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.