100 years of the Wertheim operation--Ernst Wertheim between myth and reality

100 years ago, on November 16, 1898, Ernst Wertheim performed the first radical abdominal hysterectomy for cervical cancer wearing his name. In this historical survey the life story of Wertheim is described involving morally questionable behaviours, misconceptions to radiation therapy, and problems regarding his obstetrical teaching. In context to the Wertheim-operation the vaginal radical hysterectomy developed by Schuchardt and Schauta and the radiation therapy of cervical cancer in the Wertheim-era are discussed.     

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.     

Central pelvic recurrence 7 years after radical vaginal trachelectomy

BACKGROUND: We report a case of central pelvic recurrence 7 years after radical vaginal trachelectomy for adenocarcinoma of the cervix. CASE: A 30-year-old woman was treated by radical vaginal trachelectomy and bilateral pelvic lymph node dissection (a fertility sparing procedure) in 1996 for cervical cancer. Pathology demonstrated a well differentiated, stage 1B1 adenocarcinoma. She presented 7 years later with a central pelvic recurrence measuring 30 mm in width. She subsequently underwent radical hysterectomy for central clearance and did not require post-operative radiotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: Should selected patients who were initially treated by radical trachelectomy for early stage cervical cancer, in particular those with adenocarcinoma (as 50% of recurrences have been reported in this group of patients), be offered hysterectomy once child bearing is complete?     

Laparoscopic-assisted radical parametrectomy including pelvic and/or paraaortic lymphadenectomy in women after prior hysterectomy-three cases

BACKGROUND: Radical abdominal surgery in patients who have previously undergone a hysterectomy is a surgical challenge. This type of surgery for invasive cervical cancer after a hysterectomy or vaginal stump metastasis traditionally requires a major laparotomy; however, a minimal-access approach is now being applied to this type of procedure. CASE: A laparoscopic-assisted radical parametrectomy including a pelvic and/or paraaortic lymphadenectomy was performed on two patients presenting invasive cervical cancer diagnosed after a simple hysterectomy and one patient with recurred endometrial cancer in the vaginal stump. All three patients had an excellent clinical outcome and made a rapid recovery with no major complications, even though two cases involved a bladder laceration. CONCLUSION: A laparoscopic radical parametrectomy including a pelvic and/or paraaortic lymphadenectomy is a viable technique for women with invasive cervical cancer or recurrent endometrial vaginal cancer after a prior hysterectomy.     

Villoglandular adenocarcinoma of the cervix recurrent in an episiotomy scar: a case report in a 32-year-old female

Cervical cancer during pregnancy is rare, occurring in approximately 3% of cervical cancer cases. Considerable controversy exists as to the long-term prognosis of patients diagnosed during pregnancy. A 32-year-old female presented with vaginal spotting in April 1998. A prenatal smear in December 1996 revealed atypical glandular cells of undetermined significance. A sterile speculum exam in April 1997 at 31-week gestational age revealed a polyp on the anterior lip of the cervix, pathology consistent with a well-differentiated villoglandular adenocarcinoma. In August 1997, the patient underwent a radical hysterectomy with pelvic/para-aortic lymphadenectomy. In April 2001, she represented with nodular perineal mass in the episiotomy incision. She received preoperative radiotherapy with a near-complete response and remained without disease for >10 months. It appears that a less radical procedure can offer significant therapeutic value. Preoperative radiotherapy proved effective at achieving a near-complete response. The patient underwent a wide local excision of the perineal area with resultant negative margins.     

Radical vaginal hysterectomy with extraperitoneal pelvic lymphadenectomy in cervical cancer

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this work was to examine three types of radical vaginal hysterectomy with different degrees of radicality, performed in order to reduce surgical complications and sequelae in different indications, and to test the feasibility of a new simple and quick technique for extraperitoneal pelvic lymphadenectomy to be used in combination with radical vaginal hysterectomy for treatment of cervical cancer. In this way the advantages of vaginal surgery (e.g.: unnecessary general anaesthesia, reduced surgical trauma, applicability to obese and poor surgical risk patients, fast time-saving procedure) can be preserved. METHODS: We compared retrospectively the long-term results of radical vaginal and radical abdominal operations in a large series of stage IB-IIA cervical cancer patients treated at our institution in Florence from 1968 to 1983. Furthermore, we analysed the results of our experience from 1995 to 1998, when we performed extraperitoneal pelvic lymphadenectomy, followed by radical vaginal hysterectomy, on 48 patients affected by cervical cancer. Extraperitoneal pelvic lymphadenectomy was performed through two small abdominal incisions (6-7 cm). Twenty-two patients (45%) were obese (BMI>30 kg/m2) and 20 were poor surgical risks. FIGO stage was: IB1 in 18 cases, IB2 in eight, IIA in six, IIB in 12, IIIB in four. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy was given in 12 cases and preoperative irradiation was given in ten. General and regional anaesthesia were used in 30 (62.5%) and in 18 (37.5%) cases, respectively. RESULTS: As for past experience, in stage IB the five-year survival of 356 patients who underwent radical vaginal hysterectomy and that of 288 who had radical abdominal hysterectomy with pelvic lymphadenectomy were 81% and 75%, respectively (p<0.05). Surgical complications were fewer with no mortality in the first group. In stage IIA, survival rates were 68% for radical vaginal hysterectomy and 64% for radical abdominal hysterectomy, in 76 and 64 cases, respectively (p=n.s.). As for the more recent experience, median operative time for extraperitoneal pelvic lymphadenectomy was 20 minutes for each side (range 15-36). In each patient a median of 26 lymph nodes were removed (range 16-48). Positive nodes were found in 12 cases (25%). Median operative time for radical vaginal hysterectomy was 40 minutes (range 30-65). Extraperitoneal pelvic lymphadenectomy complications included: lymphocyst, five cases (10%) and retroperitoneal hematoma, one (2%); all occurred at the beginning of the experience. Radical vaginal hysterectomy complications included: ureteral stenosis, one (2%) and uretero-vaginal fistula, one (2%). All complications occurred in patients who received radiotherapy or chemotherapy preoperatively. Median hospital stay was ten days (range 6-20). CONCLUSIONS: The results of our work demonstrate that our technique for extraperitoneal pelvic lymphadenectomy shows a good applicability to cervical cancer patients submitted to radical vaginal hysterectomy, which has a high rate of cure for stage IB and IIA as shown by our past experience. The procedure of extraperitoneal pelvic lymphadenectomy was quick, easy, and safe, and its realization was not detrimental to the advantages of radical vaginal hysterectomy. Our experience supports the continued use of this combined extraperitoneal and vaginal approach in the treatment of cervical cancer. Moreover, the three classes of radical vaginal hysterectomy allow tailoring the type of the operation to the clinical and physical characteristics of the patients.     

Fertility-sparing robotic-assisted radical trachelectomy and bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy in early-stage cervical cancer

A combined pelvic lymphadenectomy with radical vaginal trachelectomy is an alternative to radical hysterectomy in the treatment of young women with cervical cancer desiring fertility preservation. This technique requires advanced vaginal surgery skills not commonly acquired. In an attempt to simplify the procedure we preformed what we believe to be the first case of robotic-assisted radical trachelectomy. A 30-year-old woman, gravida 1, para 1, desiring fertility preservation was given the diagnosis of invasive adenocarcinoma on cervical cone excision. The patient was treated with robotic-assisted pelvic lymphadenectomy and radical trachelectomy. We hope robotic-assisted radical trachelectomy will become an option for select women with early-stage cervical cancer who desire fertility preservation.     

Total laparoscopic radical hysterectomy using Lee-Huang portal and McCartney transvaginal tube

A surgical approach to the treatment of invasive cervical carcinoma 1b1 may result in decreased mortality and morbidity as well as better functional quality of life. Laparoscopic-assisted radical vaginal hysterectomy (LARVH) is an alternative treatment for early cervical cancer, with parts of the procedures performed vaginally. We modified LARVH to total laparoscopic radical hysterectomy (TLRH) using Lee-Huang portal and McCartney transvaginal tube. The advantage of TLRH for cervical cancer is that the entire procedure is performed under direct observation. It may reduce the possibility of visceral organ injury during vaginal procedures and could minimize vaginal bleeding due to dissection. The Lee-Huang portal as primary laparoscopic port affords wide access to the abdominal cavity and proper visual angle, and increases the working distance. A plastic McCartney transvaginal tube placed inside the vagina maintains pneumoperitoneum and performs a circular incision on the vagina around the uterus with ease. Our preliminary experience with 12 patients suggests that this method of TLRH is feasible for selected patients and may be a useful alternative in treating early cervical cancer.     

宫颈癌阴式广泛性子宫切除术后下尿路功能的研究

目的通过对宫颈癌患者接受阴式广泛全子宫切除手术前后的下尿路功能进行检查,探讨尿动力力学检查的价值。方法 50例ⅠA2～ⅡA期宫颈癌患者在宫颈癌根治术前及术后接受尿动力学检检查,包括充盈性膀胱测压和压力流率同步测定。结果阴式广泛全子宫切除患者术前、术后的尿动力学检查结果比较有明显变化。术后平均尿流率、最大尿流率、排尿量、膀胱顺应性、最大尿流率时逼尿肌压明显下降。而膀胱初始尿意容量、最大膀胱容量、残余尿量明显高于术前。术后平均尿流时间比术前延长。术后3个月下尿路功能明显改善。结论宫颈癌根治术后患者的下尿路功能改变明显,尿动力学检查对术后下尿路功能障碍的诊断及指导治疗有重要义。     

Laparoscopic-vaginal radical hysterectomy in surgical treatment of cervical cancer

Radical vaginal hysterectomy has been performed in surgical treatment of cervical cancer for over one hundred years. After the term of decrease of popularity of this operation, nowadays we can observe gradual come back to the idea of radical vaginal hysterectomy. Possibility of association of advanced laparoscopic techniques/lymphadenectomy/with vaginal operation have changed the approach to the surgical treatment of cervical cancer. The aim of the study is to present the method of laparoscopic-vaginal radical hysterectomy based on Schauta-Amreich technique. The 51 year old women was admitted to the hospital and cervical cancer FIGO stage IIA was diagnosed according to clinical and histopathological examination. We performed laparoscopic-vaginal radical hysterectomy in general anaesthesia. First after cutting of ligamentum teres uteri and infundibulo-pelvicum, laparoscopic pelvic lymphadenectomy was done. Subsequently vaginal stage of operation was performed. Then we did laparoscopy and controlled operation field again. Combining Schauta operation with laparoscopy allows us to estimate lymph nodes as well as make vaginal phase of operation easier because of mobilization of uterus. We consider that laparoscopic-vaginal radical hysterectomy could be a valuable element in broadening the spectrum of many kinds of operations used in treatment of cervical cancer.     

Stadienbezogene Therapie des Zervixkarzinoms

Radical hysterectomy is performed as primary therapy for stage IB or IIA cancer of the cervix, stage II adenocarcinoma of the endometrium (with deep stromal invasion), upper vaginal carcinoma, uterine or cervical sarcomas, and other rare malignancies confined to the cervix, uterus, and/or upper vagina. Cervical cancer, however, represents the most common indication for radical hysterectomy. Treatment of cervical cancer is stage-dependent. Algorithms can help physicians develop an appropriate therapeutic approach.     

Protective Maneuver to Avoid Tumor Spillage during Laparoscopic Radical Hysterectomy: Vaginal Cuff Closure

ObjectiveTo demonstrate the feasibility of a protective maneuver to avoid tumor exposure during laparoscopic radical hysterectomy.DesignThis video illustrates the vaginal cuff closure technique in cervical cancer surgery.SettingThe Oncologic Gynecology Department at the University Hospital La Fe.InterventionsAfter the Laparoscopic Approach to Cervical Cancer trial [1], the laparoscopic approach to the surgical treatment of cervical cancer has been questioned: laparotomic surgery has been associated with a better cancer outcome. This publication has changed the current approach recommendation for performing radical hysterectomy from minimally invasive surgery to open surgery.There are some theories that might justify these findings. In minimally invasive surgery, the use of a uterine manipulator can condition the spread owing to erosion and friction caused on the tumor, even leading to the perforation of the tumor. In addition, intraperitoneal colpotomy can lead to pelvic peritoneum contamination by the tumor.To close the gap between laparoscopy and laparotomy, some protective maneuvers, such as vaginal cuff closure, have been proposed [2,3]. These strategies aim to reduce the possibility of manipulation or exposure of the tumor to the pelvis during colpotomy in laparoscopic radical hysterectomy. These protective maneuvers have been shown to decrease the relapse rate in retrospective studies [4]. However, prospective trials are needed to elucidate and confirm these findings.In this video, we explain step-by-step the technique of vaginal cuff closure before a radical hysterectomy performance for uterine cervical cancer. First, the nodal status is established by laparoscopic sentinel lymph node dissection and frozen section study. Bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy is completed according to the size of the tumor. In the case of negative nodal status, the vaginal cuff is closed: Approximately 2 to 3 cm from the tumor (depending on its size), a circumferential incision of the vaginal mucosa is performed, followed by the dissection of the vaginal wall, which should be sufficient to allow a tension-free vaginal closure. The vaginal cuff is then closed with a running suture. A laparoscopic radical hysterectomy is then completed, and the surgical specimen is removed without any manipulation of the tumor.ConclusionAvoiding manipulation of the tumor during cancer surgery is crucial. A vaginal cuff closure technique appears to be an easy protective maneuver that prevents tumor exposure and manipulation during laparoscopic radical hysterectomy.     

Stage IA1 cervical adenocarcinoma: definition and treatment

Objective: To propose a definition for stage IA₁ cervical adenocarcinoma, based on the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) staging system, and to determine if patients meeting criteria might be candidates for conservative surgery.Methods: Two hundred women were diagnosed with early-stage cervical adenocarcinoma from 1982 to 1996. Histopathologic sections were reviewed by a gynecologic pathologist. Medical records were reviewed, and patients included in this study had microscopically identifiable lesions, up to 3 mm invasive depth, up to 7 mm tumor width, and negative margins if cone biopsy was performed.Results: Twenty-one patients with microinvasive adenocarcinoma met criteria for FIGO stage IA₁ carcinoma of the cervix. The median (range) follow-up was 76 (30–172) months and median (range) patient age was 38 (24–75) years. Definitive treatment included type II or III radical hysterectomy in 16 cases, simple abdominal or vaginal hysterectomy in four cases, and loop electrosurgical excision procedure in one case; one patient received adjuvant pelvic radiation. The histologic subtypes were endocervical adenocarcinoma in 18 cases, adenosquamous carcinoma in two cases, and clear-cell adenocarcinoma in one case. There was no evidence of parametrial invasion or lymph node metastases in any patient who had radical surgery, and there were no disease recurrences.Conclusion: Patients with microinvasive adenocarcinoma who met criteria for FIGO stage IA₁ cervical carcinoma had disease limited to the cervix, and conservative surgery, such as cone biopsy or simple hysterectomy, might offer them definitive treatment.     

Recurrent invasive adenocarcinoma after hysterectomy for cervical adenocarcinoma in situ

BACKGROUND: Unlike its squamous counterpart, therapy for cervical adenocarcinoma in situ with positive endocervical cone margin remains controversial. CASE: A 52-year-old gravida 2, para 1,0,1,1, presented with vaginal bleeding. Gynecologic history was significant for cervical cold knife conization with a positive endocervical margin and endocervical curettage with atypical endocervical cells. Repeat cone biopsy was considered unsafe given the large initial cone specimen. An extrafascial hysterectomy was performed 5 weeks later and pathology confirmed a disease-free cervix. Pap smear performed 1 year later was interpreted as recurrent adenocarcinoma but later downgraded to inflammation. Inspection and random biopsies of the vaginal cuff revealed only inflammation. Two subsequent Pap smears also returned inflammation. Seventeen months after the hysterectomy physical examination revealed a 2 x 3-cm smooth mass at the vaginal cuff. Biopsy revealed invasive adenocarcinoma. The patient underwent an upper vaginectomy followed by postoperative pelvic radiation. CONCLUSION: This case suggests that despite extrafascial hysterectomy for presumed adenocarcinoma in situ of the cervix, a residual focus could remain and present later as invasive adenocarcinoma.     

Clear-cell adenocarcinoma of the lower genital tract: Memorial Hospital 1974-1984

Seventeen previously unreported cases of clear-cell adenocarcinoma originating in the vagina (13) and cervix (four) are presented. The mean age of the patients was 23.6 years. Four patients with cervical tumors and four patients with vaginal tumors underwent radical hysterectomy, bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy, and partial vaginectomy. A total vaginectomy, with replacement of the excised vagina with a split-thickness skin graft or a segment of sigmoid colon, was added to the above procedure in five patients with vaginal cancer. In four patients, definitive treatment was radiation. All of the patients in the present series are without evidence of disease, with follow-up ranging from 21 months to more than ten years.     

Vaginal evisceration after hysterectomy: the repair by a laparoscopic and vaginal approach with a omental flap

BACKGROUND: Vaginal evisceration is generally repaired by vaginal or abdominal route. We describe two cases of vaginal evisceration using a combined laparoscopic and vaginal approach employing an omental flap. CASES: Case 1: A radical abdominal hysterectomy was performed in a premenopausal patient for a FIGO IB1 cervical cancer. Four months later, she was found to have a vaginal cuff dehiscence which was repaired by a vaginal approach. Two months later, she had a vaginal cuff evisceration which was repaired using a combined laparoscopic and vaginal approach employing an omental flap with good success. Case 2: A postmenopausal woman who underwent an abdominal hysterectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy for a FIGO IB endometrial cancer was noted to have a vaginal evisceration two months after primary surgery. This was also successfully repaired using a combined laparoscopic and vaginal approach employing an omental flap. CONCLUSION: The combined laparoscopic and vaginal approach with omental flap is effective for repair of a vaginal cuff dehiscence with bowel evisceration. The addition of laparoscopy provides an opportunity for inspection of the small bowel, the peritoneal toilet, and mobilization of an omental flap.     

Is the invasion depth in millimeters valid to determine the prognosis of early invasive cervical adenocarcinoma? A case of recurrent FIGO stage IA1 cervical adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Recurrence of FIGO stage IA1 cervical adenocarcinoma is extremely rare. We herein report a patient with early invasive cervical adenocarcinoma who developed a recurrence in the vaginal stump. CASE: A 52-year-old female complained of contact bleeding. Biopsy of the uterine cervix verified cervical adenocarcinoma, and the patient underwent Okabayashi hysterectomy with pelvic lymphadnectomy and bilateral adnectomy. Histopathologic examination of the uterus revealed an invasive cancer 3 mm in depth. Neither lymph node metastasis nor lymph-vascular space invasion was observed. However, the depth of her normal cervical gland area was 2 mm only, and the cancer invasion involved an area which was deeper than the normal cervical gland area. The vaginal stump recurrence developed 4 years after surgery. CONCLUSION: The depth of invasion with reference to that of normal cervical glands may become a possible prognostic factor for early invasive cervical adenocarcinoma.     

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.     

Metastasis on a Schuchardt incision after Schauta-Amreich operation for cervical carcinoma

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic pelvic lymph node dissection in combination with a vaginal radical Schauta-Amreich operation has become an alternative for women with early-stage cervical cancer. CASE: We described the first case of metastasis on Schuchardt's incision after Schauta-Amreich operation for neuroendocrine cervical cancer. CONCLUSION: Metastasis on Schuchardt's incision after Schauta-Amreich operation can rarely be the metastatic localization of the cervical carcinoma.