Laparoscopic Radical Hysterectomy for Early Stage Cervical Cancers – A Single Team Experience

ABSTRACT

Current evidence on the efficacy and safety of Laparoscopic Radical Hysterectomy for early stage cervical cancer is adequate to support the use of this procedure provided that normal arrangements are in place for clinical governance, consent and audit. This study aims to present our single unit experience of Laparoscopic Radical Hysterectomy performed for early stage cervical cancers. Methods: 74 laparoscopic radical hysterectomies performed for early stage cervical cancers from 2012 to 2017 were reviewed. Results: Key efficacyoutcomes evaluated were completing the procedure without conversion to open surgery ( conversion rate – 3/74),the mean operating time (144 mts), intra operative complications ( rectal injury 2/74, primary hemorrhage 1/74), post operative complications ( ureteric fistula 2/74, vescico vaginal fistula 1/74 , port site hernia 1/74), number of LN removed ( mean - 14 LN on each side), recovery time (6 hrs on average ) and length of hospital stay (average – 5days); lone term outcomes viz recurrence rate and % year survival are under study. Conclusion: Our initial experience indicate that laparoscopic radical hysterectomy is safe ,feasible and effective with low morbidity and with comparable outcome to open approach; It does not compromise oncological radicality of resection; short term results are promising; long term results are awaited.