Our Summary

This research evaluated the surgical treatment of early-stage cervical cancer in Europe. The study used data from the SUCCOR database, which included over a thousand patients who had undergone a radical hysterectomy for this type of cancer between 2013 and 2014.

They started by analyzing the patients’ backgrounds, including age, body mass index, and previous medical history. They then looked at the outcomes of the surgery, including disease-free survival and overall survival rates. They also assessed the quality of the surgery using established guidelines from the European Society of Gynaecological Oncology (ESGO).

From the data, it was noted that most of the patients had a type of cancer called squamous carcinoma. A good number of patients had complications during or after the surgery, with bladder dysfunction being the most common. Despite these challenges, the survival rates were high - 88.3% of patients were disease-free five years after surgery, and the overall survival rate was 94.9%.

One interesting finding was that the majority of medical centers were already following the ESGO’s quality guidelines for surgery even before they were officially implemented. Furthermore, the study found that a higher proportion of patients in Europe received additional therapy after surgery compared to similar patients reported in other studies.

In simple terms, this study is about understanding how early-stage cervical cancer is treated surgically in Europe, what the outcomes of the treatment are, and how well the procedures meet established quality standards.

FAQs

  1. What is the SUCCOR database used for in this research?
  2. What were the common complications patients faced during or after radical hysterectomy?
  3. What were the survival rates for patients who underwent radical hysterectomy for early-stage cervical cancer in Europe?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might give a patient undergoing a radical hysterectomy for early-stage cervical cancer is to closely follow post-operative care instructions, including attending all follow-up appointments and screenings. It’s also important to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and a balanced diet, to support recovery and reduce the risk of cancer recurrence. Additionally, discussing any concerns or questions with your healthcare team can help ensure the best possible outcome.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended radical hysterectomy for early-stage cervical cancer include those with squamous carcinoma, as it was the most common type of cancer seen in the study. Additionally, patients who are able to tolerate surgery and have a good overall health status may also be recommended for this procedure. It is important to note that each patient’s case is unique, and decisions regarding treatment should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider.

Timeline

Before a radical hysterectomy, a patient typically undergoes a series of diagnostic tests to confirm the presence and stage of cervical cancer. They may also receive counseling and support to prepare for the surgery. During the surgery itself, the patient is placed under general anesthesia, and the surgeon removes the uterus, cervix, and surrounding tissues. After the surgery, the patient may experience pain, discomfort, and side effects such as bladder dysfunction. They will also need to follow up with their healthcare provider for monitoring and potential additional therapy.

After a radical hysterectomy, the patient may experience a period of recovery, which includes managing pain, rest, and gradually returning to normal activities. They may also need to adjust to changes in their body, such as menopausal symptoms if the ovaries were removed during surgery. Follow-up appointments and monitoring are essential to ensure the cancer has been effectively treated and to address any potential complications or recurrence. Long-term survival rates for patients who undergo radical hysterectomy for early-stage cervical cancer are generally high, with a significant proportion of patients remaining disease-free and surviving for many years after the surgery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Questions a patient should ask their doctor about radical hysterectomy:

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with a radical hysterectomy for early-stage cervical cancer?
  2. How will this surgery affect my fertility and future reproductive options?
  3. What is the expected recovery time and post-operative care plan?
  4. Will I need additional therapies, such as radiation or chemotherapy, after the surgery?
  5. What is the success rate of this surgery in terms of disease-free survival and overall survival?
  6. What guidelines or standards do you follow to ensure the quality of the surgery?
  7. How many of these surgeries have you performed, and what is your experience and success rate with this procedure?
  8. Are there alternative treatment options available besides a radical hysterectomy?
  9. How will this surgery impact my quality of life, including potential changes in bladder or sexual function?
  10. Are there any long-term side effects or considerations I should be aware of after undergoing a radical hysterectomy?

Reference

Authors: Boria F, Chiva L, Zanagnolo V, Querleu D, Martin-Calvo N, Căpîlna ME, Fagotti A, Kucukmetin A, Mom C, Chakalova G, Shamistan A, Malzoni M, Narducci F, Arencibia O, Raspagliesi F, Toptas T, Cibula D, Kaidarova D, Meydanli MM, Tavares M, Golub D, Perrone AM, Poka R, Tsolakidis D, Vujić G, Jedryka MA, Zusterzeel PLM, Beltman JJ, Goffin F, Haidopoulos D, Haller H, Jach R, Yezhova I, Berlev I, Bernardino M, Bharathan R, Lanner M, Maenpaa MM, Sukhin V, Feron JG, Fruscio R, Kukk K, Ponce J, Alonso-Espías M, Minguez JA, Vázquez-Vicente D, Manzour N, Jurado M, Castellanos T, Chacon E, Alcazar JL. Journal: Int J Gynecol Cancer. 2021 Sep;31(9):1212-1219. doi: 10.1136/ijgc-2021-002587. Epub 2021 Jul 28. PMID: 34321289