Laparoscopic procedure compared with open radical hysterectomy with pelvic lymphadenectomy in early cervical cancer: a retrospective study

OBJECTIVE: To compare clinical outcomes in laparoscopic and open radical hysterectomy with pelvic lymphadenectomy (LRH) in early cervical cancer without the selection bias. METHODS: One special retrospective study was conducted with more than 400 patients involved in laparoscopic procedure. RESULTS: Our results suggest that estimated blood loss and transfusion requirements were significantly lower in the LRH group. Postoperative hospital stay was also significantly shorter in the LRH group. Significant difference was found in the number of pelvic lymph nodes retrieved between the LRH and open radical hysterectomy with pelvic lymphadenectomy (ORH) groups. There were no differences in operating time, perioperative complications, progression-free survival, and overall survival between the LRH and ORH groups. CONCLUSION: LRH can be considered a safe and effective alternative to conventional open surgery (ORH) for early-stage cervical cancer.