Laparoscopic Radical Hysterectomy versus Abdominal Radical Hysterectomy: A Non-randomized Study

This study compared results obtained with laparoscopic radical hysterectomy (LRH) versus abdominal radical hysterectomy (ARH) to determine the applicability of LRH as an alternative for treatment of early stage cervical cancer. A class III LRH technique is described. Between January 1994 and November 1996, 49 radical hysterectomies were performed at Notre-Dame Hospital for Stage IA₂ and IB₁ cervical cancer. Three patients were excluded from the study because LRH was offered as an alternative only when the Quetelet Index (QI) was equal to or less than 33. Twenty-three patients were scheduled for LRH and 23 for ARH. Both groups were comparable for age, QI, stage, tumour diameter and histology. The mean operating time was 390 minutes for LRH and 240 minutes for ARH (p = 0.0001 ). Blood loss was less in the LRH group (475 cc versus 1,060 cc, p = 0.0001). One LRH patient required an immediate laparotomy to secure haemostasis. In the LRH group, one eventration occurred as well as two unusual neurological complications. The post-operative stay was shorter for LRH (p = 0.0265). The numbers of para-aortic and pelvic nodes obtained were comparable. There were three recurrences, one in the LRH group and two in the ARH group. The average follow-up was 49 months in both groups. With experience, the mean operating time, complication rate, need for analgesia and length of hospital stay decreased considerably with the LRH procedure. Cosmetic results were superior. This procedure remains time consuming and difficult to perform, limiting its applicability as an alternative to ARH for the treatment of early stage cervical cancer. Ongoing research is suggested.     

腹腔镜下和经腹广泛子宫切除及盆腔淋巴结清扫术治疗早期子宫恶性肿瘤的近期疗效分析

目的:探讨腹腔镜下广泛子宫切除加盆腔淋巴结清扫术治疗子宫恶性肿瘤的近期疗效及应用价值.方法:对协和医院妇产科2008年3月至2009年4月间的70例早期子宫恶性肿瘤患者行腹腔镜下广泛子宫切除加盆腔淋巴结清扫术(TLRH+LPL组),并与同期48例经腹广泛子宫切除术和淋巴结清扫术(ARH+APL组)的病例作为对照,比较两种术式的术中、术后情况及并发症等.结果:行腹腔镜手术的70例患者,有2例中转开腹,中转率为2.9%.TLRH+LPL组在手术时间、术中出血量、淋巴结切除数目和术后体温恢复正常平均时间上与ARH+APL组相比,具有明显优势,差异均有高度统计学意义(P<0.01);但膀胱功能恢复时间及术后并发症的发生率,两组比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05).结论:腹腔镜下广泛子宫切除加盆腔淋巴结清扫术具有同常规的经腹手术同样的安全性和有效性,同时缩短了手术时间,减少了手术创伤,为微创手术治疗妇科恶性肿瘤提供了良好的应用前景.     

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.     

Thirty-day Postoperative Adverse Events in Minimally Invasive versus Open Abdominal Radical Hysterectomy for Early-stage Cervical Cancer

Study ObjectiveTo identify the incidence, type, and grade of postoperative adverse events in minimally invasive radical hysterectomy vs abdominal radical hysterectomy (ARH) for patients with early-stage cervical cancer and determine risk factors associated with these adverse events.DesignThe American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP) was queried to identify patients with early-stage cervical cancer undergoing radical hysterectomy. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess risk factors associated with adverse postoperative outcomes among patients undergoing radical hysterectomy.SettingACS NSQIP participating institutions within the United States.PatientsPatients were collected from the ACS NSQIP databases (2014–2017) undergoing radical hysterectomy for early-stage cervical cancer.InterventionsN/AMeasurements and Main ResultsARH had a significantly increased incidence of any 30-day postoperative adverse event compared with minimally invasive radical hysterectomy (31.2% vs 19.9%, p <.001). There was a higher incidence of surgical site infection, both deep and superficial, and blood transfusions in ARH. On multivariable logistic regression, the abdominal surgical approach was the only risk factor significantly associated with any postoperative adverse event (odds ratio, 1.4; confidence interval, 1.1–1.9; p = .018; 95% CIs).ConclusionsIn this study, the abdominal surgical approach for radical hysterectomy in early-stage cervical cancer was associated with a higher incidence of postoperative adverse events than the minimally invasive approach.     

Radical vaginal trachelectomy for invasive cervical cancer

The use of operative laparoscopy in gynecologic oncology has paved the way to a more conservative approach in radical treatments of some cancers, particularly cervical cancer. After the vaginal approach which shortens the hospital stay and the morbidity of a radical hysterectomy, a new fertility-preserving radical treatment has been proposed : the Radical Vaginal Trachelectomy (RVT). This technique has been used since 1991 in our institution. Until July 1999, 37 patients with early-stage cervical cancer desiring to retain their fertility were treated by a laparoscopic pelvic lymphadenectomy (LPL) and RVT. The median age was 32 (22-42), and 25 were nulliparous. Twelve were FIGO stage Ia2, 22 Ib1, 2 IIa and one Ia1 (VSI+). Most of the tumors were squamous (23), grade I (21), and the lesion was 2cms or less in 35 patients. Median operating time was 275 minutes ( 200 for the last 10 cases), and blood loss 200cc. Complications were mainly due to the LPL (3 arterial injuries) rather than the RVT (one iatrogenic cystotomy and one parametrial bleeding). The mean follow-up is 42 months. Two patients recurred including one who had a small-cell neuroendocrine tumor. Ten patients had a total of 13 pregnancies with 7 live births. One newborn died of E.coli-septicemia. Two patients had early miscarriages and 2 second trimester abortions (17 and 20 weeks). Two patients are still pregnant. LPL-RVT seems to be a good treatment modality for early-stage cervical cancer. It preserves fertility without lowering the chances of survival.     

A case-controlled study of total laparoscopic radical hysterectomy with pelvic lymphadenectomy versus radical abdominal hysterectomy in a fellowship training program

To determine whether total laparoscopic radical hysterectomy (TLRH) is a feasible alternative to an abdominal radical hysterectomy (ARH) in a gynecologic oncology fellowship training program. We prospectively collected cases of all of the patients with cervical cancer treated with TLRH and pelvic lymphadenectomy by our division from 2000 to 2006. All of the patients from the TLRH group were matched 1:1 with the patients who had ARH during the same period based on stage, age, histological subtype, and nodal status. Thirty patients were treated with TLRH with a mean age of 48.3 years (range, 29-78 years). The mean pelvic lymph node count was 31 (range, 10-61) in the TLRH group versus 21.8 (range, 8-42) (P < 0.01) in the ARH group. Mean estimated blood loss was 200 cc (range, 100-600 cc) in the TLRH with no transfusions compared to 520 cc in the ARH group (P < 0.01), in which five patients required transfusions. Mean operating time was 318.5 min (range, 200-464 min) compared to 242.5 min in the ARH group (P < 0.01), and mean hospital stay was 3.8 days (range, 2-11 days) compared to 5.6 days in the ARH group (P < 0.01). All TLRH cases were completed laparoscopically. All patients in the TLRH group are disease free at the time of this report. In conclusion, it is feasible to incorporate TLRH training into the surgical curriculum of gynecologic oncology fellows without increasing perioperative morbidity. Standardization of TLRH technique and consistent guidance by experienced faculty is imperative.     

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.     

From laparoscopic assisted radical vaginal hysterectomy to vaginal assisted laparoscopic radical hysterectomy

Radical hysterectomy with pelvic lymphadenectomy is the standard surgical treatment for patients with early stage cervical cancer. The majority of radical hysterectomies are performed with the open technique. However, laparoscopic, combined laparoscopic and vaginal, and robotic-assisted approaches may also be used. Compared with the abdominal radical hysterectomy (ARH), laparoscopic techniques are associated with less blood loss, shorter hospital stay, better cosmesis, and faster recovery. A further breakthrough in laparoscopic technique can only be made if safety and oncological clearance are comparable with ARH. We describe the technique and results of laparoscopic assisted radical vaginal hysterectomy and the transition to vaginal assisted laparoscopic radical hysterectomy.     

Safety and Tolerance of Radical Hysterectomy for Cervical Cancer in the Elderly

Background

Despite institutional studies that suggest that radical hysterectomy for cervical cancer is well tolerated in the elderly, little population-level data are available on the procedure’s outcomes in older women. We performed a population-based analysis to determine the morbidity, mortality, and resource utilization of radical hysterectomy in elderly women with cervical cancer.

Methods

Patients recorded in the Nationwide Inpatient Sample with invasive cervical cancer who underwent abdominal radical hysterectomy between 1998and 2010 were analyzed. Patients were stratified by age: < 50, 50–59, 60–69, and ≥ 70 years. We examined the association between age and the outcomes of interest using chi square tests and multivariable generalized estimating equations.

Results

A total of 8199 women were identified, including 768 (9.4%) women age 60–69 and 462 (5.6%) women ≥ 70 years of age. All cause morbidity increased from 22.1% in women < 50, to 24.7% in those 50–59 years, 31.4% in patients 60–69 years and 34.9% in women > 70 years of age (P < 0.0001). Compared to women < 50, those > 70 were more likely to have intraoperative complications (4.8% vs. 9.1%, P = 0.0003), surgical site complications (10.9% vs. 17.5%, P < 0.0001), and medical complications (9.9% vs. 19.5%, P < 0.0001). The risk of non-routine discharge (to a nursing facility) was 0.5% in women < 50 vs. 12.3% in women ≥ 70 (P < 0.0001). Perioperative mortality women ≥ 70 years of age was 30 times greater than that of women < 50 (P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

Perioperative morbidity and mortality are substantially greater in elderly women who undergo radical hysterectomy for cervical cancer. Non-surgical treatments should be considered in these patients.     

Comparison of Survival Outcomes after Laparoscopic Radical Hysterectomy versus Abdominal Radical Hysterectomy in Patients with Cervical Cancer

ObjectiveA meta-analysis was performed to compare survival outcomes including disease-free survival (DFS) between laparoscopic radical hysterectomy (LRH) and abdominal radical hysterectomy (ARH) in patients with cervical cancer.Data SourcesWe searched PubMed, EMBASE, Google scholar, and the Cochrane library for studies published between December 2004 and May 2020. Manual searches of related articles and relevant bibliographies of published studies were also performed.Methods of Study SelectionTwo researchers independently extracted the data. Studies with survival outcome information were included.Tabulation, Integration, and ResultsA total of 36 eligible clinical trials were included in this meta-analysis. When all studies were pooled, the hazard ratio (HR) of LRH for the risk of DFS and overall survival (OS) compared with ARH was 1.24 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.09–1.41; p = .001; I² = 37.5%) and 1.27 (95% CI, 1.04–1.56; p = .020; I² = 45.5%), respectively. In a subgroup analysis, significant harmful effects of DFS in patients with LRH increased in studies using the HR presented by the article (HR, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.21–1.64; p <.001), matched retrospective design (HR, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.19–1.88; p = .001), large-scale studies (HR, 1.34; 95% CI, 1.16–1.55; p <.001), and studies published after the Laparoscopic Approach to Cervical Cancer trial (HR, 1.46; 95% CI, 1.25–1.71; p <.001). However, LRH did not affect DFS (HR, 1.04; 95% CI, 0.59–1.81; p = .898) or OS (HR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.31–1.05; p = .073) of patients with cervical cancer with cervical masses <2 cm.ConclusionThis meta-analysis demonstrated that LRH was associated with higher recurrence rates than ARH. However, LRH showed similar recurrence and OS among patients with cervical masses <2 cm (Centre for Reviews and Dissemination 42020191713).     

Robotic Radical Hysterectomy for Cervical Cancer: A Population-Based Study of Adoption and Immediate Postoperative Outcomes in the United States

Study Objective

To compare the use of robotic radical hysterectomy (RRH) and abdominal radical hysterectomy (ARH) in the United States, with secondary outcomes of perioperative complications, hospital length of stay (LOS), immediate postoperative mortality, cost and a subanalysis compared with laparoscopic radical hysterectomy (LRH).

腹腔镜联合阴式手术治疗早期子宫恶性肿瘤的临床价值

目的探讨腹腔镜盆腔淋巴切除 阴式广泛全子宫切除术(LPL VRH)治疗早期子宫恶性肿瘤的临床价值。方法2003年8月至2007年12月,选择11例早期子宫颈癌和8例子宫内膜癌的患者行LPL VRH治疗(研究组),选取同时入院接受开腹子宫广泛切除 淋巴切除术治疗早期子宫颈癌11例、子宫内膜癌8例为对照组,对其手术情况、手术时间、术后并发症、术中出血量、淋巴结切除数目、术后病率进行比较。结果研究组19例中18例成功手术,1例因淋巴结切除困难中转开腹。研究组与对照组在术中出血[(321.08±284.36)mL,(513.62±237.23)mL]、术后胃肠恢复时间(1.5d,4.5d)、术后下床活动时间(2d,7d),两组间比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。而两组在手术时间、术中清除淋巴结数、术后尿潴留、尿失禁、淋巴囊肿及术后复发等指标上差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论LPL VRH可作为早期子宫恶性肿瘤手术治疗方法之一,近期效果良好,远期疗效有待进一步观察。     

Combined laparoscopic and vaginal radical surgery in cervical cancer

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of our study was to review our experience with laparoscopic staging and vaginal radical surgery in the treatment of early stage cervical cancer. STUDY DESIGN: We reviewed the charts of 102 patients who had a laparoscopic pelvic lymphadenectomy followed by vaginal radical hysterectomy (VRH) or vaginal radical trachelectomy (VRT). RESULTS: Patients' age ranged from 25 to 68 years (median: 36). Squamous and adenocarcinoma histology occurred in 68 and 32%, respectively. Stage Ib1 occurred in 77% of cases and the rest were stage Ia1 (1%), 1a2 (16%), and IIa (6%). Patients were divided into three groups: VRH (57), VRT (34), and node only (NO) (11), when positive nodes were identified on frozen section. Median operative time for VRH and VRT were 270 and 260 min compared to 200 min in the NO group (half also had bilateral paraaortic node dissection, which lengthened the OR time). Hospital stay was shorter in the NO group (2 days). For each group (VRH, VRT, and NO) the median pelvic node count was 27, 26, and 23 and the median paraaortic node count was 3, 4, and 9. Two VRH were converted to an abdominal procedure because of technical difficulties and one VRT was converted to a VRH because of positive endocervical margins. Intraoperative complications related to laparoscopy included two iliac and one epigastric vessel injuries. Complications related to the radical surgeries included three cystostomies, managed vaginally, and a laparotomy for parametrial bleeding after VRT. Postoperative complications occurred in 6% of patients and only one was considered major (an abscess which required surgical drainage). Overall, there were only four recurrences in the vaginal surgery groups and one in the NO group. There were no ureteral or intestinal injuries and there have been no trocar site recurrences. CONCLUSION: Our data show that approaching cervical cancer with a combined laparoscopic and vaginal surgery is feasible. The overall morbidity and complication rate are low and the lymph node count is satisfactory. Staging the nodes laparoscopically first to identify positive nodes is advantageous, particularly since we favor the use of chemoradiation therapy in those cases. The laparoscopic node staging thus avoids an unnecessary laparotomy in patients with positive nodes, reduces morbidity, and allows for early radiation therapy.     

Acute Limited Normovolaemic Haemodilution: Its Role in Radical Hysterectomy for Stage IB Cervical Carcinoma

Background: haemodilution has proven to be a safe method that decreases dependence on donor blood for patients undergoing radical hysterectomy and bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy. We present a prospective study with the aim of defining the role of acute limited normovolaemic haemodilution in the conservation of banked (homologous) blood.Methods: a prospective cohort of 22 patients underwent pre-operative haemodilution with the removal of an average of 914 cc of whole blood. Haemodynamic, haematological, and biochemical parameters were assessed intra-operatively and postoperatively for seven days. The control group was 22 consecutive previous radical hysterectomies and pelvic lymphadenectomies in patients with Stage 1b cervical cancer. These procedures were performed by the same surgeons.Results: there were no statistical differences in the age, pre-operative haematology values, operating time, hospital stay, and postoperative complications between both groups. The estimated blood loss was 1,045 cc in the control group versus 1,138 cc in the diluted group. Five units of homologous blood were transfused in the haemodiluted group versus 30 units in the control group. This represents an 83 percent reduction in the use of homologous blood in the haemodiluted group. Postoperative haemoglobin levels were significantly lower in the haemodiluted group (p < 0.0001). The mean discharge haemoglobin value was 103 g/L in the control group versus 87 g/L in the diluted grup. Platelet values were similar in both groups (p = 0.056). Serum creatinine, electrolyte, and urea values were also similar.Conclusions: acute limited normovolaemic haemodilution is safe, and can result in a significant reduction in the use of homologous blood in radical hysterectomy for Stage 1b cervical cancer.     

The Mitra Schauta operation in combination with preoperative irradiation as treatment for carcinoma of the cervix

The results of 270 cases of carcinoma of the cervix treated with intracavitary irradiation followed by extraperitoneal lymphadenectomy (Mitra) and radical vaginal hysterectomy (Schauta) are presented. The crude survival rates were 83.9% in stage Ib, 72.2% in stage IIa, and 68.9% in stage IIb. The morbidity rates were low and the postoperative well-being of the patients was acceptable.     

Prospective Trial of Aggressive Postoperative Bowel Stimulation Following Radical Hysterectomy

INTRODUCTION: Postoperative traditional feeding protocols are not based on scientific studies, but rather on anecdotal evidence. We present the first prospective trial of aggressive postoperative bowel stimulation following radical hysterectomy in an attempt to determine its effect on the length of hospital stay. METHODS: Twenty consecutive patients undergoing radical hysterectomy were entered onto a prospective trial of aggressive postoperative bowel stimulation, which consisted of 30 cc milk of magnesia p.o. b.i.d. starting on postoperative day 1 and biscolic suppositories q.d. starting on day 2. A clear liquid diet was begun following flatus or bowel movement and patients were discharged 12 h after tolerating a clear liquid diet. Diet was slowly advanced at home. RESULTS: Median time to flatus was 3 days, bowel movement 3 days, and clear liquid diet 3 days. Median time to discharge was 4 days. No patients developed ileus or bowel obstructions and there were no readmissions for bowel complications. Our median time to discharge of 4 days represents a 50% reduction in hospital stay compared to our previous prospective study using traditional postoperative bowel management (8 days), which was statistically significant at P = 0.001. CONCLUSION: Aggressive bowel stimulation with milk of magnesia and biscolic suppositories resulted in early return of bowel function and early discharge with no noticeable complications.     

Close Vaginal Margins as a Prognostic Factor after Radical Hysterectomy

From 1965 to 1995, at the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Medical Center, 1223 patients with stage IA2, IB, or IIA cervical cancer have undergone a radical hysterectomy. The charts of these patients were reviewed retrospectively for pathology reports showing positive or close surgical margins. Fifty-one of these cases had final pathology results interpreted as close vaginal margins (CVM), which we define as tumor less than or equal to 0.5 cm from the vaginal margins of resection. All slides of blocks with close vaginal margins were found and reviewed by a single pathologist. Twenty-eight (54.9%) had parametrial involvement or positive lymph nodes and received adjuvant radiation therapy (RT). Of the remaining 23 cases, only 6 had other high risk factors, tumor greater than 4 cm, poorly differentiated, greater than 50% invasion, or lymphovascular space involvement. Sixteen of 23 received radiation. The 5-year survival was significantly greater with RT, 81.3%, than without RT, 28.6% (P< 0.05). The recurrence rate was also decreased from 85.7 to 12.5% (P< 0.01). Although present in less than 2% of radical hysterectomy specimens, CVM without other high risk factors may be an important prognostic variable that should be considered when making adjuvant therapy decisions.     

Transcatheter Arterial Embolization for Severe Secondary Hemorrhage after Hysterectomy

Four of 1237 patients who underwent abdominal, laparoscopic, and vaginal hysterectomy between October 2013 and May 2015 had severe secondary hemorrhage after hysterectomy (2 conventional multiport total laparoscopic hysterectomies, 1 single-port access hysterectomy, and 1 total abdominal hysterectomy). The median time interval between hysterectomy and secondary hemorrhage was 28.4 days (range, 16–52 days). All 4 cases were treated with transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE), all of whom required blood transfusions to maintain vital functions before TAE. The mean operative time was 90 minutes. The median length of hospital stay after TAE was 12 days (range, 4–24 days), and the patients were discharged without complications or additional surgery. These cases show the value of minimally invasive TAE for patients experiencing severe secondary hemorrhage after hysterectomy.     

Laparoscopically Assisted Vaginal Radical Hysterectomy: Systematic Review of the Literature

Laparoscopically assisted vaginal radical vaginal hysterectomy (LAVRH), a minimally invasive technique that seems to be an attractive alternative to traditional surgery, remains unexplored in the treatment of cervical cancer. We searched Medline (1966–2013) and Scopus (2004–2013) search engines, as well as reference lists from all included studies. Ten studies were retrieved; including 6 retrospective cohort studies, 2 prospective cohort studies, 1 retrospective randomized trial, and a phase II randomized control trial. LAVRH provided equal recurrence-free rates when performed in patients with tumors not exceeding 2 cm in greatest diameter. Its main advantages seem to be less intraoperative blood loss and more radical pelvic lymphadenectomy. The primary disadvantages of the technique are a higher rate of disease-positive surgical margins, resulting in the need for adjuvant therapy, and the slow learning curve required for a surgeon to gain expertise. With use in minimally invasive surgery of newer techniques such as total laparoscopic radical hysterectomy and robotic-assisted radical hysterectomy, and possible future adoption of more conservative techniques such as cervical conization with pelvic lymphadenectomy, the question remains as to whether LAVRH will be adopted by the surgical community or lost to oblivion.     

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.