Our Summary

This study looked at the rate of surgical complications in women with early-stage cervical cancer in the Netherlands who underwent a specific type of surgery (radical hysterectomy with pelvic lymphadenectomy). Researchers looked at data from 472 women treated between 2015 and 2017 in 9 specialized medical centers, and found that 35% of them experienced complications within 30 days of surgery.

The most common problems were urinary issues requiring catheterization (15% of women) and excessive blood loss during surgery (11% of women). They found that the risk of complications was higher in patients who had open surgery, those with chronic lung disease or vascular disease, and in certain medical centers. They also found that lower body mass index was linked to a lower risk of urinary issues, while higher body mass index and open surgery were linked to a higher risk of excessive blood loss during surgery.

In simpler terms, this study found that a significant proportion of women with early-stage cervical cancer experienced complications after surgery, and certain factors like the type of surgery and other health conditions increased the risk of these complications. This information can be used to improve care and potentially reduce the risk of complications in future patients.

FAQs

  1. What were the most common complications experienced by women after radical hysterectomy with pelvic lymphadenectomy?
  2. What factors were found to increase the risk of complications after this type of surgery?
  3. How can the information from this study be used to improve patient care and potentially reduce complications?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor may advise a patient undergoing a radical hysterectomy to discuss their medical history and any existing health conditions with their healthcare team. They may also recommend maintaining a healthy weight and discussing the potential benefits and risks of different surgical approaches to minimize the risk of complications. Additionally, following post-operative care instructions and attending follow-up appointments are important for monitoring recovery and addressing any concerns promptly.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended radical hysterectomy are those with early-stage cervical cancer who have not spread beyond the cervix and uterus. This surgery is often recommended as a primary treatment option for these patients. It is important for patients to discuss with their healthcare team the risks and benefits of the surgery, as well as any potential factors that may increase the risk of complications.

Timeline

Before the radical hysterectomy:

  • Patient is diagnosed with early-stage cervical cancer
  • Consultation with a gynecologic oncologist to discuss treatment options
  • Pre-operative tests and evaluations to assess overall health and stage of cancer
  • Discussion of potential risks and benefits of surgery
  • Consent for surgery is obtained

After the radical hysterectomy:

  • Surgery is performed, typically with a hospital stay of several days
  • Recovery period with pain management and monitoring for complications
  • Follow-up appointments with healthcare providers to monitor healing and address any concerns
  • Potential complications such as urinary issues or excessive bleeding may arise
  • Long-term follow-up to monitor for recurrence of cancer and overall health

Overall, the patient experiences a journey from diagnosis to treatment and recovery, with ongoing monitoring and support from healthcare providers.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about radical hysterectomy include:

  1. What are the potential complications or risks associated with a radical hysterectomy?
  2. How often do complications occur in patients undergoing this type of surgery?
  3. Are there any specific factors that may increase my risk of experiencing complications during or after the surgery?
  4. What measures will be taken to minimize the risk of complications during the surgery?
  5. How will my recovery be managed to reduce the risk of complications post-surgery?
  6. What steps can I take to optimize my health before the surgery to reduce the risk of complications?
  7. What is the success rate of this surgery in terms of completely removing the cancer?
  8. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider, and how do they compare in terms of potential complications and outcomes?
  9. How will my follow-up care be managed to monitor for any potential complications or recurrence of cancer?
  10. Are there any specific questions or concerns I should discuss with my healthcare team before undergoing the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Wenzel HHB, Kruitwagen RFPM, Nijman HW, Bekkers RLM, van Gorp T, de Kroon CD, van Lonkhuijzen LRCW, Massuger LFAG, Smolders RGV, van Trommel NE, Yigit R, Zweemer RP, van der Aa MA. Journal: Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. 2020 Jul;99(7):925-932. doi: 10.1111/aogs.13812. Epub 2020 Feb 6. PMID: 31955408