Simple extrafascial trachelectomy and pelvic bilateral lymphadenectomy in early stage cervical cancer

Objective

To determine the feasibility and safety of simple extra-fascial trachelectomy plus pelvic lymphadenectomy in young patients affected by early stage cervical cancer.

Methods

We have prospectively identified all patients with early-stage cervical cancer (stages IA2-IB1) referred to our department. Inclusion criteria were: age ≤ 38 years, strong desire to maintain fertility, FIGO stage ≤ IB1, tumor size < 2 cm, no LVSI, no evidence of nodal metastasis. Surgical technique included two steps: laparoscopic pelvic lymphadenectomy and vaginal simple extrafascial trachelectomy. Patients were followed up for oncological and obstetrical outcomes.

Results

Fourteen patients were enrolled in the study. Median age was 32 years (range 28-37); histotype was squamous in 11/14 (79%) cases and adenocarcinoma in 3/14 cases (21%); FIGO stage was IA2 in 5/14 (36%) patients, IB1 in 9/14 (64%) patients; median tumor size was 17 mm (range 14-19); median operative time was 120 min (range 95-210). No severe intraoperative complications were recorded. Postoperative complications were observed in two patients. No recurrences were detected. One patient died for other disease. Eight patients became pregnant and 3 of them had a term delivery.

Conclusion

Low risk early-cervical cancer patients could be safely treated by simple extrafascial trachelectomy in order to maintain fertility. More studies are needed to better define the role of conservative and ultraconservative surgical approaches (i.e. conization) in this setting, either for fertility purposes or to minimize surgical complications.     

Pregnancies after radical vaginal trachelectomy for early-stage cervical cancer

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of fertility-preserving surgery in the treatment of early-stage cervical cancer. Study Design: We retrospectively reviewed our first 30 patients treated by laparoscopic pelvic lymphadenectomy, followed by radical vaginal trachelectomy, from October 1991 to April 1998. Results: The median age of the patients was 32 years (range 22-42 years); 15 were nulligravid and 19 nulliparous. Twenty cancers were at stage IB, 1 was at stage IA₁ , 7 were at stage IA₂ , and 2 were at stage IIA. The majority (18/30) were squamous. Two lesions were >2 cm in size, and only 4 had vascular space invasion. The median operative time was 285 minutes (range 155-455 minutes), median blood loss 200 mL (range 50-1200 mL), and median hospital stay 4 days (range 2-9 days). There were 4 intraoperative complications—2 attributed to the trachelectomy and 2 resulting from the lymphadenectomy. The current median follow-up time is 25 months (range 1-79 months). One patient had a recurrence in the left parametrium 18 months after vaginal radical trachelectomy and died of metastatic disease. The only 6 patients attempting pregnancy so far have succeeded: 4 have had healthy babies delivered by cesarean section at 39, 38, 34, and 25 weeks of gestation. Two are currently 33 and 8 weeks pregnant. Conclusion: Radical vaginal trachelectomy appears to be a valuable procedure in well-selected patients with early-stage cervical cancer. Successful pregnancies are definitely possible after this procedure. This new surgical technique warrants further careful evaluation to determine precise indications. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 1998;179:1491-6.)     

根治性子宫颈切除术和腹腔镜下淋巴结切除术在早期子宫颈癌治疗中的应用

目的 探讨根治性子宫颈切除术和腹腔镜下淋巴结切除术,在早期子宫颈癌治疗中的可行性和效果。方法2001年8月至2003年5月,对12例Ⅰ a期至Ⅰ b2期的子宫颈癌患者,施行腹腔镜下盆腔淋巴结切除术,切除的盆腔淋巴结经病理学检查证实无淋巴结转移者,随即行根治性子宫颈切除术,保留子宫体。结果 12例患者均在腹腔镜下完成盆腔淋巴结切除术,淋巴结检查均为阴性;根治性子宫颈切除术均经阴道完成,平均手术时间142 min(115—178 min),术中出血量约180 ml(120—230 ml)。术后无感染及出血,平均住院时间6.7 d。经随访3—28个月,1例患者妊娠,无一例肿瘤复发。结论 对于未生育且强烈要求保留生育功能的早期子宫颈癌患者,行腹腔镜下盆腔淋巴结切除术和根治性子宫颈切除术是可行的;手术创伤小,术后患者恢复快。     

Reproductive outcomes of patients undergoing radical trachelectomy for early-stage cervical cancer

Objective

To report the reproductive outcomes of patients undergoing fertility-preserving radical trachelectomy (RT) for the treatment of early-stage cervical cancer.

Methods

We analyzed data from our institution's first 105 patients who underwent attempted fertility-sparing surgery with radical trachelectomy, pelvic lymphadenectomy, and cerclage from November 2001 to October 2010.

Results

Of the 105 patients who underwent attempted RT, 77 (73%) did not require a conversion to radical hysterectomy or postoperative treatment. The median age was 32 (range, 25-38 years). Most patients (75%) had stage IB1 disease. Sixty-six patients (63%) were nulliparous. Thirty-five women were actively attempting conception 6 months after surgery, and 23 (66%) women were successful in conceiving: there were 20 live births, 3 elective terminations, and 4 spontaneous miscarriages. Four patients had 2 pregnancies each; all delivered their second pregnancy between 32 and 36 weeks. Cerclage erosion through the vaginal wall occurred in 6 cases and was treated by transvaginal removal of protruding suture material. One of these patients experienced a second trimester miscarriage.

Conclusions

The majority of women who attempted to conceive after radical trachelectomy were successful, and most of their pregnancies resulted in full-term births. Assisted reproduction played an important role in select women. Cerclage likely contributed to a post-trachelectomy uterine ability to carry a pregnancy to the third trimester. The second post-trachelectomy pregnancy appears to be at higher risk for preterm delivery than the first pregnancy.     

A fertility-preserving option in early cervical carcinoma: laparoscopy-assisted vaginal radical trachelectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy

OBJECTIVE: Laparoscopic vaginal radical trachelectomy is a fertility-preserving alternative to radical hysterectomy or chemoradiation in young women with stage IA2 to IB cervical cancers. The aim of this study is to describe the feasibility and outcome of laparoscopic radical vaginal trachelectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy in women treated with early cervical cancers who wish to maintain fertility. STUDY DESIGN: From August 2000 through December 2004, 16 patients were offered this procedure. Patients were selected for this treatment on the basis of favorable cervical tumors and a desire to maintain fertility. Laparoscopic pelvic lymphadenectomies were performed in all patients. Vaginal radical trachelectomy was performed immediately if removed lymph nodes were negative. Obstetrical and oncological outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: Sixteen women underwent this procedure. The mean operative time was 142 min (115-178 min), with a mean blood loss of 180 ml (120-230 ml), and the average hospital stay was 6.7 days. No intraoperative or postoperative complications occurred. With an average follow-up of 28.2 months, there have been no recurrences. Five pregnancies have subsequently occurred, with two third-trimester deliveries, two miscarriages at 24 and 26 weeks' gestation, and one patient is currently 18 weeks' pregnant. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopy-assisted radical vaginal trachelectomy is an adequate treatment, with its minimally invasive procedure and shorter recovery time, for early-stage cervical cancer in women who wish to preserve fertility. However, fertility issues remain the largest unanswered problem with this technique.     

Factors affecting operative blood loss from open radical hysterectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy for early-stage cervical cancer

Purpose

To evaluate the effect of clinical and tumor factors on operative blood loss during open radical hysterectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy for early-stage cervical cancer.

Methods

Clinical, pathological, and operative data of 456 women with cervical cancer stage IA2–IIA who had open radical hysterectomy with bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy (RHPL) from January 2003 to December 2005 were reviewed with regard to operative blood loss of 600?ml or more.

Results

Parity (RR 1.67; 95?% CI 1.02–2.73; p value 0.04) and salpingo-oophorectomy (RR 1.57; 95?% CI 1.06–2.31; p value 0.02) were statistically associated with operative blood loss of 600?ml or more from multivariate analysis. Preoperative chemotherapy (RR 1.87; 95?% CI 1.18–2.96; p value?2 (RR 1.73; 95?% CI 1.08-2.75; p value 0.02) were significantly associated with blood loss of more than 1,000?ml in the multivariate analysis.

Conclusion

High parity (3 or more) and incidental salpingo-oophorectomy are related to an increased risk of operative blood loss of 600?ml or more during open RHPL. However, the effects were marginal and no clear explanation for the underlying mechanisms is available. Preoperative chemotherapy and overweight were independent predictors of operative blood loss of more than 1,000?ml.     

Radical trachelectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy with uterine preservation in the treatment of cervical cancer

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine whether radical trachelectomy, combined with pelvic lymphadenectomy, can be a feasible method for the treatment of early-stage cervical carcinoma in women who want to preserve their fertility. STUDY DESIGN: From January 1, 1995, through December 31, 1999, 12 women with stage I carcinoma of the cervix were scheduled to undergo radical trachelectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy of the intact uterus as treatment. The procedure was abandoned in 2 women because of endometrial extension of the cancer. Surgical margins were clear in all other women. No lymph node metastases were encountered. The proximal cervical remnant was reinforced in 10 women. RESULTS: Hospitalization ranged from 2 to 8 days (mean, 3.2 days). Estimated blood loss averaged 203 mL (range, 50-600 mL). Complications included 2 intraoperative cystotomies and 1 pelvic hematoma. Four pregnancies have occurred, with 2 third-trimester deliveries and 2 preterm losses at 24 and 26 weeks of gestation, respectively. The follow-up period has ranged from 28 to 84 months (mean, 47.6 months). CONCLUSION: Radical trachelectomy, combined with pelvic lymphadenectomy, can be a feasible method of treatment for early-stage cervical carcinoma in women who want to preserve their fertility.     

Systematic comparison of radical vaginal trachelectomy and radical hysterectomy in the treatment of early-stage cervical cancer

Objective

To review the effects of radical vaginal trachelectomy (RVT) and radical hysterectomy (RH) on overall progression-free survival rate, and intraoperative and postoperative complications in patients with cervical cancer (FIGO stage IA-IB1).

Methods

Electronic searches for studies of RVT and RH in the treatment of cervical cancer between 1994 and January 2010 were made on MEDLINE, the Cochrane Library, the China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and the Wan Fang dissertation database.

Results

No significant differences were found between RVT and RH in 5-year overall survival rate (relative risk [RR] 0.97; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.93-1.02); 5-year progression-free survival rate (RR 0.99; 95% CI, 0.95-1.02); intraoperative complications (RR 1.99; 95% CI, 0.61-6.52)]; and postoperative complications (RR 0.36; 95% CI, 0.10-1.27). There were fewer blood transfusions (RR 0.33; 95% CI, 0.12-0.90), less blood loss, and shorter hospital stays in patients undergoing RVT.

Conclusion

Radical vaginal trachelectomy should be considered as a viable treatment option for young patients with early cervical cancer (FIGO stage IA-IB1) who wish to preserve their fertility.     

阴式广泛全子宫切除加腹腔镜下淋巴结切除术与开腹手术治疗早期宫颈癌疗效比较

目的探讨阴式广泛全子宫切除加腹腔镜下淋巴结切除术治疗早期宫颈癌的临床价值。方法 2004年11月至2011年4月于佛山市妇幼保健院,回顾性分析行阴式广泛全子宫切除加腹腔镜下淋巴结切除术的90例早期宫颈癌患者(阴式组)的病例资料,抽取同期行开腹广泛全子宫切除加盆腔淋巴结切除术42例(开腹组)作为对照。结果两组手术时间差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。阴式组术中出血量[(348±114)mL]、肠道功能恢复时间[(36.76±4.9)h]、住院天数[(10.56±2.10)d]均少于开腹组的[(398±127)mL]、[(40.09±6.5)h]、[(11.79±2.45)d],差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。阴式组切除阴道长度[(3.12±0.17)cm]大于开腹组的[(3.05±0.21)cm](P<0.05)。阴式组尿潴留发生率(30.0%)较开腹组(11.9%)高(P<0.05)。阴式组术后5年内复发率(14.6%)低于开腹组(31.5%)(P<0.05)。结论阴式广泛全子宫切除加腹腔镜下淋巴结切除术式创伤小,术后恢复快,手术彻底,有临床应用价值。     

Laparoscopic radical hysterectomy with pelvic lymphadenectomy in early invasive cervical cancer

Laparoscopic radical hysterectomy is one surgical procedure currently performed to treat gynecologic cancer. The objective of this review was to update the current knowledge of laparoscopic radical hysterectomy in early invasive cervical cancer. Articles indexed in the MEDLINE database using the key words "Laparoscopic radical hysterectomy" and "Cancer of the cervix" were reviewed. Studies of laparoscopic radical hysterectomy for treatment of early cervical cancer with a minimum study population of 10 patients were selected. The laparoscopic approach was associated with less surgical morbidity (surgical bleeding) and with shorter length of hospital stay, although the duration of the operation may be longer. Laparoscopic radical hysterectomy with endoscopic pelvic lymphadenectomy, and paraaortic lymphadenectomy if needed, is a safe surgical option for treatment and staging of early invasive cervical cancer considering surgical risk, intraoperative bleeding, intraoperative and postoperative complications, and patient recovery. It is important to respect the learning curve. Surgical advances including new laparoscopic instrumentation and, in particular, use of robotics will contribute to reducing the duration of the operation and to facilitating learning and teaching of the procedure.     

Robotic radical parametrectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy in patients with invasive cervical cancer

ObjectiveWe describe a series of patients diagnosed with invasive cervical cancer after undergoing simple hysterectomy who subsequently underwent robotic radical parametrectomy and bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy. The goal of this study is to report on the safety and feasibility of robotic radical parametrectomy.MethodsA retrospective review was performed of all patients who underwent robotic radical parametrectomy and bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy at our institution during the period December 2006 to February 2008. We analyzed our data to evaluate the safety and feasibility of performing robotic radical parametrectomy.ResultsThis analysis included 5 patients with invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix. The median body mass index was 23.8 kg/m² (range, 17.7 to 26.5). The median operative time was 365 min (range, 331 to 430). The median estimated blood loss was 100 mL (range, 50 to 175). There were no conversions to laparotomy. There was 1 intraoperative complication—cystotomy. No patient required blood transfusion. The median length of hospital stay was 1 day (range, 1 to 2). One patient experienced two postoperative complications, a vesicovaginal fistula and a lymphocyst. No patient had residual tumor in the parametrectomy specimen, and no patient underwent adjuvant therapy. The median number of pelvic lymph nodes removed was 14 (range, 6 to 16). The median follow-up for all patients was 7.5 months (range, 1.3 to 13.8). There were no recurrences.ConclusionRobotic radical parametrectomy and bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy is feasible and safe and can be performed with an acceptable complication rate.     

Fertility-sparing radical abdominal trachelectomy for cervical carcinoma: technique and review of the literature

OBJECTIVES: Radical trachelectomy has emerged as a reasonable fertility-sparing operation for selected patients with stage I cervical cancer. The purpose of this report is to describe our technique of radical abdominal trachelectomy, a fertility-sparing operation in women with cervical cancer, and review the current literature on this procedure. METHODS: A review of a prospectively maintained database of all fertility-sparing radical trachelectomy procedures performed at our institution. RESULTS: Between 11/01 and 3/06, we performed a total of 42 fertility-preserving radical trachelectomies with pelvic lymphadenectomy for women with invasive cervical cancer. We had previously reported on 2 pediatric abdominal trachelectomies, which are excluded from this report. Five of the remaining 40 cases had undergone a radical abdominal trachelectomy, and 35 cases were performed laparoscopically with a radical vaginal approach. The characteristics of the 5 adult patients who underwent abdominal radical trachelectomy included stage IB1 disease in all cases, a mean age of 36 years (range, 33-39), and a mean estimated blood loss of 280 ml (range, 50-400); 1 patient with squamous cell carcinoma needed completion radical hysterectomy at the time of trachelectomy due to disease extending into the endometrium, and 1 patient needed postoperative chemoradiation due to a positive parametrial lymph node. The remaining 3 patients resumed normal menstruation postoperatively. All patients remain disease-free at the time of this report. The only remaining uterine blood supply in these patients are the utero-ovarian vessels. There were no postoperative complications, and transurethral Foley catheters were removed in all cases within 2 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: Radical abdominal trachelectomy with pelvic lymphadenectomy is a feasible operation for selected women with stage I cervical cancer who desire to preserve reproductive function. Menstruation and reproductive function may be preserved after bilateral uterine vessel ligation. The procedure expands the inclusion criteria of radical vaginal trachelectomy to patients with distorted cervicovaginal anatomy in which the vaginal approach may not be feasible.     

Twelve-year experience with laparoscopic radical hysterectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy in cervical cancer

Objectives

This study aims to evaluate the morbidity, oncological outcome, and prognostic factors of cervical cancer patients treated with laparoscopic radical hysterectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy (LRH).

Methods

Patients with cervical cancer undergoing LRH at the First People's Hospital of Foshan between August 1998 and March 2010 were enrolled in this study. The medical records were reviewed.

Results

A total of 240 patients were identified. According to FIGO stage, the number of patients with stage Ia2, Ib1, Ib2, IIa, and IIb was 2, 163, 34, 35, and 6, respectively. The conversion rate was 1.25%. Intraoperative and postoperative complications occurred in 7.08% and 9.16% patients, respectively. Other medical problems included 74 cases (30%) of bladder dysfunction. Excluding the lost cases, the median follow-up of 221 cases was 35 months, and 5-year survival rate for Ia2, Ib1, Ib2, IIa was 100%, 82%, 66%, 60%, respectively. Univariate analysis showed factors impacting the survival rate were FIGO stage > Ib1, non-squamous histologic type, deep cervical stromal invasion, and lymph node metastasis (P = 0.027, 0.023, 0.007, 0.000). The Cox-proportional hazards regression analysis indicated that only lymph node metastasis (OR = 3.827, P = 0.000) was independent of poor prognostic factor. The 5-year survival rates in Ib1 were 88% with negative lymph nodes and 59% with positive lymph nodes (P = 0.000).

Conclusions

Our data demonstrate that LRH can be performed in stage Ia2-Ib1 or less advanced node negative cervical cancer patients without compromising survival. The feasibility of LRH for more advanced patients needs further investigations.     

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 vaginal trachelectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy for preservation of fertility in early cervical carcinoma

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine our experience with radical vaginal trachelectomy in women with early cervical cancers who desire to maintain fertility. METHODS: Women who underwent radical vaginal trachelectomy with pelvic lymphadenectomy over a 6-year period are the basis of this report. Subjects were selected for this treatment on the basis of favorable cervical tumors and a desire to maintain fertility. All subjects were informed that this therapy did not represent standard treatment for early stage cervical cancer. Obstetrical and oncologic outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: Twenty-one women underwent this procedure. The median age was 30 years (range 23-41); 14 were nulligravid and 16 were nulliparous. Mean tumor diameter was 1.1 cm (range 0.3-3.0). Mean operative time was 318 min, with a mean blood loss of 293 cc, and average hospital stay was 3 days. Three patients had transient neuropathy postoperatively. No patient required laparotomy. Two patients had completion of radical vaginal hysterectomy for an inability to clear the cancer with trachelectomy and 1 had postoperative radiation for high-risk features on final pathology. With an average follow-up of 31.5 months, there have been no recurrences. Three women have become pregnant: 1 woman delivered twins at 24 weeks, 1 woman delivered a singleton at term, and 1 patient had rupture of membranes and chorioamnionitis at 20 weeks gestation. CONCLUSIONS: Radical vaginal trachelectomy with pelvic lymphadenectomy permits preservation of fertility in selected patients. To date, with more than 150 cases reported in the literature, recurrence rates are comparable to those seen with radical hysterectomy.     

Management of symptomatic pelvic lymphocyst after radical pelvic or pelvic and paraaortic lymphadenectomy for cervical and endometrial cancer

Pelvic and paraaortic lymph node dissection, as part of the staging surgery for cervical and endometrial carcinoma, interrupts the afferent lymphatics. The high acceptance by the community of gyn-oncologists was after finding that laparoscopic lymphadenectomy can be performed in the majority of patients and is associated with low complication rate. Incidence of lymphocele formation and incidence of severe complications associated with lymphocele, such as infection, deep venous thrombosis, or urinary tract occlusion, were retrospectively evaluated in the past years (01.2001–01.2007) after surgery. From January 2001 to January 2007, 226 women underwent surgery including pelvic or pelvic and paraaortic lymphadenectomy for primary gynecological pelvic malignancies, of which 68 (30%) patients had cervical cancer and 158 (60%) patients had endometrial cancer; all of them were retrospectively analyzed. Patients with symptoms such as pain in the pelvic area, lymphedema, or suspicious cyst in the pelvis were sent to our clinic for further evaluation. The identification was made by physical examination and confirmed by US or CT. Twenty three out of 226 (10.2%) patients were diagnosed to have symptomatic pelvic lymphocyst. Additionally, two of the 23 patients had lymphedema, another two patients had lymphocyst infection, one patient had deep venous thrombosis, and one patient had ureteral stenosis. A partial (ventral) resection of the lymphocyst was performed. Median duration of hospital stay was 12.5 days and median duration of drainage was 10 days. Laparoscopic lymphocyst resection and drainage was successful in 22 patients. In one patient, a re-laparoscopy was necessary because of a recurrent lymphocyst formation 6 months after the operation. The laparoscopic lymphocyst resection is a safe and effective procedure and was applied in all 23 patients successfully.