Urologic complications of laparoscopic radical hysterectomy and lymphadenectomy

Introduction and hypothesis

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the intra- and postoperative urologic complications and management in patients with cervical or endometrial cancer treated with laparoscopic radical hysterectomy and lymphadenectomy.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 146 patients with cervical or endometrial cancer who underwent total laparoscopic radical hysterectomy with lymphadenectomy between August 2002 and April 2011. The intra- and postoperative urologic complications were analyzed.

Results

Double ureteral stents were inserted prophylactically in 13 patients (8.9?%), 2 of whom had postoperative urologic complications. Nine patients (6.2?%) had postoperative urologic complications. Of four patients with ureterovaginal fistulas, two were treated conservatively with cystoscopic placement of ureteral stents and two underwent ureteroneocystostomies. Vesicovaginal fistulas occurred in two patients, both of whom underwent vesicovaginal fistula repairs. One patient noted to have a bladder injury intraoperatively had a laparoscopic repair, and one patient noted to have a ureteral injury postoperatively was treated conservatively with cystoscopic placement of ureteral stents.

Conclusions

Iatrogenic lower urinary tract injuries during laparoscopic radical hysterectomy are relatively common complications. Intraoperative prophylactic ureteral stent insertion and the early detection of urologic complications postoperatively is advised for patients who undergo laparoscopic radical hysterectomies.     

腹腔镜在子宫颈癌治疗中的应用--附37例分析

目的　探讨腹腔镜下广泛子宫切除和盆腹腔淋巴结切除治疗子宫颈癌的可行性及价值。　方法　采用腹腔镜下广泛子宫切除和盆腔及腹主动脉周围淋巴结切除治疗 37例子宫颈癌。其中有2 5例选择性腹主动脉周围内淋巴结切除。　结果　腹腔镜下手术时间平均 182min ,术中出血平均16 8ml,切除淋巴结数平均 16个 ,术后住院平均 10 2天。术中发生膀胱损伤 1例、静脉损伤 2例 ,均于镜下修补成功 ;1例损伤大肠中转开腹 ;2例出现尿潴留。　结论　腹腔镜下施行广泛子宫切除和盆腹腔淋巴结切除术安全可行 ,且手术创伤小 ,并发症少 ,术后恢复快。     

Transperitoneal laparoscopic pelvic lymphadenectomy for gynecologic malignancies (II)

Background: We reviewed the published experimental and clinical data, available in MEDLINE, and compared them with our own experience, in a university-affiliated tertiary medical center of obstetrics and gynecology in order to report on the accepted indications for laparoscopic pelvic lymphadenectomy. Methods: Surgical staging of cervical carcinoma can be performed via the laparoscopic approach. Intraperitoneal biopsies, washings, and pelvic lymphadenectomy can also be carried out with high accuracy and limited morbidity. Node-negative women are better treated by a radical hysterectomy performed either simultaneously (using frozen sections) or secondarily after routine pathologic examination of the pelvic nodes. Node-positive patients have a poor prognosis, no matter what the treatment is, and are generally considered for radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy. The use of laparoscopic pelvic lymphadenectomy in advanced cervical cancers is limited. Results: Laparoscopy has a direct therapeutic application in endometrial carcinoma. Total hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, and pelvic lymphadenectomy can all be performed via laparoscopy. Thus, stage I and some stage II endometrial cancers can be treated exclusively laparoscopically. This approach seems as effective as laparotomy, but it dramatically reduces the costs and morbidity associated with conventional treatment. Conclusions: Currently, the use of laparoscopy in ovarian and tubal cancers is confined to referral centers. Laparoscopy appears to be as effective as laparotomy for second-look surgery. Treatment of stage II and more advanced ovarian cancers has been reported, but it cannot be recommended in a routine situation. Received: 3 February 1997/Accepted: 18 July 1997     

Robotic radical hysterectomy versus total laparoscopic radical hysterectomy with pelvic lymphadenectomy for treatment of early cervical cancer

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: To compare intraoperative, pathologic and postoperative outcomes of robotic radical hysterectomy (RRH) to total laparoscopic radical hysterectomy (TLRH) in patients with early stage cervical carcinoma. METHODS: We prospectively analyzed cases of TLRH or RRH with pelvic lymphadenectomy performed for treatment of early cervical cancer between 2000 and 2008. RESULTS: Thirty patients underwent TLRH and pelvic lymphadenectomy for cervical cancer from August 2000 to June 2006. Thirteen patients underwent RRH and pelvic lymphadenectomy for cervical cancer from April 2006 to January 2008. There were no differences between groups for age, tumor histology, stage, lymphovascular space involvement or nodal status. No statistical differences were observed regarding operative time (323 vs 318 min), estimated blood loss (157 vs 200 mL), or hospital stay (2.7 vs 3.8 days). Mean pelvic lymph node count was similar in the two groups (25 vs 31). None of the robotic or laparoscopic procedures required conversion to laparotomy. The differences in major operative and postoperative complications between the two groups were not significant. All patients in both groups are alive and free of disease at the time of last follow up. CONCLUSION: Based on our experience, robotic radical hysterectomy appears to be equivalent to total laparoscopic radical hysterectomy with respect to operative time, blood loss, hospital stay, and oncological outcome. We feel the intuitive nature of the robotic approach, magnification, dexterity, and flexibility combined with significant reduction in surgeon's fatigue offered by the robotic system will allow more surgeons to use a minimally invasive approach to radical hysterectomy.     

Laparoscopic pelvic lymphadenectomy in the surgical treatment of endometrial cancer: results of a multicenter study.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the results and determine the contribution of laparoscopic pelvic lymphadenectomy in the surgical treatment of women with endometrial cancer and compare with the open technique. METHODS: A prospective multicenter study was carried out on 120 women who underwent laparoscopic surgery (96 women) and open procedures (24 women) for endometrial cancer between April 1996 and March 2000. RESULTS: Four patients whose laparoscopic surgery was completed by laparotomy were excluded from the study. The other 92 laparoscopic procedures were successfully completed. Laparoscopically assisted surgical staging (LASS) was performed based on the grade of the tumor and the depth of myometrial invasion. Sixty-seven of the patients underwent hysterectomy, bilateral salpingooophorectomy (BSO), and pelvic lymphadenectomy, and 25 women also had para-aortic lymph node sampling dissection. Eleven of these patients had positive pelvic or para-aortic nodes. The mean operating time for the laparoscopic procedure was significantly longer (173.8 min, P < 0.0001) than the time for the open procedure (135.0 min). The rate of complications was similar in both groups. The recovery time was significantly reduced (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: The laparoscopic approach to hysterectomy and lymphadenectomy for early stage endometrial carcinoma is an attractive alternative to the abdominal surgical approach. The advantages of laparoscopically assisted surgical staging are patient related. Because the abdominal incision is avoided, the recovery time is reduced. Laparoscopic pelvic lymph node dissection is a procedure that is appropriate, when applicable.     

腹腔镜下广泛全子宫切除联合盆腔淋巴结清扫术治疗早期宫颈癌临床效果分析

目的 探讨腹腔镜广泛子宫切除术和盆腔淋巴结清扫术治疗早期宫颈癌的临床价值。方法 2010-06—2014-06间共实施47例经腹腔镜(腹腔镜组)和42例开放(开放组)广泛子宫切除加盆腔淋巴结清扫术,回顾性分析患者的临床资料。记录2组手术时间、术中出血量、淋巴结切除数量、胃肠功能恢复时间、住院时间、手术并发症发生率等。结果 腹腔镜组术中出血量、切除的淋巴结数、胃肠功能恢复时间、术后住院时间明显优于开放组(P0.05),2组手术时间无显著差异(P0.05)。腹腔镜组平均随访(28.8±6.6)月,并发症发生率为14.9%(7/47),开放组平均随访(26.2±5.8)月,并发症发生率为14.3%(6/42),2组差异无统计学意义。结论 腹腔镜下广泛全子宫切除加盆腔淋巴结清扫术治疗早期宫颈癌,安全有效,具有创伤小,恢复快等优势。     

Robot-assisted laparoscopic radical cystectomy: initial experience on 27 consecutive patients

Recent reports have demonstrated that robot-assisted laparoscopic cystectomy is technically feasible. We report technical and functional results of a large series of patients undergoing laparoscopic cystectomy with the da Vinci surgical system (DVSS). A total of 27 patients (24 males) underwent laparoscopic radical cystectomy with the DVSS (intuitive surgical) between January 2004 and December 2005. Indications for cystectomy were muscle-invasive transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) or leiomyosarcoma of the urinary bladder (n = 24) and bladder shrinking following prior radiotherapy for TCC. A pelvic lymphadenectomy was a routine part of the procedure. Urinary diversions were ilieal conduits (n = 19) and ileal neobladders (n = 8). Mean operating time was 340 min (range 150–450) with a mean blood loss of 301 ml (range 50–550). The mean number of lymph nodes retrieved during lymphadenectomy was 23. Surgical margins were negative except in one case. After a mean follow-up of 10.2 months, two perioperative (anastomotic leakage, adhesions) and three postoperative complications (ileus, intestinal fistula, urinary tract obstruction) occurred. Six out of seven patients reported satisfying erectile function following nerve-sparing surgery. Day-time continence was completely restored after a mean 3.5 months in seven of eight patients. Robot-assisted laparoscopic cystectomy is a safe procedure. Satisfying functional and oncological short-term results can be achieved within acceptable operating time limits.     

Robotic-assisted radical parametrectomy in patients with malignant gynecological tumors

We describe the operative technique of robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical parametrectomy and analyze perioperative data including adequacy of resections, pathology, and complications in our initial cases. A retrospective study was performed of seven patients with gynecological cancers involving the cervix who had previously been treated with simple hysterectomies and then underwent robotic-assisted radical parametrectomies. Pathology from the initial hysterectomies and the radical parametrectomies was reviewed. Postoperative complications, operative times, estimated blood loss, and length of hospital stay were assessed. The upper part of the vagina, parametrial tissue, and bilateral pelvic lymph nodes of all seven patients who had undergone a previous simple hysterectomy were removed. The mean age was 56.4 (SD ± 10.7) years. Diagnoses from hysterectomy specimens were invasive squamous carcinoma (n = 4), endometrial adenocarcinoma (n = 2), and clear-cell papillary adenocystic cervical carcinoma (n = 1). The median number of lymph nodes removed was 8 (min 4, max 29), and one patient had nodal metastasis. The mean operative time was 228.6 (SD ± 38.9) min, estimated blood loss was 147 (SD ± 58.2) ml, and length of hospital stay was five (SD ± 2.3) days. One intraoperative complication (cystotomy) occurred and was successfully repaired. One postoperative fistula developed on postoperative day 10. This early experience demonstrates that the basic surgical and anatomical principles of radical parametrectomy can be applied to robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery. Genitourinary fistulae are always a concern with this procedure, and minimization of electrocautery near the bladder and ureters may further reduce complications.     

“Peek port”: a novel approach for avoiding conversion in laparoscopic colectomy

Background  This study aimed to assess the efficacy of a method for avoiding conversion to laparotomy in patients considered for laparoscopic colectomy. Patients deemed to be at high risk for conversion to laparotomy were initially approached via an 8-cm midline incision (“peek port”) with the laparoscopic equipment unopened. If intraperitoneal conditions were favorable, the procedure was performed using hand-assisted laparoscopy. If intraperitoneal conditions were unfavorable, the incision was extended to a formal laparotomy. Patients deemed to be at low risk for conversion to laparotomy were approached laparoscopically from the outset. Methods  Data from 241 consecutive patients brought to the operating room for intended laparoscopic colectomy were retrieved from a prospective database. Results  The study population consisted of 132 men and 109 women with a mean age of 62 years and a mean body mass index (BMI) of 28. Prior abdominal surgery had been performed in 49% of these patients. Inflammatory conditions accounted for 38% of the diagnoses, and enteric fistulas were present in 7% of the cases. Of the 25 patients who underwent the initial “peek port,” 8 (32%) underwent immediate incision extension to formal laparotomy. Hand-assisted laparoscopic colectomy was performed in 17 (68%) of these 25 patients, with one subsequent conversion to formal laparotomy. Of the 216 patients initially approached laparoscopically, 5 (2%) required conversion to laparotomy. The laparotomy rate for the “peek port” group (9/25, 36%) was higher than for the initial laparoscopy group (5/216, 2%) (p < 0.0001). Of the 233 patients from both groups who underwent laparoscopy, the overall rate for conversion to laparotomy was 3% (6/233). Conclusions  The “peek port” approach to the patient with a potentially hostile abdomen allows for rapid assessment of intraperitoneal conditions and is associated with an overall low rate of conversion from laparoscopy to laparotomy. This technique should reduce overall cost by avoiding the use of laparoscopic equipment as well as potential complications related to trocar placement and laparoscopic dissection in patients who will ultimately require formal laparotomy. Abstract presented at the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES) annual meeting. Las Vegas, NV, 18–22 April 2007.     

PK刀在腹腔镜下早期子宫恶性肿瘤手术中的应用

目的探讨等离子刀(PK刀)在腹腔镜下广泛子宫切除术和盆腔淋巴结切除术治疗子宫恶性肿瘤中的应用价值。方法2003年1月~2006年12月,应用PK刀行腹腔镜下广泛子宫切除术和盆腔淋巴结切除术治疗30例经活检证实的早期子宫恶性肿瘤,其中子宫颈癌19例,子宫内膜癌11例。结果30例均在腹腔镜下完成手术,无一例中转开腹手术。手术时间(253.2±55.3)min,术中出血量(310.0±147.7)ml,淋巴结切除时间(73.5±23.6)min,淋巴结切除(17.0±6.2)枚,术后肛门排气时间(32.3±11.2)h,术后应用抗生素时间(5.5±1.5)d,术后住院(12±5)d。术中损伤膀胱1例,术后最高体温≥38.5℃3例,尿潴留4例,淋巴囊肿1例。结论PK刀作为兼备切割和止血的腹腔镜手术器械,其止血效果好,创伤小,具有较高的安全性,在子宫恶性肿瘤腹腔镜下行广泛子宫切除术和盆腔淋巴结切除术是安全、可行的。     

The Outcome of Laparoscopic Radical Hysterectomy and Lymphadenectomy for Cervical Cancer: A Prospective Analysis of 295 Patients

Objectives  Cervical carcinoma is likely to become one of the most important indications for laparoscopic radical surgery. The laparoscopic technique combines the benefits of a minimally invasive approach with established surgical principles. In our institution, the laparoscopic radical hysterectomy and transperitoneal approach for lymphadenectomy have become the standard techniques for invasive cervical cancer. We report the indications, techniques, results, and oncological outcome in a single center experience. Methods  Between February 2001 and June 2007 we performed laparoscopic radical hysterectomies for cervical cancer in 295 patients. Their initial techniques, operation data, complications, postoperative course, oncological outcome, and survival were evaluated. Results  Out of 295 procedures, 290 were successful. Para-aortic lymphadenectomy was performed in 156 patients (52.9%), and pelvic lymphadenectomy was performed in all 295 patients. The median blood loss was 230 mL (range, 50–1200 mL). The mean operation time was 162 min (range, 110–350), which included the learning curves of 3 surgeons. In 5 cases (1.7%), conversion to open surgery was necessary due to bleeding (3 cases), bowel injury (1 case), and hypercapnia (1 case). Other major intraoperative injuries occurred in 12 patients (4.1%). Positive lymph nodes were detected in 80 cases (27.1%), lymphovascular space invasion in 54 cases (18.3%), and surgical margins were negative for tumor in all patients. The mean hospital stay was 10.3 days. Postoperative complications occurred in 10.8% patients, ureterovaginal fistula in 5 cases, vesicovaginal fistula in 4, ureterostenosis in 3 cases, deep venous thrombosis in 9 cases, lymphocyst in 4 cases, lymphedema in 5 cases, and 1 case with trocar insertion site metastasis. Other medical problems included 47 cases (15.9%) of bladder dysfunction and 62 cases (21.0%) of rectum dysfunction or constipation. The median follow-up was 36.45 months (range, 8–76 months). Recurrences or metastasis occurred in 48 patients (16.3%). Of these patients, 43 (14.6%) have died of their disease, and 5 (1.7%) are alive with disease. The overall disease-free survival was 95.2% for Ia, 96.2% for Ib, 84.5% for IIa, 79.4% for IIb, 66.7% for IIIa, and 60.0% for IIIb. Conclusion  Laparoscopic radical hysterectomy is a routine, effective treatment for patients with Ia2–IIb cervical carcinoma. With more experience it is envisaged that IIb stage patients can be managed safely offering all the benefits of minimal surgery to the patients. Although no long-term follow-up is available, our follow-up data for up to 76 months confirm the effectiveness of laparoscopic radical hysterectomy in terms of surgical principles and oncological outcome.     

Comparison of laparoscopically assisted and open radical distal gastrectomy with extended lymphadenectomy for gastric cancer management

Background The feasibility and safety of laparoscopically assisted gastrectomy with extended lymphadenectomy for advanced gastric cancer has rarely been studied. This study aimed to investigate the feasibility, safety, and cancer clearance of laparoscopically assisted distal gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy. Methods Of the 44 patients with distal gastric cancer who underwent radical distal gastrectomy from March 2004 to May 2005, 35 were treated with D2/D2⁺ lymphadenectomy. These patients were compared with 58 patients who, during the same period, underwent a conventional open radical distal gastrectomy. Results The mean total number of retrieved lymph nodes (30.11 ± 16.97) and the mean tumor margin were comparable with those in the open group. The mean operative time for laparoscopically assisted distal gastrectomy was significantly longer than for open surgery (282.84 ± 32.81 min vs 223.75 ± 23.25 min). The patients in the laparoscopic surgery group had less blood loss, shorter times of analgesic injection, and a faster recovery. The rates of complications were comparable between two groups. Conclusions Although laparoscopically assisted radical gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy is more time consuming than open surgery, it is a safe, feasible procedure that achieves cancer clearance similar to open surgery and leads to a quick postoperative recovery.     

Laparoscopic radical parametrectomy including paraaortic and pelvic 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 for vaginal stump metastasis traditionally requires a major laparotomy; however, a minimal access approach is now being applied to this type of procedure. METHODS: A laparoscopic radical parametrectomy including a paraaortic and pelvic lymphadenectomy was performed on two patients with invasive cervical cancer diagnosed after a simple hysterectomy and one patient with recurrent endometrial cancer in the vaginal stump. RESULTS: All three patients had an excellent clinical outcome and made a rapid recovery, even though two cases involved a bladder laceration. CONCLUSION: A laparoscopic radical parametrectomy including a paraaortic and pelvic lymphadenectomy is a viable technique for women with invasive cervical cancer or recurrent endometrial vaginal cancer after a prior hysterectomy.     

Complications of laparoscopic radical cystectomy during the initial experience

AIM: Radical cystectomy is the standard of care for patients with muscle invasive bladder cancer. While open radical cystectomy is now a standard procedure, laparoscopic radical cystectomy is still in its infancy. We performed this surgery laparoscopically in 11 patients and review the procedure specific complications. METHODS: Beginning in February 1999, 11 patients underwent laparoscopic radical cystectomy at the Department of Urology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Dehli. Urinary diversion was performed by an open-hand sewn ileal conduit. RESULTS: There were three intraoperative complications specifically related to the laparoscopic radical cystectomy. These included injury to the external iliac vein in one patient and a small rectal tear in two. All were repaired with laparoscopic free hand suturing with normal postoperative recovery. Other laparoscopy-related complications were subcutaneous emphysema in one patient and hypercarbia necessitating conversion to open surgery in a patient who, four weeks after surgery, died of multiple organ failure. One patient had margins positive and received cisplatinum-based chemotherapy. All patients had normal renal function and preserved upper tracts with no evidence of metastasis at a mean of 18.4 months follow up (range 1-48 months). CONCLUSIONS: Though there were three complications specific to the laparoscopic radical cystectomy, none necessitated a conversion to open surgery or hampered the overall outcome. Absence of local recurrence or metastatic disease at four years of follow up suggests that the procedure is oncologically valid. Laparoscopic radical cystectomy is a new procedure and it is important to critically analyze the complications in order to reduce their occurrence and allow the development of a better technique.     

Laparoscopy-assisted total vaginal hysterectomy with transperitoneal lymphadenectomy for early cervical cancer--surgical technique

Cervical carcinoma remains an important health problem. The classical surgical approach for cervical cancer is radical hysterectomy (Wertheim's operation). Our paper presents the technique of laparoscopic assisted radical vaginal hysterectomy with transperitoneal lymphadenectomy, as well as the details for the dissection of obturator, paravesical, pararectal fossae, and parametrectomy. The major advantage of this techique is that the entire abdominal part of the procedure is performed under direct observation, therefore minimizing the visceral or vascular injury. Conclusion: Our experiences suggest that this type of approach is feasible and offers the possibility to remove a greather number of lymph-node as compared to the classical approach. An increased experince will prove helpful in performing the entire procedure laparoscopically.     

腹腔镜保留盆腔神经的广泛子宫切除治疗子宫肿瘤

目的回顾性分析腹腔镜下保留盆腔自主神经的广泛子宫切除术在子宫肿瘤患者治疗中的可行性。 方法选择2013年8月至2015年6月在新乡市中心医院接受手术治疗的早期宫颈癌及Ⅱ期子宫内膜癌患者95例,其中43例患者接受腹腔镜保留盆腔神经的广泛子宫切除术 ＋ 盆腔淋巴结清扫术(A组),52例患者行经腹广泛子宫切除 ＋ 盆腔淋巴结清扫术(B组)。总结两组的手术时间、术中出血量、切除宫旁组织及阴道长度、淋巴结数量,以及术后膀胱、直肠及性功能恢复情况。 结果两组的手术时间、切除范围及淋巴结数量差异无统计学意义(P> 0.05);两组的术中出血量,以及术后膀胱、直肠及性功能评估治疗比较[(180±55)ml vs (340±75)ml, (51.2±10.3)h vs (74.9±12.8) h, (11.6±2.1) d vs (18.3±2.9) d, 19.9分 vs 23.4分],差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。 结论腹腔镜下保留盆腔神经的广泛子宫切除术在子宫肿瘤中是安全可行的,与传统术式相比更有利于膀胱直肠功能恢复,提高生命质量。     

Laparoscopic lymph node staging of cervical cancer in the 19th week of pregnancy

We present the case of a 39-year-old gravida I para 0 woman who underwent laparoscopic staging of lymph node involvement in cervical cancer in the 19th week of pregnancy. She had been diagnosed with adenosquamous carcinoma of the cervix, stage 1B 1, grade 2, with tumor involvement of the lymphovascular space and tumor involved resection margins via a cone biopsy in the 16th week of pregnancy. In order to decide whether it would be safe to proceed with the pregnancy, she was submitted to the laparoscopic exposure and removal of 18 parametric and pelvic lymph nodes. One positive lymph node was detected at the right internal iliac artery; therefore, an open radical hysterectomy with paraaortic lymphadenectomy was performed. This case shows that lymph node staging for cervical cancer can be done laparoscopically in the 2nd trimester. Information yielded during the course of this procedure can be crucial in deciding whether it is possible to preserve the pregnancy.     

Laparoscopic lymph node staging of cervical cancer in the 19th week of pregnancy. A case report

We present the case of a 39-year-old gravida I para 0 woman who underwent laparoscopic staging of lymph node involvement in cervical cancer in the 19th week of pregnancy. She had been diagnosed with adenosquamous carcinoma of the cervix, stage 1B1, grade 2, with tumor involvement of the lymphovascular space and tumor involved resection margins via a cone biopsy in the 16th week of pregnancy. In order to decide whether it would be safe to proceed with the pregnancy, she was submitted to the laparoscopic exposure and removal of 18 parametric and pelvic lymph nodes. One positive lymph node was detected at the right internal iliac artery; therefore, an open radical hysterectomy with paraaortic lymphadenectomy was performed. This case shows that lymph node staging for cervical cancer can be done laparoscopically in the 2nd trimester. Information yielded during the course of this procedure can be crucial in deciding whether it is possible to preserve the pregnancy.     

Radical hysterectomy for early stage cervical cancer: laparoscopy versus laparotomy

Objectives:

Gynecologic oncologists have recently begun using laparoscopic techniques to treat early stage cervical cancer. We evaluated a single institution''s experience of laparoscopic radical hysterectomy and staging compared with laparotomy.

Methods:

A retrospective chart review identified stage IA2 and IB1 cervical cancer patients who underwent laparoscopic radical hysterectomy and pelvic lymph node dissection from July 2003 to April 2009. A 2:1 cohort of patients treated with laparotomy were matched by stage.

Results:

Nine laparoscopic patients (3 stage IA2, 6 stage IB1) with 18 matched controls (6 and 12) were identified. Demographics for each group were similar. None had positive margins or lymph nodes. An average of 11.2 vs.13.9 pelvic lymph nodes (P=0.237) were removed. Average operating time was 231.7 vs. 207.2 minutes (P=0.434), and average estimated blood loss was 161.1 vs. 394.4mL (P=0.059). Average length of stay was 2.9 vs. 5.5 days (P=0.012). No transfusions or operative complications were noted in the laparoscopic group vs. 3 each in the open group (P=0.194). No laparoscopic patients and 5 open patients had a postoperative wound infection (P=0.079). No recurrences were noted.

Conclusions:

Laparoscopic radical hysterectomy is a feasible alternative to laparotomy for early stage cervical cancer. Similar surgical outcomes are achieved with significantly less morbidity.     

Laparoscopic Sentinel Node Procedure Using a Combination of Patent Blue and Radiocolloid in Women With Endometrial Cancer

Background: We assessed the feasibility of a laparoscopic sentinel node (SN) procedure based on the combined use of radiocolloid and patent blue labeling in patients with endometrial cancer.Methods: Seventeen patients (median age, 69 years) with endometrial cancer of stage I (16 patients) or stage II (1 patient) underwent a laparoscopic SN procedure based on combined radiocolloid and patent blue injected pericervically. After the SN procedure, all patients underwent complete laparoscopic pelvic lymphadenectomy and either laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy (16 patients) or laparoscopic radical hysterectomy (1 patient).Results: SNs (mean number per patient, 2.6; range, 1–4) were identified in 16 (94.1%) of the 17 patients. Macrometastases were detected in three SNs from two patients by hematoxylin and eosin staining. In three other patients, immunohistochemical analysis identified six micrometastatic SNs and one SN containing isolated tumor cells. No false-negative SN results were observed.Conclusions: An SN procedure based on a combination of radiocolloid and patent blue is feasible in patients with early endometrial cancer. Combined use of laparoscopy and this SN procedure permits minimally invasive management of endometrial cancer.