Feasibility and safety of total laparoscopic radical hysterectomy.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate feasibility and morbidity of a total laparoscopic radical hysterectomy (TLRH).


METHODS
Retrospective chart review (Canadian Task Force classification II-3).


METHODS
Gynecologic cancer center.


METHODS
Fifty-five women with cervical (39), endometrial (8), vaginal (2), or recurrent colon cancer (1), or severe pelvic endometriosis (5) followed for 3 years.


METHODS
TLRH in 55 women, converted to laparotomy in 3 (5.5%).


RESULTS
Feasibility, safety, patterns of recurrence, and survival were assessed. Estimated blood loss was 200 ml (range 50-2000 ml), median total operating time was 210 minutes, and median hospital stay was 5 days. Intraoperative complications were three vascular injuries and one obturator nerve palsy, all of which occurred in the first half of the series. Early postoperative morbidity included deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, bladder infection and dysfunction, and vaginal fistula. These events occurred less frequently in the second half of the series. Late postoperative morbidity consisted of lymphedema, pelvic abscess and lymphocyst formation, pelvic cellulitis, hyperesthesia of the leg, and small bowel obstruction. The only fatality was a patient who developed a pulmonary embolus on postoperative day 3. Median follow-up was 36.5 months. Of 39 women with cervical cancer, 34 were alive and disease free at their last visit. No case of port site metastasis occurred during follow-up.


CONCLUSIONS
TLRH carries acceptably low morbidity that can be reduced with experience with the technique.
Obermair
Andreas
A
King Edward Memorial Hospital for Women, Royal Women's Hospital, Herston, Australia.
Ginbey
Peter
P
McCartney
Anthony J
AJ
D016889:Endometrial Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D004715:Endometriosis / Q000601:surgery; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007044:Hysterectomy / Q000379:methods* / Q000401:mortality; D007431:Intraoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology; D010535:Laparoscopy; D008875:Middle Aged; D009017:Morbidity; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012449:Safety; D013997:Time Factors; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D014625:Vaginal Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery