[Laparoscopic radical hysterectomy with lymphatic mapping and sentinel lymph node biopsy in early cervical cancer]

Abstract

Background: in patients with early-stage cervical cancer (FIGO IA, IB2 and IIA), the incidence of lymph node metastases is up to 15%; the majority of early cervical cancer patients with pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomy does not benefit with the procedure and are at risk of associated morbidity (linfocyst, lymphedema, vascular or nerve damage).

Objective: To describe the experience and usefulness of lymphatic mapping and sentinel lymph node with total laparoscopic radical hysterectomy in early stage cervical cancer.

Patients and method: Retrospective study in patients with diagnosis of cervical cancer in early stage, submitted to laparoscopic radical hysterectomy with lymphatic mapping and sentinel lymph node biopsy. We analyzed sentinel lymph node identification, false negative rate and surgical variables.

Results: in 36 months 15 patients were included, two in IA2 FIGO stage, twelve IB1 and one IIA; thirteen patients were mapping with combined technique and two only with dye. The sentinel lymph node identification rate was 87% (two failures in the patients using only blue dye); the false negative rate was 0%.

Conclusion: Laparoscopic radical hysterectomy with lymphatic mapping is a secure technique for patients with early stage cervical cancer; it allows the correct identification of lymph node status as the principal prognostic factor. We recommend the use of combined technique (radiocolloid tracer and blue dye) for best rate sentinel lymph node identification.