[Treatment of pelvic lymph node involvement in early stage cervical cancer].
OBJECTIVE
Results of a retrospective paired study comparing the outcome of patients irradiated for lymph node involvement according to the method of node assessment: laparotomy or laparoscopy.


METHODS
Twenty-six patients with cervical cancer managed by postoperative radiation therapy for pelvic node involvement during the Wertheim-Meigs operation (historical group) were compared to 26 patients in whom lymph node involvement was discovered at the time of laparoscopy and managed by definitive radiation therapy without hysterectomy (laparoscopy group). The patients were matched according to age, stage, tumor histology and tumoral volume.


RESULTS
No difference was observed in the five-year survivals. Although it was not significant there were more grade 3-4 radio-induced complications in the historical group.


CONCLUSIONS
The introduction of laparoscopy and the absence of hysterectomy did not impair the outcome of our patients. Laparoscopic lymphadenectomy reduces the risk of radio-induced adverse effects.
Leblanc
E
E
Département de sénologie en cancérologie gynécologique, centre Oscar-Lambret, Lille.
Castelain
B
B
Lanvin
D
D
Querleu
D
D
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010388:Pelvis; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology* / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000601:surgery