Radical hysterectomy: a randomized study comparing two techniques for resection of the cardinal ligament

2017 Update on the Querleu-Morrow Classification of Radical Hysterectomy

BACKGROUND

One of the most important principles in modern cervical cancer surgery is the concept of tailoring surgical radicality. In practice, this means abandoning the "one-fits-all" concept in favor of tailored operations. The term "radical hysterectomy" is used to describe many different procedures, each with a different degree of radicality. Anatomic structures are subjected to artificial dissection artifacts, as well as different interpretations and nomenclatures. This study aimed to refine and standardize the principles and descriptions of the different classes of radical hysterectomy as defined in the Querleu-Morrow classification and to propose its universal applicability.

METHODS

All three authors independently examined the current literature and undertook a critical assessment of the original classification. Images and pathologic slides demonstrating different types of radical hysterectomy were examined to document a consensual vision of the anatomy. The Cibula 3-D concept also was included in this update.

RESULTS

The Querleu-Morrow classification is based on the lateral extent of resection. Four types of radical hysterectomy are described, including a limited number of subtypes when necessary. Two major objectives remain constant: excision of central tumor with clear margins and removal of any potential sites of nodal metastasis.

CONCLUSION

Studies evaluating radicality in the surgical management of cervical cancer should be based on precise, universally accepted descriptions. The authors' updated classification presents standardized, universally applicable descriptions of different types of hysterectomies performed worldwide, categorized according to degree of radicality, independently of theoretical considerations.

Radical hysterectomy with pelvic lymphadenectomy: indications, technique, and complications

Radical hysterectomy with pelvic lymphadenectomy remains the treatment of choice for women with Stages IA(2) and IB(1) carcinoma of the cervix, and selected patients with Stage II endometrial cancer. Improvement in surgical techniqe, administration of prophylactic antibiotics, thromboemolic prophylaxis, and advances in critical care medicine have resulted in lower operative morbidity associated with this procedure. Major urinary tract complications such as ureteral injury or vesico-vaginal fistula are now extremely rare (<1%). Five-year survival rates following this procedure vary according to a number of clinical and histologic variables, and may be as high as 90% in women without lymph node metastases.

Neoadjuvant Chemoradiation Followed by Radical Hysterectomy in FIGO Stage IIIB Cervical Cancer: Feasibility, Complications, and Clinical Outcome

Objective:

To demonstrate the efficacy and feasibility of preoperative chemoradiation followed by radical surgery in a consecutive series of patients with stage IIIB cervical cancer.

Methods:

Between October 1997 and July 2007, 39 patients with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage IIIB cervical cancer were consecutively staged and treated at the Catholic University of Rome and Campobasso and at the National Cancer Institute of Milan. Radical surgery was performed 5 to 6 weeks after the end of the cisplatinum-based neoadjuvant chemoradiation.

Results:

Clinical responses were observed in 35 patients (92.1%): 6 (15.8%) complete and 29 (76.3.8%) partial. Radical surgery was performed in 35 patients (89.7%). According to Chassagne classification, we observed 7 (20.0%) grade 3, 17 (48.6%) grade 2, and 28 (80%) grade 1 surgical complications. At pathological examination, 12 patients (34.3%) showed complete response, 7 patients (20.0%) had only a microscopic disease, 8 patients (22.8%) had a partial response, and the last 8 patients (22.8%) had no change in disease. We registered 11 (31.4%) operative and 4 (11.4%) early postoperative complications. Median follow-up was 33 months (range, 3-80 months). The percentages of 3-year disease-free survival and overall survival were 67.6% and 70.0%, respectively. Patients with complete response and microscopic disease showed better prognosis than patients with partial response and no change (3-year disease-free survival, 100% vs 31%; and 3-year overall survival, 100% vs 39%).

Conclusions:

Chemoradiation followed by radical hysterectomy could be administered in patients with stage IIIB cervical cancer with an acceptable rate of complications and with a survival outcome similar to that of chemoradiotherapy, allowing the assessment of pathological response with its implication on clinical outcomes.

Classification of radical hysterectomy

Since the first publications about surgery for cervical cancer, many radical procedures that accord with different degrees of radicality have been described and done. Here, we propose a basis for a new and simple classification for cervical-cancer surgery, taking into account the curative effect of surgery and adverse effects, such as bladder dysfunction. The international anatomical nomenclature is used where it applies. For simplification, the classification is based only on lateral extent of resection. We describe four types of radical hysterectomy (A-D), adding when necessary a few subtypes that consider nerve preservation and paracervical lymphadenectomy. Lymph-node dissection is considered separately: four levels (1-4) are defined according to corresponding arterial anatomy and radicality of the procedure. The classification applies to fertility-sparing surgery, and can be adapted to open, vaginal, laparoscopic, or robotic surgery. In the future, internationally standardised description of techniques for communication, comparison, clinical research, and quality control will be a basic part of every surgical procedure.

Lymphedema and bladder-emptying difficulties after radical hysterectomy for early cervical cancer and among population controls

The aim of the study was to acquire knowledge that can be used to refine radical hysterectomy to improve quality-of-life outcome. Data were collected in 1996-1997 by means of an anonymous postal questionnaire in a follow-up study of two cohorts (patients and population controls). We attempted to enroll all 332 patients with stage IB-IIA cervical cancer registered in 1991-1992 at the seven departments of gynecological oncology in Sweden and 489 population controls. Ninety three (37%) of the 256 women with a history of cervical cancer who answered the questionnaire (77%) were treated with surgery alone. Three-hundred fifty population controls answered the questionnaire (72%). Women treated with radical hysterectomy, as compared with controls, had an 8-fold increase in symptoms indicating lymphedema (25% reported distress due to lymphedema), a nearly 9-fold increase in difficult emptying of the bladder, and a 22-fold increase in the need to strain to initiate bladder evacuation. Ninety percent of the patients were not willing to trade off survival for freedom from symptoms. Avoiding to induce long-term lymphedema or bladder-emptying difficulties would probably improve quality of life after radical hysterectomy (to cure cervical cancer). Few women want to compromise survival to avoid long-term symptoms.

Pelvic lymphadenectomy for cervical carcinoma: Laparotomy extraperitoneal, transperitoneal or laparoscopic approach? A randomized study

OBJECTIVE

To compare transperitoneal, extraperitoneal and laparoscopic pelvic lymphadenectomy in terms of feasibility and morbidity in patients affected by cervical cancer undergoing radical hysterectomy.

METHODS

Consecutive patients affected by stage IB-IIB cervical carcinoma scheduled for radical surgery entered the study. Patients were randomly assigned to transperitoneal (TPL), extraperitoneal (EPL) or laparoscopic pelvic lymphadenectomy (LPL). All patients underwent classical radical hysterectomy. Perioperative data were recorded. Follow up examinations were performed at the 15th, 30th and 60th day after surgery.

RESULTS

168 patients entered the study. The mean operative times were: 63+/-7.6, 54+/-6.7 and 75+/-8.4 min (TPL vs EPL P<0.001; EPL vs LPL P<0.001; TPL vs LPL P<0.001) for TPL, EPL and LPL respectively. The feasibility of the procedures, analyzed on an intention-to-treat basis, was 96%, 93% and 95% for TPL, EPL and LPL group respectively (P=ns). The average hospitalizations were: 5.6+/-0.9, 3.2+/-0.4 and 3.1+/-0.3 days (TPL vs EPL P<0.001; TPL vs LPL P<0.001) for TPL, EPL and LPL respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

EPL and LPL are as feasible and effective as TPL and can be adequately performed with a reasonable complication rate. LPL showed a statistically significant longer operative time. However, both EPL and LPL can minimize some postoperative complications reducing length of stay.

Role of laparoscopy to assess the chance of optimal cytoreductive surgery in advanced ovarian cancer: a pilot study

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether laparoscopy can be considered as adequate and reliable as standard laparotomy in predicting optimal cytoreduction (RT < or = 1 cm) in patients with advanced ovarian cancer.

METHODS

From March to November 2003, 95 patients with suspected advanced ovarian or peritoneal cancer have been evaluated. Thirty-one cases were excluded due to an anesthesiological class of risk ASA III-IV (51.6%) and for the presence of a large size mass reaching the xiphoid (48.4%). Sixty-four patients completed the study. All patients were submitted to preoperative clinico-radiological evaluation and then to both laparoscopy and standard longitudinal laparotomy, sequentially. Some specific preoperatively defined parameters were analyzed during each procedure in order to obtain the most accurate evaluation on the possibility to get an optimal cytoreduction.

RESULTS

The overall accuracy rate of laparoscopy in assessing optimal cytoreduction was 90%. The negative predictive value (NPV) of the clinical-radiologic evaluation corresponded to 73%, whereas in no case was the judgment of unresectable disease obtained by laparoscopy changed by the laparotomic approach (NPV 100%). On the contrary, an optimal debulking was achievable in 34 of 39 cases (87%) selected as completely resectable by explorative laparoscopy.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopy can be considered super imposable to standard longitudinal laparotomy in identifying not optimally resectable advanced ovarian cancer patients.

Laparoscopically assisted radical vaginal hysterectomy vs. radical abdominal hysterectomy for cervical cancer: a match controlled study

OBJECTIVES

The technical feasibility of laparoscopically assisted radical vaginal hysterectomy has been well described, but its advantages over the open technique remain largely unproven. We reviewed and compared our experiences with both approaches.

METHODS

All patients undergoing laparoscopically assisted radical vaginal hysterectomy (LARVH) between 1996 and 2003 were identified and matched for age, FIGO stage, histological subtype and nodal metastases using a control group of women who underwent radical abdominal hysterectomy (RAH) during the same time period.

RESULTS

Fifty-seven women were listed for LARVH, resulting in five conversions. Fifty cases were matched successfully using the criteria above. The majority of cases were FIGO stage 1B1. Statistically significant differences (P < 0.05) were present when the following were compared for LARVH vs. RAH: duration of surgery (median 180 vs. 120 min), blood loss (median 350 vs. 875 ml), hospital stay (median 5 days vs. 8 days) and duration of continuous bladder catheterisation (median 3 days vs. 7 days). There were no statistically significant differences with regard to nodal yield, completeness of surgical margins or perioperative complication rate. Four major complications (8%, three cystotomies and one enterotomy) occurred in the LARVH group and three in the RAH group (6%, one pulmonary embolism, one ureteric injury and one major haemorrhage). Three women in LARVH group had seen a specialist regarding postoperative bladder dysfunction, versus 12 in the RAH group (P = 0.04). No patients in the LARVH group reported constipation requiring regular laxatives, versus six in the RAH group (P = 0.03). Median follow-up was 52 months for LARVH and 49 months for RAH. There was no significant difference between recurrence rates or overall survival (94% for LARVH vs. 96% for RAH).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the inherent limitations of LARVH and its associated learning curve, the procedure conveys many advantages over the open technique in terms of blood loss, transfusion requirement and hospital stay. In addition, the incidence of postoperative bladder and bowel dysfunction appears low-suggesting improved quality of life-without compromising survival.

Minilaparotomy for type II and III radical hysterectomy: technique, feasibility, and complications

The objective was to assess the feasibility, the operative and postoperative outcome, and complications in the use of minilaparotomy for type II and III radical hysterectomy (RH) and pelvic lymphadenectomy (PLN) in early-stage cervical/endometrial cancer. A pilot study on 91 consecutive patients submitted to type II and III RH and PLN for early-stage cervical/endometrial cancer was performed between March 2002 and May 2003 in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology (UCSC, Rome). Thirty-two of 91 cases (35.2%) were eligible for minilaparotomy. The mean operative time was 156.7 min, whereas the mean intraoperative estimate of blood loss was 303.7 ml. A mean number of 32.7 pelvic lymph nodes and 6.2 common iliac nodes were removed. Ileus and removal of bladder catheter were on mean postoperative day 2.4 and 3.4, respectively. The mean number of postoperative days spent in the hospital was 3.7. Intra- and postoperative parameters were compared to laparotomy controls and literature data on laparoscopy and Pfannenstiel incision, showing substantially comparable results. Minilaparotomy is acceptable for selected patients undergoing radical abdominal hysterectomy (RAH) and PLN and does not compromise the adequacy of the procedure. It can be considered as an alternative to the classic midline vertical incision or even to the Pfannenstiel incisions and laparoscopy.

Extent of radical hysterectomy: evolving emphasis

OBJECTIVE

As with other oncologic operations, the indications for and the technique of radical hysterectomy for cervical cancer has changed considerably since its initial conception in the late 19th century. This paper reviews the evolution of concepts concerning the extent of radical hysterectomy for cervical cancer.

METHODS

A Medline literature search was performed through looking for articles published in the English language that related to radical hysterectomy for cervical cancer. Specific subjects that were searched included technique, morbidity, and histopathologic assessment of the parametria.

RESULTS

Initial emphasis on local control and potential long-term survival gradually shifted to reduction of mortality and serious morbidity. Early refinements directed attention to the regional lymph nodes, definition of prognostic factors, and determination of the population of patients best suited for the operation. During the mid to late 20th century, a better understanding of regional and local prognostic factors helped clarify the role of adjuvant treatment following radical hysterectomy. By the mid 20th century, the mortality and serious morbidity rates had fallen substantially, and attention turned to reduction of other types of morbidity, especially urinary bladder voiding dysfunction. Reduction of much of the serious morbidity (urinary fistulas) and voiding dysfunction has been related to modifications of the extent of radical hysterectomy. Specific nerve-sparing techniques now have been described. However, maintaining full radicality continues to be emphasized at some centers.

CONCLUSION

The current primary operative approaches to stage 1B cervical cancer include full radical hysterectomy, modified radical hysterectomy followed by adjuvant therapy in selected patients, radical hysterectomy with nerve-sparing, and individualization of surgical management. Studies are needed which further elucidate the significance of parametrial micrometastases, further define and refine broadly feasible nerve-sparing techniques, and more accurately preoperatively identify low and high risk cervical tumors. Optimally, these studies will remove adjuvant treatment as a confounding variable.

Perioperative morbidity and mortality in elderly gynecological oncological patients (>/= 70 Years) by the American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classes

BACKGROUND

We evaluated the morbidity and mortality associated with American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classes III and IV versus ASA classes I and II in elderly women (>/= 70 years) undergoing gynecological oncological surgery.

METHODS

From 1986 to 2000, we retrospectively collected patients >/= 70 years of age undergoing oncological gynecological surgery. The study population consisted of 121 ASA class III and IV patients. The control group consisted of the same number of patients with ASA classes I and II, and these were matched to study patients (1:1) by clinical and surgical data. The morbidity and mortality of patients with ASA status III and IV were analyzed before and after 1992.

RESULTS

In ASA class III and IV patients, compared with ASA class I and II, a higher rate of severe morbidity (P =.000) occurred, whereas the median postoperative stay was similar (8 days). No differences between patients with ASA class III and IV and ASA class I and II for median operative time, transfusion rate, or median blood loss were found. Mortality was 3% in ASA classes III and IV.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study suggests that surgery in elderly gynecological oncological patients aged >/= 70 years with ASA class III or IV results in an acceptable perioperative morbidity and mortality rate.

Long-term bladder function in patients with locally advanced cervical carcinoma treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy and type 3-4 radical hysterectomy

BACKGROUND

The objective of the current study was to evaluate the incidence of long-term bladder dysfunction after type 3-4 radical hysterectomy in patients with locally advanced cervical carcinoma treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT).

METHODS

A case-control study was conducted to evaluate the occurrence of long-term bladder dysfunction in 76 patients with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics Stage IB-IIA (> 4 cm), Stage IIB, and Stage III cervical carcinoma who underwent type 3-4 radical hysterectomy after NACT. Preoperative assessment included acquisition of a standardized urogynecologic history, evaluation of severity of urinary incontinence symptoms, maintenance of a 3-day voiding diary, pelvic examination, urogynecologic physical examination, urodynamic assessment, and estimation of hydronephrosis. Follow-up was carried out at least 12 months after surgery.

RESULTS

Urinary symptoms (sensory loss, difficult micturition, severe urinary incontinence) were reported by 20 patients (26%). Eighteen patients (24%) had a normal urodynamic profile, 16 patients (21%) had detrusor overactivity, 22 patients (29%) had urodynamic stress incontinence, 2 patients (2%) had aconctractile detrusor, and 18 patients (24%) had mixed urinary incontinence. The length of vagina removed was significantly greater among patients who had detrusor overactivity and mixed urinary incontinence compared with patients who had a normal diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONS

The observed rate of bladder dysfunction was higher than the corresponding rate reported in the literature (76%). Three main disturbances were found: detrusor overactivity (21%), mixed urinary incontinence (24%), and de novo stress incontinence (21%). Detrusor overactivity was related to a prevalence of hypertonic bladder. Among patients who underwent type 4 radical hysterectomy, the extent of caudal resection of rectovaginal ligaments and vaginal tissue was found to be more strongly associated with bladder dysfunction than was the extent of lateral parametrial resection. Despite the fact that 76% of patients had abnormal urodynamic parameters, most patients were satisfied with their voiding condition.

Vesical dysfunctions after radical hysterectomy for cervical cancer: a critical review

Functional disorders of the lower urinary tract are the most common long-term complications following radical surgery for cancer of the uterine cervix (8-80%). These disturbances were associated to the partial interruption of the autonomic fibers innervating the bladder during the resection of anterior, lateral and posterior parametrium and vaginal cuff. The pathophysiology of these changes is actually debated. The nature of the surgical damage appears to be a decentralization rather than a complete denervation and bladder dysfunctions may be either the unmasking of intrinsic detrusor activity, characterized by a loss of beta-adrenergic innervation and a consequent alfa-adrenergic hyperinnervation or the influence of remaining sympathetic innervation. No data on long-term bladder function in patients who underwent class 4 radical hysterectomy have been reported. In our experience on long-term vesical function in 38 patients with locally advanced cervical cancer treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy and 4 Piver type radical hysterectomy, urinary symptoms were reported in 11 patients (29%), while a normal urodynamic finding was recorded in only nine patients (24%). The most common bladder dysfunction was the storage dysfunction (47%). The voiding dysfunction was present in one patient (3%) and stress urinary incontinence in 20 patients (53%). The parametrial and vaginal resections were compared among the urodynamic diagnosis The size of lateral parametria measured on the giant sections did not differ among the groups of urodynamic diagnosis, while the length of vagina removed was significantly longer in patients with detrusor dysfunctions (storage and voiding dysfunctions) than in patients with normal diagnosis or genuine stress incontinence.

Laterally extended parametrectomy (LEP), the technique for radical pelvic side wall dissection: Feasibility, technique and results

A new surgical method was introduced for the treatment of Ib lymph node positive and IIb cervical cancer patients. The lateral resection plane corresponds to the true pelvic side wall, the plane represented by the internal obturator muscle, the linea arcuata, and the piriformis muscle with the convergent branches of the sacral plexus. The LEP procedure overcomes the limitations of the standard class III-IV radical hysterectomy, which leaves in situ the gluteal superior, inferior and pudendal nodes, thus improving local control and survival.

Radiofrequency bipolar coagulation for radical hysterectomy: technique, feasibility and complications

This study describes the surgical technique and intra- and postoperative complications associated with the use of a radiofrequency bipolar coagulator in a series of 18 Piver type III-IV radical hysterectomies performed in cervical cancer patients. Preliminary vessel-by-vessel dissection of the lateral parametria was possible in 17 out of 18 (94%) cases, and a direct application of a radiofrequency bipolar coagulation instrument was performed to coagulate the posterior and anterior parametrial tissues in all cases. We were able to easily coagulate isolated vessels up to 5 mm of maximal diameter. In no case were clamps or hemoclips necessary to complete hemostasis. We did not observe any parametrial vessel damage or heat-related injury of the surrounding normal tissue. The median size of the parametria removed was 44 mm (range 31-58) and nodes were detected in 15 cases (83%). Median operative time and estimated blood loss for the whole procedure including systematic pelvic and aortic lymphadenectomy was 250 min (range 200-410) and 550 ml (range 400-2500), respectively. Median follow-up time was 9 months (range 5-13). No complications specifically related to the use of radiofrequency coagulation were found. In conclusion the radio-frequency coagulation with this instrument appears to be a safe technique that is particularly useful in reducing blood loss and operative time without affecting radicality in patients undergoing radical hysterectomy.

Parametrial tumor spreading patterns in cervix cancer patients treated by radical hysterectomy

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate tumor-spreading patterns in the parametrium.

METHODS

We conducted a prospective clinical trial between January 1998 and December 2000 to define a new method for parametrium evaluation. The parametrium was divided into three areas, paracorpus, paracervix, and paravagina. A total of 284 consecutive patients with FIGO stage IB to IIA cervical cancer who had undergone radical hysterectomy were considered for the study.

RESULTS

Of the 262 patients who were found eligible for evaluation, 135 had histopathologic analysis performed according to the new method and 127 with the traditional method. The detection of rate of parametrial invasion was 36 (26.7%) with the new and 13 (10.2%) with the traditional method (P=0.0014). The frequency of pelvic lymph node metastasis was 66.7% in patients who had tested positive for invasion of the paracorpus, 57.7% in those who had tested positive for invasion of the paracervix, and 71.4% in those who had tested positive for invasion of the paravagina. The frequency of pelvic lymph node metastasis in patients who had tested negative for invasion of the paracorpus, paracervix, or paravagina was 4.0%. Tumor cells tend to spread laterally and inferiorly in the parametrium.

CONCLUSIONS

Using our classification of three parametrium areas for histologic examination can increase the detection rates of parametrial tumor invasion and help prevent failure of local treatment by allowing to implement appropriate adjuvant therapy.

Intraoperative measurements to determine the extent of radical hysterectomy

HYPOTHESES

The extent of radical hysterectomy can be objectively measured and the measured extent of resection will correlate with morbidity.

STUDY DESIGN

Observational. The extent of radical hysterectomy was determined by measurement of overall length and excised portions of the uterosacral and cardinal ligaments. Analysis of morbidity was performed on 120 patients. Univariate analysis was accomplished with correlation, t test, and chi(2) statistical methods, and regression models were used for multivariate analysis.

RESULT

In precisely defined terms, the patients in this study underwent modified radical hysterectomy. The extent of the resection had an independent relationship to blood loss, operative time, and duration of postoperative bladder drainage. The extent of resection was also directly related to persistent bladder and rectal dysfunction.

CONCLUSIONS

This method for objectively measuring the extent of a radical hysterectomy is feasible. The extent of the procedure correlates with morbidity.

Laparoscopic radical hysterectomy (type III) with aortic and pelvic lymphadenectomy in patients with stage I cervical cancer: surgical morbidity and intermediate follow-up

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to determine the risk of recurrence and to quantify morbidity and mortality rates in patients with cervical cancer who consented to undergo laparoscopic radical hysterectomy (type III) and retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy.

STUDY DESIGN

Seventy-eight consecutive patients with stage IA(2) and IB cervical cancer with at least 3 years of follow-up consented to undergo this surgical procedure with argon beam coagulation and endoscopic staplers. All patients had a Quetelet index of <35. The average age was 41.5 years (range, 26-62 years). Sixty-eight patients had squamous cell carcinomas; 8 patients had adenocarcinomas, and 2 patients had adenosquamous carcinomas of the cervix.

RESULTS

All but 5 surgical procedures were completed laparoscopically. The average operative time was 205 minutes (range, 150-430 minutes). The average blood loss was 225 mL (range, 50-700 mL). One patient (1.3%) had transfusion. Operative cystotomies occurred for 3 patients: 2 cystotomies were repaired laparoscopically, and 1 cystotomy required laparotomy. One patient underwent laparotomy because of equipment failure, and another patient underwent laparotomy to pass a ureteral stent. Two other patients underwent laparotomy to control bleeding sites. The average lymph node count was 34 (range, 19-68). Nine patients (11.5%) had positive lymph nodes. All surgical margins were macroscopically negative, but 3 patients had microscopically positive and/or close surgical margins. One patient had a ureterovaginal fistula after the operation that required reoperation. Follow-up has been provided every 3 months. There have been 4 documented recurrences (5.1%), with a minimum of 3 years of follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic radical hysterectomy (type III) can be successfully completed in patients with early-stage cervical cancer with acceptable morbidity. Intermediate-term follow-up validates the adequacy of this procedure.

Parametrial spread of cervical cancer in patients with negative pelvic lymph nodes

OBJECTIVE

We studied the incidence and prognostic implications of parametrial involvement according to tumor volume in a series of cervical cancer patients with negative pelvic lymph nodes.

METHODS

We reviewed a series of 351 node-negative patients with stage IB, IIA, or IIB cervical cancer treated with class III radical hysterectomy. The surgical specimens were processed as step-serial giant sections and tumor volume was calculated. Overall, 180 patients had tumors <5 mL, 120 had tumors of 5-20 mL, and 51 had tumors >20 mL. Parametrial involvement was classified as continuous, discontinuous, or involvement of blood vessels or lymph nodes and according to location as medial or lateral. A total of 302 patients had squamous cell tumors and 49 had adenocarcinomas. The mean duration of follow-up was 9.3 years.

RESULTS

Overall, 44 of 351 patients (12.5%) had parametrial involvement. The rate of parametrial involvement in patients with tumors <5, 5-20, and >20 mL was 6.7, 12.5, and 33%, respectively. Isolated involvement of the medial parametrium increased with tumor size (3.8, 8.3, and 27.5%, respectively), whereas isolated involvement of the lateral parametrium was seen in 2.2, 1.6, and 0% of the cases. Involvement of both the medial and the lateral portions of the parametrium was seen in 0.5, 2.5, and 5.9% of the specimens, respectively. There were no differences in the rate of parametrial involvement between squamous cell carcinomas and adenocarcinomas. The 5-year disease-free survival rates in patients without or with parametrial involvement were 90.2% vs 90%, 91.7% vs 92.9%, and 84.7% vs 67%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The lateral portion of the parametrium can be involved in patients with cervical cancer and negative pelvic lymph nodes, but this is uncommon. In this series of patients treated with type III radical hysterectomy, parametrial involvement had no influence on disease-free survival.

Systematic pelvic and aortic lymphadenectomy in elderly gynecologic oncologic patients

BACKGROUND

Retroperitoneal lymph node dissection is a fundamental step in the surgical management of patients with pelvic gynecologic malignancies, but its applicability to geriatric patients is controversial. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether pelvic and aortic lymphadenectomy in elderly patients with gynecologic malignancies can be a safe procedure in terms of morbidity and mortality.

METHODS

In a retrospective case-control study, the authors compared morbidity, mortality, and surgical data in a series of elderly patients (age > 70 years) with endometrial and ovarian carcinoma who underwent surgery. Patients were divided into two groups: Cases were 36 elderly patients who underwent surgery and pelvic and/or aortic lymphadenectomy and were matched with 72 controls, who were patients who underwent surgery without lymphadenectomy.

RESULTS

Cases showed a significantly longer median operative time than controls (median, 162 minutes [range, 85-330 minutes] vs. median, 100 minutes [range 20-310 minutes], respectively; P = 0.003). No significant difference between the two groups in terms of blood loss, blood transfusions, intraoperative complications, duration of ileus, reintervention required, or postoperative hospital stay were observed. One patient in the control group died. The type and frequency of severe postoperative complications in the two groups were not substantially different.

CONCLUSIONS

Pelvic and aortic lymphadenectomy was performed safely in elderly patients age > or = 70 years with endometrial and ovarian carcinoma without an increase in morbidity and mortality. Advanced chronologic age alone should not be considered a contraindication to full surgical treatment in these patients.

Is there a place for a less extensive radical surgery in locally advanced cervical cancer patients?

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to assess the association among the pathological status of different lymph node groups and parametrium in a single institutional population of 103 locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC) cases who underwent surgery after a neoadjuvant approach. A series of 29 early cervical cancer patients was also included in the analysis.

METHODS

Eighty-two LACC patients with documented clinical response to neoadjuvant treatment and 29 early stage cases underwent radical surgery. The operative technique consisted of a type II-V radical hysterectomy and systematic pelvic lymphadenectomy (median number of lymph nodes removed 46; range 5-140). Sixty-four cases were submitted to para-aortic lymphadenectomy up to the level of the inferior mesenteric artery (median number of lymph nodes removed 13; range 1-37).

RESULTS

Two subgroups of lymph nodes were defined: lower pelvic lymph nodes (LPN), including obturator and external iliac nodes, and upper pelvic nodes (UPN) including common iliac, presacral, and internal iliac nodes. Metastatic UPN involvement showed a strict association with LPN involvement: in LACC cases, 6 of 7 (86%) positive UPN cases had tumor disease at the LPN level. The single positive UPN case with negative LPN was intraoperatively identified by palpation and frozen section. Similarly, in early cervical cancer patients, 100% of positive UPN cases showed metastatic involvement at the LPN level. Sixty-three of 70 (90%) LACC patients with negative histological parametrium had negative LPN. Among 12 cases with metastatic involvement of parametrium, 5 cases (41.7%) had positive LPN. In early stage cervical cancer, 23 of 27 (85%) cases with negative parametrium showed no lymph nodal involvement. Intraoperative palpation of the parametrium could identify all cases with parametrial involvement not predicted by LPN status.

CONCLUSIONS

These data offer the basis for tailoring the extent of radical surgery in LACC patients, through the selection of those lymph node stations likely to provide reliable information on the pathological status of UPN and parametrium.

Pelvic and aortic lymphadenectomy

Pelvic and aortic lymphadenectomy for gynecologic malignancies has changed from a random "picking" of some pelvic and aortic lymph nodes to a well-established technique based on adequate knowledge of the patterns of spread of the primary tumor. The identification of the node groups to remove, the number of nodes to count, and the border of dissection in the different clinical situations make pelvic and aortic lymphadenectomy a reproducible surgical intervention. The large experience accumulated over the years has greatly improved the technique and perioperative and complication management. The improved knowledge of the natural history of gynecologic tumors has refined the indications for lymph node dissection. Today, pelvic and aortic lymphadenectomy is primarily a staging procedure. The therapeutic value of lymphadenectomy is recognized in the surgical treatment of cervical cancer, but it is still under evaluation in ovarian and endometrial tumors.

Iatrogenic injuries in gynecologic cancer surgery

Iatrogenic injury is always an unwelcome event at the time of surgery. Prior history of multiple laparatomies, radiation therapy, or a distorted pelvic anatomy caused by a malignancy are all factors that may make iatrogenic injury a likely event. In these situations, complications at times can be considered unavoidable. Injuries during benign surgical procedures also can be difficult to manage, especially if not diagnosed at the time of occurrence. Operative knowledge to manage the more commonly encountered complications must be in the repertoire of all surgeons, including those dealing with abdominopelvic malignancies. This article reviews the more common genitourinary, gastrointestinal, and neural injuries encountered during gynecological surgical procedures and discusses basic management strategies.

Radical abdominal hysterectomy

Radical abdominal hysterectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy remain the gold standard procedures for the treatment of early cervical cancer. Over the years, the establishment of formal gynecologic oncology training programs, general medical advancements, and new surgical techniques have resulted in a satisfactory tumor resection, with improved overall therapeutic index and reliable cure rates. The role of neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapy continues to be defined as the results from randomized trials emerge.

Type III radical hysterectomy after induction chemotherapy for patients with locally advanced cervical carcinoma

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgery is a promising approach in locally advanced cervical carcinoma. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility, technical aspects, and clinical results of surgery after induction chemotherapy in this patient population. Forty-one untreated cervical carcinoma patients staged as IB2 to IIIB received three 21-day courses of cisplatin 100mg/m2 on day 1 and gemcitabine 1000 mg/m2 on days 1 and 8 followed by surgery or concomitant chemoradiation. The response to chemotherapy, operability, surgical/pathological findings, disease-free period, and survival of the surgically treated patients were evaluated. All 41 patients were evaluated for toxicity and 40 were evaluated for response. The overall objective response rate was 95% (95% confidence interval 88%-100%), and was complete in three patients (7.5%) and partial in 35 (87.5%). Granulocytopenia grades 3/4 occurred in 13.8% and 3.4% of the courses, respectively, whereas nonhematological toxicity was mild. Twenty-three patients underwent type III radical hysterectomy. Mean duration of surgery was 3.8 h (range 2:30-5:20), median estimated blood loss was 670 ml and median hospital stay was 5.2 days. Intraoperative complications occurred in one case (venous injury). In all but one case the resection margins were negative. Four patients (17%) had positive nodes (one node each); six (26%) had complete pathologic response, three (13%) had microscopic; and 14 (60%) macroscopic residual disease. At 24 months of maximum follow-up (median 20), the disease-free and overall survival rates were 59% and 91%, respectively. Induction chemotherapy with cisplatin/gemcitabine produced a high response rate and did not increase the difficulty of surgery. Operating time, blood loss, intraoperative complications, and hospital stay were all within the range observed for type III hysterectomy in early stage patients. We therefore conclude that type III radical hysterectomy is feasible in locally advanced cervical cancer patients who respond to chemotherapy.

Class II versus class III radical hysterectomy in stage IB-IIA cervical cancer: a prospective randomized study

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to determine the role of the extent of the radicality in the treatment of stage IB-IIA cervical carcinoma with respect to survival, pattern of relapse, and morbidity.

METHODS

Two-hundred forty-three patients with cervical carcinoma (FIGO stages IB and IIa) were enrolled in a prospective randomized study comparing two types of radical hysterectomy (Piver-Rutledge-Smith class II and class III) between April 1987 and December 1993, and 238 are evaluable. Disease-free survival, overall survival, pattern of recurrences, and morbidity were the endpoints of this study.

RESULTS

Mean operative time was significantly (P = 0. 05) shorter in the group of patients undergoing class II hysterectomy (135 min vs 180 min), whereas mean blood loss (530 ml vs 580 ml) and number of patients requiring transfusions (35% vs 43%) were similar in the two arms of treatment. Complications unrelated to the extent of the surgical dissection and mean postoperative stay were similar in the two arms of treatment. Late morbidity was significantly lower in patients in the class II arm (especially urologic morbidity, 13% vs 28%). Postoperative radiotherapy was administered to 64 patients (54%) in class II and to 65 patients (55%) in the class III arm. Recurrence rate (24% class II vs 26% class III) and number of patients dead of disease (18% class II vs 20% class III) were not significantly different in the two groups of treatment. Overall 5-year survival was 81 and 77% and disease-free survival was 75 and 73%, respectively. Multivariate analysis confirms that survival does not depend on the type of operation.

CONCLUSIONS

Class II and class III radical hysterectomies are equally effective in surgical treatment of cervical carcinoma, but the former is associated with a lesser degree of late complications.

Parametrial resection for invasive cervical cancer

Removal of the parametrium represents the greatest technical challenge and is the main source of treatment related morbidity during radical surgery for carcinoma of the cervix. The move away from radical en bloc strategies, seen in breast and vulvar cancer surgery, has not taken place in cervical cancer; rather an increase of radicality has been advocated. One important reason is uncertainty about the pattern of lymphatic drainage in the parametrium, in particular the existence or absence of parametrial lymph nodes. According to classic anatomic studies and more recent lymphangiographic studies, the parametrium is viewed as a lymph collecting trunk interposed between the organ of drainage (the cervix) and the regional nodes located on the pelvic wall. In contrast to this view, studies in cervical cancer patients using the giant section technique have reported nodes that may be involved early in spread of cervical cancer and which are distributed randomly throughout the parametrium. Based on this observation a strategy of uncompromised radicality regarding parametrial resection has evolved in preference to an individualized strategy with the degree of radicality tailored according to the need for safe margins around the central tumor. This review presents an overview of current knowledge about the parametrium and a discussion about decision making regarding parametrial resection in cervical cancer.

Gynecologic oncologic surgery in the elderly: A retrospective analysis of 213 patients

OBJECTIVES

The aims of the study were (1) to analyze morbidity and mortality for elderly women (>/=70 years) operated on for gynecological malignancies at our department between 1985 and 1996; and (2) to compare two periods of time (years 1985-1990 versus years 1991-1996) to investigate whether new expedience in the surgical technique as well as in the perioperative management introduced by 1991 influenced the feasibility and tolerability of surgery in elderly patients.

METHODS

In a retrospective analysis, we evaluated tumor site, comorbidities, surgical features, morbidity, and mortality. By 1991, several modifications in management were introduced, including: (1) early postoperative mobilization; (2) self-donation with autologous blood transfusion; (3) intraoperative antibiotic prophylaxis; (4) the retroperitoneum was left open and drains were not used after pelvic and aortic lymphadenectomy; (5) use of coagulator forceps and hemoclips for meticolous hemostasis.

RESULTS

In 213 patients, tumor site distribution was uterine corpus n = 93, ovary n = 51, vulva n = 29, cervix n = 23, breast n = 15, and vagina n = 2. There were advanced stage diseases in 47%, comorbid illnesses in 76%, and high surgical risk in 48%. Sixty-nine patients (group A) and 144 patients (group B) were treated in the first and second study periods, respectively. Overall, severe postoperative morbidity and mortality were 17 and 2.8%, respectively. Group B compared to group A showed more frequent use of major surgical procedures (P < 0.01) and lymphadenectomy (P < 0.04), lower transfusion rate (P < 0.001), reduced severe morbidity (P < 0.002), lower mortality (P = 0.3), and shorter hospital stay (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study suggests that surgery, including very radical procedures, is reasonably feasible and well tolerated by elderly patients. The introduction of technical and medical advances in the later years of the study resulted in a significant improvement of surgical rates.

Treating gastrointestinal bleeding with endoscopic hemoclips

Seventeen patients were treated with endoscopic hemoclip placement in order to arrest or prevent active bleeding. Eight patients were investigated for lower gastrointestinal problems, and 9 patients for upper gastrointestinal indications. Success rate was 100%. Application was relatively easy. Comparative studies with other modes of endoscopic hemostasis are needed.

A randomized study comparing retroperitoneal drainage with no drainage after lymphadenectomy in gynecologic malignancies

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the clinical effectiveness of retroperitoneal drainage following lymphadenectomy in gynecologic surgery.

METHODS

One hundred thirty-seven consecutive patients undergoing systematic lymphadenectomy for gynecologic malignancies were randomized to receive (Group A, 68) or not (Group B, 69) retroperitoneal drainage. The pelvic peritoneum and the paracolic gutters were not sutured after node dissection. Perioperative data and complications were recorded.

RESULTS

Clinical and surgical parameters were comparable in the two groups. Postoperative hospital stay was significantly shorter in Group B (P < 0.001), whereas the complication rate was significantly higher in Group A (P = 0.01). This was mainly due to a significant increase in lymphocyst and lymphocyst-related morbidity. Sonographic monitoring for lymphocyst showed free abdominal fluid in 18% of drained and 36% of not-drained patients (P = 0.03). Symptomatic ascites developed in 2 drained (3%) and 3 not-drained (4%) patients (NS), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Prophylactic drainage of the retroperitoneum seems to increase lymphadenectomy-related morbidity and postoperative stay. Therefore, routine drainage following lymphadenectomy seems to be no longer indicated when the retroperitoneum is left open.

Modified type IV-V radical hysterectomy with systematic pelvic and aortic lymphadenectomy in the treatment of patients with stage III cervical carcinoma. Feasibility, technique, and clinical results

BACKGROUND

Due to the high prevalence of perioperative major morbidity and the difficulties in achieving surgical disease free margins, surgery has had no role in the treatment of patients with Stage III cervical carcinoma.

METHODS

Forty-two women with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) Stage III cervical carcinoma responding to platinum-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy underwent the maximum surgical effort, comprised of a modified type IV-V radical hysterectomy (37 patients) or anterior pelvectomy (5 patients) with systematic pelvic and aortic lymphadenectomy. Feasibility, modifications of surgical technique, and pathologic and clinical data were analyzed.

RESULTS

Surgery was feasible in all 42 patients intraoperatively selected. Disease free margins were achieved in all but one patient. The median operating time was 390 minutes, and the median estimated blood loss was 800 mL. In the last series of patients, these figures declined to 320 minutes and 600 mL, respectively. Major morbidity consisted of severe intraoperative hemorrhage in two patients, pulmonary embolism in four, ureteral fistula in three, and laparocele in three. The number of lymph nodes removed ranged from 30 to 117 with a median of 56. The mean lengths of vagina and lateral parametrium resected were 55 and 48 mm, respectively. Despite perioperative chemotherapy, lymph node metastasis was present in 36% of patients, parametrial disease in 38%, and vaginal disease in 45%. After a median follow-up of 53 months, the 5-year overall and disease-free survival rates of radically operated patients were 70% and 58%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Thanks to improved surgical technique and perioperative care, extended radical surgery appears to be feasible with acceptable morbidity in chemosensitive women with Stage III cervical carcinoma and may constitute a valid alternative to radiotherapy in these patients.