G. Massi et al., Extraperitoneal pelvic lymphadenectomy to complement vaginal operations for cervical and endometrial cancer, INT J GYN O, 69(1), 2000, pp. 27-35
Objective: The aim of the current study was to test the applicability of a
personal modification of Mitra extraperitoneal pelvic lymphadenectomy in co
mbination with radical vaginal operations for treatment of endometrial and
cervical cancer. Method: In a prospective series, 82 patients were submitte
d to extraperitoneal pelvic lymphadenectomy. In 34 cases of stage I endomet
rial cancer the procedure was combined with a class I vaginal hysterectomy
and in 48 cases of cervical cancer stage Ib-IIIb lymphadenectomy was associ
ated with a class II or III radical vaginal hysterectomy. Type of anesthesi
a, number of lymph nodes removed, operating time, blood loss and postoperat
ive complications were recorded. Result: The operation was performed with s
pinal anesthesia in 43% of the cases. Thirty-seven patients (45%) were high
surgical risk because of associated diseases. The median operative time fo
r lymphadenectomy was 20 min for each side; the vaginal procedures took a m
edian of 25 min (class I) and 40 min (class II-III). Blood transfusions wer
e necessary in seven cases (8.5%). A median of 26 lymph nodes were removed
from each patient. Lymphocyst occurred in seven patients (8.5%), retroperit
oneal hematoma in two and retroperitoneal abscess in one. Conclusion: Extra
peritoneal pelvic lymphadenectomy has proven to be a safe and quick techniq
ue to complement vaginal operations for endometrial and cervical cancer. Sp
ecific features of this approach are: (1) fast, timesaving procedure; (2) p
ossible use of spinal anesthesia; and (3) applicability in high surgical ri
sk patients. (C) 2000 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics
.