RESUMO
We prospectively collected data on all patients with stage IB1 cervical cancer, who underwent total laparoscopic radical hysterectomy with the use of a modified uterine manipulator. From January 2000 to December 2005, 54 patients met the study criteria. The mean age was 41.8 +/- 7.47 years. Average BMI (kg/m(2)) was 27.38 +/- 3.13. Squamous carcinoma and adenocarcinoma were found in 88.88% and 11.11% of the cases, respectively. The average surgical time was 265 +/- 70.8 min. The mean estimated blood loss was 276.11 +/- 123.03 ml. The average patient lymph node count was 19.64 +/- 5.08. Positive malignant lymph nodes were identified in 11.11% of the cases. Surgical margins were free of disease in all patients. The mean hospital stay was 1.5 +/- 1 days. There was no mortality. Total laparoscopic radical hysterectomy can be considered a safe alternative to laparotomy. The use of a uterine manipulator does not pose an increased surgical risk and allows for a simpler and more feasible procedure.
