Our Summary

This study compares the effectiveness and safety of three surgical procedures used to treat cervical cancer: Laparoscopic Radical Hysterectomy with Karez technique (LRH-Karez), Abdominal Radical Hysterectomy (ARH), and conventional minimally invasive surgery (MIS). The research involved 413 patients with advanced cervical cancer who were treated between 2012 and 2022 in three hospitals in China.

The results showed that LRH-Karez caused less blood loss during surgery than the other methods, although it took longer to perform. Most importantly, patients who underwent LRH-Karez had a higher survival rate (85% after five years) compared to conventional MIS (53.6%) and a similar survival rate to patients who received ARH (78.3%).

In short, the LRH-Karez technique seems to be a safer surgical option for treating advanced cervical cancer than conventional MIS, with survival rates similar to the more invasive ARH procedure. This suggests that LRH-Karez, which is based on a detailed understanding of the surgical space anatomy, could be a valuable treatment option worth further investigation.

FAQs

  1. What are the three surgical procedures compared in this study for treating cervical cancer?
  2. How does the LRH-Karez technique compare to the other methods in terms of blood loss, operation time, and survival rates?
  3. Why is the LRH-Karez technique considered a potentially valuable treatment option for advanced cervical cancer?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor may tell a patient undergoing a radical hysterectomy that the LRH-Karez technique has shown to be a safer option with better survival rates compared to conventional minimally invasive surgery. It may be worth considering this technique for the procedure.

Suitable For

Patients with advanced cervical cancer who require a radical hysterectomy as part of their treatment plan are typically recommended for this procedure. Additionally, patients who have not responded to other forms of treatment such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy may also be candidates for a radical hysterectomy. It is important for patients to discuss their individual case with their healthcare provider to determine the best course of treatment.

Timeline

Before the radical hysterectomy:

  1. Patient is diagnosed with advanced cervical cancer and discusses treatment options with their healthcare provider.
  2. Patient undergoes pre-operative testing and consultations to determine the best surgical approach.
  3. Patient prepares for surgery, including fasting and following any pre-operative instructions.

After the radical hysterectomy:

  1. Patient recovers in the hospital for a few days following the surgery.
  2. Patient may experience pain, discomfort, and fatigue in the days and weeks following the surgery.
  3. Patient will have follow-up appointments with their healthcare provider to monitor their recovery and discuss any further treatment options.
  4. Patient may undergo radiation therapy or chemotherapy as part of their treatment plan.
  5. Patient will be monitored for any signs of cancer recurrence and will undergo regular check-ups to ensure their health and well-being.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with a radical hysterectomy?
  2. How will a radical hysterectomy affect my fertility and sexual function?
  3. What is the recovery process like after a radical hysterectomy?
  4. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider before proceeding with a radical hysterectomy?
  5. How experienced are you in performing radical hysterectomies, and what is your success rate with this procedure?
  6. Will I need any additional treatments, such as radiation or chemotherapy, after the surgery?
  7. What can I do to prepare for a radical hysterectomy, both physically and mentally?
  8. How will a radical hysterectomy impact my overall quality of life in the long term?

Reference

Authors: Yang X, Chen S, Li Y, Peng J, Wang J, Ni X, Lu R, Fan J, Zhang S, Wang Y. Journal: Int J Surg. 2025 Jul 1;111(7):4516-4527. doi: 10.1097/JS9.0000000000002522. Epub 2025 May 16. PMID: 40387736