A comparative study of laparoscopic radical hysterectomy with radical abdominal hysterectomy for early-stage cervical cancer: a long-term follow-up study

Objective

To determine whether laparoscopic radical hysterectomy (LRH) is a feasible alternative to radical abdominal hysterectomy (RAH) for early-stage cervical cancer.

Study design

A retrospective, matched case-control study of 24 consecutive cases with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage I-II cervical cancer who underwent LRH by a single surgeon between January 1994 and December 2001. Cases were matched with controls (ratio 1:2) who underwent RAH by surgeon, age, stage and histology. Patient characteristics, clinical course, intra-operative complications and disease-free survival were compared between the two groups. Median counts were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U-test. Differences between means were compared using Student's t-test. Dichotomous groupings were analyzed using Chi-squared test and Fisher's exact test as appropriate. Survival data were estimated using Kaplan-Meier estimates and compared with the log-rank test.

Results

The mean estimated blood loss in the RAH group was significantly greater than that in the LRH group (836.0 ml and 414.3 ml, respectively; p < 0.001). Five patients (20.8%) from the LRH group and 23 patients (47.9%) from the RAH group received blood transfusion (p < 0.03). The mean length of hospital stay was significantly shorter in the LRH group compared with the RAH group (10.7 days and 18.8 days, respectively; p < 0.01). No statistically significant difference existed between the two groups with respect to operative time, pelvic lymph node count, frequency of lymph node involvement, extent of parametrial or vaginal resection margins, adjuvant treatment and intra-operative complications. Median follow-up was 78 months for the LRH group and 75 months for the RAH group. There was no significant difference in the 5-year disease-free survival rate between the groups (90.5% and 93.3% for LRH and RAH, respectively; p = 0.918).

Conclusions

LRH is a useful alternative to RAH for the management of early-stage cervical cancer. The benefits of LRH include reduced blood loss, fewer transfusions and shorter hospital stay, with comparable oncologic outcome.     

Peritoneal carcinomatosis after laparoscopic radical hysterectomy for early-stage cervical adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND: The risk of wound metastasis after laparoscopic management of early-stage cervical cancer is well known, but there are few data on peritoneal carcinomatosis of cervical adenocarcinoma. CASE: We report the first case of peritoneal carcinomatosis occurring in a woman with FIGO stage Ib1 cervical adenocarcinoma who underwent laparoscopic type III radical hysterectomy and bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy (sentinel node procedure) followed by vaginal brachytherapy. A peritoneal recurrence was diagnosed 16 months after surgery and was treated with chemotherapy and laparotomy. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopy for cervical adenocarcinoma may carry a risk of peritoneal dissemination.     

Sexual function after radical hysterectomy for early-stage cervical cancer

IntroductionFor early-stage cervical cancer, treatment with radical surgery appears effective with excellent survival. However, the treatment is associated with significant morbidities. Sexual dysfunction is the leading cause of symptom-induced distress after the treatments for early-stage cervical cancer. There has been no study that evaluates the effect of surgical treatments for cervical cancer on sexual function in the Eastern/Asian patients.AimTo examine the effect of radical hysterectomy on postoperative sexual function in women with early-stage cervical cancer.Main Outcome MeasuresThe visual analog score on seven aspects of sexual function: overall satisfaction with sexual intercourse, sexual desire, vaginal lubrication, vaginal elasticity, orgasmic satisfaction, patient-perceived partner satisfaction, and associated anxiety.MethodsThirty patients with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage IB cervical cancer undergoing radical hysterectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy at the Chiang Mai University Hospital were recruited. All of the patients were interviewed by questionnaire on sexual function at preoperative hospital admission and then at 3 and 6 months after surgery. Relevant clinical and pathologic data were also prospectively collected.ResultsThe mean age of the patients was 45.3 ± 6 years (range 28–59). Seven (23%) of the patients were postmenopausal. Almost all (97%) had FIGO stage IB1 disease. Fourteen (46.7%) patients had bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, and one (3.3%) patient had unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. Squamous-cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma were diagnosed in 83% and 17%, respectively. At 3 and 6 months after operation, 63% and 93% of the patients had sexual intercourse, respectively. Considering the overall sexual satisfaction, the patient-rated visual analog score appeared comparable at preoperative and 6-month postoperative assessment (4.2 ± 2.5 vs. 3.6 ± 2.2, P > 0.05).ConclusionRadical hysterectomy using the current technique has a minimal short-term impact on sexual function. A comparative study with long-term follow-up would provide clearer information on permanent effect of radical hysterectomy on sexual function. Jongpipan J, and Charoenkwan K. Sexual function after radical hysterectomy for early-stage cervical cancer.     

Comparative study of laparoscopico-vaginal radical hysterectomy and abdominal radical hysterectomy in patients with early cervical cancer

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to compare the outcomes of patients treated by laparoscopico-vaginal (modified) radical hysterectomy (LVMRH) to those of patients treated by abdominal radical hysterectomy (RH). METHODS: From 1997 to 2002, we performed 37 cases of LVMRH + pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) and 47 cases of laparoscopico-vaginal radical hysterectomy (LVRH) with paraaortic lymph node sampling + PLND. Inclusion criteria for the laparoscopic surgery were patients with FIGO stage IA1 to IB1, for exocervical mass of grossly less than 2 cm. As a control, we selected 46 cases for MRH group and 96 cases for RH group. RESULTS: Operating time, the number of lymph nodes obtained and the rate of complications were similar in both groups. The hospital stay was significantly shorter in laparoscopic group. Four (8.5%) of 47 LVRH patients and 2 (2.1%) of 96 RH patients had recurrences. Recurrence-free survival in RH group was significantly higher than LVRH group (P = 0.0194). In LVRH group, patients with large tumor volume (>or=4.2 cm(3)) had significantly higher recurrence rate of 42.9% (3/7) than those with small volume (1/40) (P = 0.0021). The 3-year progression-free survivals were 97.1% in LVRH group (<4.2 cm(3)) and 98.9% in RH group. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic surgery for the treatment of early cervical cancer is a safe and effective alternative to conventional RH. Considering the higher recurrence rate in patients with large tumor volume, it would be better if laparoscopic surgery is limited to patients with small volume disease (tumor diameter <2 cm or volume <4.2 cm(3)).     

Urodynamics following radical abdominal hysterectomy for cervical cancer

Summary We performed urologic evaluations and urodynamic studies on 40 patients before and 2 weeks, 6 months and 1 year after radical abdominal hysterectomy for cervical cancer. Preoperative findings were mostly within normal limits. Fourteen days after surgery, all patients had small, spastic bladders and 68% had residual urine. Bladder sensation was impaired in all patients at 2 weeks and in 63% after 1 year. The average bladder capacity was 400 ml before surgery, 180 ml at 2 weeks, 350 ml at 6 months, and 460 ml at 1 year. One year postoperatively, no patient had residual urine, but 17.5% had asymptomatic bacteriuria, 17.5% had bladder trabeculation, 62.5% had abnormal compliance, and 85% used abdominal straining to void. Three patients developed overflow incontinence and 8 women developed urodynamic stress incontinence. Most patients were tolerant of the observed dysfunction.     

A phase III randomized clinical trial comparing laparoscopic or robotic radical hysterectomy with abdominal radical hysterectomy in patients with early stage cervical cancer

STUDY OBJECTIVE: Cervical cancer is a significant health problem in countries of the developing world. Although case series suggest advantages of total laparoscopic radical hysterectomy (TLRH) compared with total abdominal radical hysterectomy (TARH), no randomized controlled trial is currently available to establish TLRH as the new standard treatment. In this study, TLRH or total robotic radical hysterectomy (TRRH) will be performed without a vaginally assisted portion of the procedure. DESIGN: A biphasic randomized controlled trial was designed to test feasibility of recruitment and equivalence in regard to disease-free survival (Canadian Task Force classification I). SETTING: Tertiary referral hospital. PATIENTS: Patients with histologically confirmed invasive squamous cell carcinoma or adenocarcinoma of the cervix, stage IA1 (with lymphovascular space invasion), IA2, and IB1 are eligible. INTERVENTIONS: During the first phase, 100 patients will be randomized (1:1) to receive either TLRH/TRRH or TARH, with the primary end point being the rate of enrollment. During the second phase, recruitment will be extended by another 640 patients in a 1:1 TLRH/TRRH:TARH allocation, to determine equivalence with respect to disease-free survival with 80% power and alpha=0.05. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Equivalence will be assumed if the difference in disease-free survival does not exceed 7% at 4 years. Secondary outcomes include treatment-related morbidity, costs and cost effectiveness, patterns of recurrence, quality of life, pelvic floor function, feasibility of intraoperative sentinel node sampling, and overall survival. All data from this multicenter study will be entered using online electronic case report forms, allowing real-time assessment of data completeness and patient follow-up. CONCLUSION: This prospective trial aims to show the equivalence of a TLRH/TRRH versus TARH approach for patients with early stage cervical cancer following a 2-phase protocol. This trial was developed and designed with the input and approval of the members of the Gynecologic Oncology Committee from the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists.     

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.     

Total laparoscopic hysterectomy versus total abdominal hysterectomy for obese women with endometrial cancer

Obesity is common in endometrial cancer and surgery for these patients is challenging. We compared total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH) with total abdominal hysterectomy (TAH) with respect to feasibility (operating time, estimated blood loss, length of hospital stay, and conversion to laparotomy) and safety (perioperative morbidity and mortality) in a retrospective analysis of 78 morbidly obese patients with endometrial cancer. Analysis is based on the intention to treat. The intention to treat was TLH in 47 patients and it could be successfully completed in 42 patients (89.4%). The mean weight for all patients was 118.7 kg, with patients in the TLH group weighing more and having higher ASA scores. Mean operating time and estimated blood loss were similar in both groups. Mean postoperative hospital stay was 4.4 (+/-3.9) days in the TLH group and 7.9 (+/-3.0) days in the TAH group (P < 0.0001). Wound infections occurred in 15 of 31 patients (48.4%) in the TAH group and in 1 of 47 patients (2.1%) in the TLH group. All other morbidity, as well as patterns of recurrence and survival were similar in both groups. These data justify a prospective randomized trial comparing TLH with TAH for the treatment of endometrial cancer.     

Comparison of total laparoscopic, vaginal and abdominal hysterectomy

Introduction Due to technical improvements and growing experience, hysterectomies are performed laparoscopically more and more frequently. We analyzed 43 total laparoscopic hysterectomies (TLH) of the years 2005 and 2006 and compared them with 87 vaginal (VH) and 103 abdominal hysterectomies (AH). Methods Patients’ original files and surgery reports of the TLHs, VHs and AHs were analyzed retrospectively for the indication of surgery, patients’ age, weight, parity, time for surgery, uterus weight, blood loss, post-operative need of analgetics, hospital stay, complications and so on. Data were compared with Student’s t test and χ² test. Results Indications for TLH were fibroids (n = 21), endometrial cancer (n = 10), bleeding anomalies (n = 7), dysplasia of the cervix uteri (n = 3) and others. In 23/43 cases salpingo-ovarectomy was added, in six cases laparoscopic pelvic or paraaortic lymphadenectomy (LNE) was performed. Looking at cases without LNE, patients’ median age was 46 years (32–72), median weight 68 kg (53–115), median time for TLH 130 min (75–270), median uterus weight 150 g (44–954), median blood loss 200 ml (50–600), post-operative analgetica were given for 1.5 days (0–12), and post-operative hospital stay was 6 days (2–15). Indications for VH were genital prolapse (n = 53, 61%), often combined with fixative procedures (n = 50). In this group, median age was significantly higher (median 56 years, P < 0.001). VH was the fastest (median 90 min, P < 0.001), but blood loss was highest (median 300 ml, P = 0.07). In cases with AH, uterus weight was significantly higher (median 290 g, P < 0.001), as well as the need for analgetics (median 4 days, P = 0.001), and the hospital stay was longest (median 8 days, P < 0.001). Major complications of TLH were bladder injury (3×), of VH rectum lesion (2×, both at pelvic repair measures), of AH post-operative ileus (2×) and vesico-vaginal fistula (1×). Conclusion For many patients TLH is a safe and less invasive alternative, especially towards AH, and shows significantly better post-operative reconstitution. Although VH is faster and shows comparable post-operative results, TLH offers the advantage to view the intra-abdominal situs and perform additional steps in case of pathologies.     

Optimal therapy for pelvic recurrence after radical hysterectomy for early-stage cervical cancer

Forty-eight patients with pelvic recurrence after radical hysterectomy were evaluated. The influence of location of pelvic recurrence (sidewall versus central), histological grade, histological type, and interval from hysterectomy to recurrence had no influence upon curability by radiotherapy. Ten of twenty-eight patients treated by primary radiation therapy for recurrent disease remain without evidence of disease a minimum of 12 months post-therapy, with a projected 5-year disease-free survival in excess of 30%. No patient treated with adjuvant radiation after initial surgery was rendered disease free by subsequent treatment with radiotherapy. Eleven patients were explored for exenterative surgery. Three of six in whom exenteration was technically feasible remain alive without evidence of disease. None of 15 patients treated with chemotherapy remain free of disease. Radiation therapy remains the treatment of choice in post-radical hysterectomy recurrences confined to the pelvis. As exenterative therapy will result in the cure of a small number of patients with disease confined to the pelvis, exenteration should be considered in patients treated previously by radiotherapy. If these efforts fail, chemotherapy is unlikely to result in cure.     

Robot-assisted laparoscopic radical hysterectomy: comparison with total laparoscopic hysterectomy and abdominal radical hysterectomy; one surgeon's experience at the Norwegian Radium Hospital

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to investigate the 3 years follow-up results regarding the recurrence pattern of robot-assisted laparoscopic radical hysterectomies and pelvic lymphadenectomies in the early stage cervical carcinoma patients and compare the results with both total laparoscopic radical hysterectomy and abdominal radical hysterectomy groups.

Methods

A total of 68 patients underwent radical hysterectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy for early stage cervical carcinoma management. All cases (35 robot-assisted, 7 cases laparoscopy and 26 with laparotomy) were operated by the same surgeon at the Norwegian Radium Hospital. All cases were retrospectively reviewed to compare demographics, peri-operative variables such as mean operative time, estimated blood loss, lymph node counts, complications and follow-up results.

Results

The mean operating times (skin-to-skin) for patients undergoing robot-assisted laparoscopic radical hysterectomy (RALRH), total laparoscopic radical hysterectomy (TLRH) or abdominal radical hysterectomy (ARH) were 263 ± 70, 364 ± 57 and 163 ± 26 min respectively. Patients receiving laparotomy had shortest operative time, followed by those undergoing RALRH and then laparoscopy (p < 0.0001 for both). Estimated blood loss was significantly reduced in robot-assisted surgeries compared to surgeries involving laparoscopy and laparotomy (82 ± 74 ml vs. 164 ± 131 ml (p < 0.0001) and 595 ± 284 ml (p = 0.023), respectively). The mean follow-up times were 36 ± 14.4, 56.4 ± 14 and 70 ± 21 months in patients who underwent RALRH, TLRH and ARH respectively. Until now there have been 5 recurrences and one cervical cancer related death in the robot-assisted group and no recurrences in both the laparoscopy and the laparotomy group.One patient died due to primary lung cancer in the laparoscopic group and other patient died due to primary pancreatic cancer in the laparotomy group.

Conclusions

Robot-assisted laparoscopic radical hysterectomy and pelvic lymph node dissection is feasible and more precise because the instruments provide better flexibility and 3-D vision. We must proceed cautiously, however, if a new treatment modality appears to present an increased recurrence rate. Therefore, patients submitted to robot-assisted laparoscopic radical hysterectomy should be followed carefully and RALRH would be encouraged as protocol setting until the long-term oncological outcome data are available.     

Sexual dysfunction in Thai women with early-stage cervical cancer after radical hysterectomy

We determined the prevalence of sexual dysfunction in women with early-stage cervical cancer who had undergone radical hysterectomy in three institutions of Thailand. An interview was conducted according to the structured questionnaire composing of seven domains of sexual function: frequency, desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and dyspareunia. From 105 women included in the study, mean age was 45.3 +/- 7.8 years. Seventy-five (71.4%) were in premenopausal period. Eight out of 105 women (7.6%) never resumed their sexual intercourse after radical hysterectomy, 97 women resumed their sexual intercourse during 1-36 months postoperation (median, 4 months). Dyspareunia was increased in approximately 37% of women, while the other six domains of sexual function were decreased, ranging from approximately 40-60%. Of interest, only 10.5% of these cervical cancer women had some information of sexual function from medical or paramedical personnel, 17.1% obtained it from other laymen or public media, and 61.9% had never had it from any resources. Our conclusion is-sexual dysfunction is a common problem after cervical cancer treatment, but it has not been well aware of. These findings may necessitate health care providers to be more considerate on this problem.     

Robotically assisted laparoscopic hysterectomy versus total abdominal hysterectomy and lymphadenectomy for endometrial cancer

ObjectiveTo compare surgical morbidity and clinical–pathologic factors for patients with endometrial cancer (EC) undergoing robotic-assisted laparoscopic hysterectomy (RALH) versus total abdominal hysterectomy (TAH) with aortic and/or pelvic lymphadenectomy (LA).MethodsDuring the first 14 months of a robotics surgical program, 56 patients with EC were scheduled to undergo RALH with LA. Cases were analyzed for operative (op) time, estimated blood loss (EBL), transfusion, intra- and post-op complications, surgical–pathologic data, patient demographics and length of stay (LOS). Data was compared to 106 serially treated patients with EC who underwent TAH with LA immediately prior to initiation of our robotics program.ResultsThree robotic cases (5.4%) were converted to TAH secondary to intra-op factors. FIGO stages for RALH vs. TAH were: stage I (82 vs. 69%), stage II (7 vs. 7.5%) and stage III (11 vs. 21.5%). Patients' mean age was 59 ± 10 vs. 63 ± 11 years (p = 0.05) and body mass index (BMI) was 29 ± 6.5 vs. 34 ± 9 kg/m² (p = 0.0001) for the robotic and open groups, respectively. Severe medical co-morbidities affected 5.4% of robotic patients compared to 8.5% of open cases (p > 0.05). Comparing RALH and TAH, mean op time was 177 ± 55 vs.79 ± 17 min (p = 0.0001), EBL was 105 ± 77 vs. 241 ± 115 ml (p < 0.0001), transfusion was 0 vs. 8.5% (p = 0.005), and LOS was 1.0 ± 0.5 vs. 3.2 ± 1.0 days (p < 0.0001). Robotic patients incurred a 3.6% major peri-operative complication rate while women undergoing open procedures had an incidence of 20.8% (p = 0.007). Total lymph node count was 19 ± 13 nodes for robotic cases vs. 18 ± 10 nodes obtained from open hysterectomy patients.ConclusionsPatients with EC who underwent RALH with LA during the first year of our robotics program were younger, thinner and had less cardio-pulmonary illness than patients previously treated with TAH and LA. LOS, EBL and peri-op complication rates were significantly lower for the robotic cohort.     

Robot-assisted versus total laparoscopic radical hysterectomy in early cervical cancer, a review

Objective

The aim of this study was to review current literature on total laparoscopic (TLRH) and robot-assisted radical hysterectomy (RRH) with pelvic lymphadenectomy in the treatment of early stage cervical cancer by analyzing data published in individual case series in order to compare surgical and oncological outcomes.

Methods

Up to January 2010, 27 studies were identified that met the inclusion criteria, together with our own unpublished data of patients, accounted for 342 RRH patients and 914 TLRH patients.

Results

There was no statistical difference between the methods in terms of age, BMI or prior abdominal surgery. Estimated mean operative time, blood loss and number of lymph nodes retrieved did not statistically differ between the RRH and TLRH method. Less blood transfusions were needed in patients treated by RRH (5.4%) versus TLRH (9.7%, p < 0.05). Both methods were similar in respect to adjuvant chemo- or (chemo)radiation and recurrence rate. When complications were prioritized to severity, major post-operative complications where more frequent in RRH patients (9.6%) than in TLRH patients (5.5%, p < 0.05). The length of hospital stay was significantly shorter in RRH compared to TLRH treatment (3.3 versus 6.2 days respectively; p:0.04).

Conclusions

Robot-assisted and total laparoscopic radical hysterectomy appears to be equally adequate and feasible. RRH studies had small patient populations and further experience beyond the learning curve phase may improve operative time and complication rate. Both minimal invasive techniques should be investigated in a randomized manner.