Total laparoscopic radical parametrectomy

Although the surgical approach to early invasive cervical carcinoma may result in a better functional quality of life, the majority of patients with occult cervical cancer posthysterectomy still are treated with radiation therapy. Obviously, a radical operation still is considered a technically difficult task. Recently, laparoscopic-assisted vaginal radical parametrectomy (LAVRP) has been reported as an alternative treatment for this situation. In laparoscopic-assisted vaginal radical hysterectomy (LARVH), parts of the procedure are performed vaginally. We modified LAVRP in treating cervical cancer as through the laparoscope completely total laparoscopic radical parametrectomy (TLRP). The major advantage of TLRP for occult cervical cancer is that the entire surgery is performed under direct observation. It may reduce the possibility of visceral organ injury during vaginal procedures and could minimize the vaginal bleeding from vaginal dissection. Our preliminary experiences suggest that TLRP is feasible for carefully selected candidates.