 with acceptable morbidity and mortality is increasingly important. A retrospective study of elderly patients undergoing radical hysterectomy was performed with a comparison to a younger cohort. METHODS: A retrospective case study of all patients over 65 years of age having undergone a radical hysterectomy for cervical cancer in one practice of gynecologic oncology was performed. Each patient was matched with two patients age 50 or younger having undergone a similar operation during the same year. No patients between July 1, 1965, and March 31, 1998, were knowingly excluded. All patients were analyzed for preexisting medical conditions, length of postoperative stay, morbidity, and postoperative mortality. RESULTS: Sixty-two patients over age 65 having undergone a radical hysterectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy were found. These patients were matched with 124 patients age 50 or younger having undergone a radical hysterectomy during the same calendar year. No differences in operative morbidity (minor, P > 0.57; major, P > 0.93) or mortality (no deaths in either group) were found. Patients age 65 or older had more comorbidities prior to surgery than the younger cohort (minor, P < 0.001; major, P < 0.001). The mean postoperative hospital stay was significantly longer in the older cohort (P = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: Radical hysterectomy is a safe surgical procedure in a select population of patients 65 and over. No differences in operative mortality or morbidity were found when compared to a cohort of patients age 50 or younger. However, hospital stay was longer in the older cohort.     

腹腔镜与开腹手术行广泛子宫切除加盆腔淋巴结清除术的临床效果比较

目的 比较腹腔镜与开腹手术行广泛子宫切除加盆腔淋巴结清除术的临床效果。方法 回顾性分析近2年我院经腹腔镜行广泛子宫切除加盆腔淋巴结清除术的26例子宫恶性肿瘤患者(腹腔镜组)的临床资料,随机抽取近4年行开腹同类手术的27例(开腹组)作为对照。结果腹腔镜组平均手术时间为310 min,开腹组为238 min;腹腔镜组平均切除的淋巴结22个,开腹组为16个;腹腔镜组术中平均出血量为756 ml,开腹组为1129 ml,腹腔镜组平均输血量为321 m1,开腹组为746 ml,腹腔镜组平均术后排气时间为37 h,开腹组为62 h;腹腔镜组术后体温恢复正常时间平均为5 d,开腹组为8 d;腹腔镜组平均应用抗生素时间为6 d,开腹组为8 d;以上各项数据两组间比较,差异均有极显著性(P<0.01)。两组在盆腔引流液(分别为321、216 ml)、尿管拔除时间(分别为13、10d)、术后第3天的白细胞计数(分别为11 × 109/L、10 × 109/L)、术后住院日(分别为26、26 d)及住院费用(分别为25 986、22 672元)等方面比较,差异均无显著性(P>0.05)。结论 腹腔镜下广泛子宫切除及盆腔淋巴结清除术可达到开腹手术的彻底性,并具有创伤小、恢复快等优点。     

Prospective evaluation of the morbidity of complete lymphadenectomy in endometrial cancer

Fanning S, Firestein S. Prospective evaluation of the morbidity of complete lymphadenectomy in endometrial cancer. Int J Gynecol Cancer 1998; 8 : 270–273.
The purpose of this study is to prospectively evaluate the morbidity of complete lymphadenectomy in endometrial cancer. Eighty consecutive eligible patients with endometrial cancer underwent surgical staging consisting of total abdominal hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, peritoneal cytology, complete bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy, and aortic lymphadenectomy. We prospectively evaluated operative time, blood loss, and morbidity of lymphadenectomy.
The median number of pelvic lymph nodes resected was 21 and aortic lymph nodes was 7. Median time of lymphadenectomy was 24 min. Median blood loss from lymphadenectomy was < 25 cc. There was one complication from lymphadenectomy. We conclude that, in this prospective study, complete pelvic and aortic lymphadenectomy in the surgical staging of endometrial cancer was performed quickly, with minimal blood loss and morbidity. In endometrial carcinoma surgical staging, the majority of operative time, blood loss, and morbidity is secondary to hysterectomy/oophorectomy rather than lymphadenectomy.     

Laparoscopic radical hysterectomy using pulsed bipolar system: comparison with conventional bipolar electrosurgery

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy, results and complications of using the pulsed bipolar system (PlasmaKinetic; Gyrus Medical, Maple Grove, MN) and conventional bipolar electrosurgery (Kleppinger bipolar forceps; Richard Wolf Instruments, Vernon Hills, IL) in laparoscopic radical hysterectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy in the management of early invasive cervical carcinoma. METHODS: This was a retrospective case-control study. We recruited consecutively 38 patients with cervical cancer for laparoscopic radical hysterectomy with pulsed bipolar system. For comparison, we recruited consecutively the latest 38 patients with cervical cancer for laparoscopic radical hysterectomy with conventional bipolar electrosurgery in the same period. From Jan. 2001 to Dec. 2005, total 76 patients with cervical cancer for laparoscopic radical hysterectomy were recruited for statistical analysis. RESULTS: No significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of age, body weight, staging, and hospital stay. There were statistically significant difference in blood loss and operative time. The blood loss was more in conventional bipolar electrosurgery group (mean 564 ml, median 500 ml, range 50-2400 ml) compared with pulsed bipolar system group (mean 397 ml, median 350 ml, range 100-1200 ml) (p<0.03). But there was no statistically significant difference in blood transfusion between the two groups (p=0.454). The operation time for the conventional bipolar electrosurgery group (mean 229 min, median 232 min, range 121-352 min) was longer than that for the pulsed bipolar system group (mean 172 min, median 177 min, range 65-267 min) (p<0.001). None of the laparoscopic procedure was required to be converted to laparotomy. There was no significant difference in the intra-operative complication, but there was statistically less postoperative complication in the pulsed bipolar system group (p<0.01). There was no significant difference in recurrence rate in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that pulsed bipolar system is more effective in laparoscopic radical hysterectomy when compared with conventional bipolar electrosurgery. Pulsed bipolar system has advantage over conventional bipolar electrosurgery in less blood loss, shorter operative time, less postoperative complication and may offer an alternative option for patients undergoing laparoscopic radical hysterectomy.     

腹腔镜手术治疗子宫恶性肿瘤8例分析

目的 探讨腹腔镜手术治疗子宫恶性肿瘤的临床效果。方法 对6例子宫内膜癌患者行腹腔镜下广泛全子宫切除＋双侧附件切除术;对2例子宫颈癌患者行腹腔镜下广泛全子宫切除＋双侧附件切除＋盆腔淋巴结切除术。观察手术时间、平均出血量及术后恢复情况。结果 广泛全子宫切除＋双侧附件切除术6例,平均手术时间220min,平均出血量200ml;腹腔镜下广泛全子宫切除＋双侧附件切除＋盆腔淋巴结切除术2例,平均手术时间240min。术中无一例脏器损伤、术后平均住院8d。结论 腹腔镜手术创伤小、恢复快、对早期子宫恶性肿瘤具有较好治疗效果。