Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the surgical and pathological outcomes for patients with early-stage cervical cancer after abdominal radical trachelectomy (ART) and abdominal radical hysterectomy (ARH).
Methods: A prospective database of ART and ARH procedures performed in a standardized manner by the same surgical group was analyzed. The 3-segment technique was used for the accurate analysis of parametrial lymph nodes (PMLNs), and parametrial measurements were recorded by the same pathologist. Standard statistical tests were used.
Result: Between August 2012 and August 2013, ART was attempted in 39 patients (28.6%), and ARH was attempted in 90 patients (71.4%). The parametrium resection length was similar with ART and ARH (44.60 vs 45.48 mm, P = 0.432), as were additional surgical and pathological outcomes, including histology, lymph node positive rate, and operation time. The PMLNs were found in 28 patients (77.78%) in the ART group and in 86 (95.56%) in the ARH group (P > 0.05). Solitary PMLN metastases were observed in 3 patients (10.71%) in the ART group and in 6 (6.98%) in the ARH group. Five (55.6%) of these 9 patients had tumors of 2 cm or greater. The ARH patients (36, 40.00%) were more likely to receive postoperative chemotherapy or radiation compared with ART patients (13, 33.33%; P = 0.017). At a median follow-up of 12 and 12.5 months (P = 0.063), respectively, there were no recurrences or deaths in the ART or ARH groups.
Conclusions: Using standardized techniques, ART provides similar surgical and pathological outcomes as ARH. For the patients with tumors of 2 cm or greater, PMLNs should be examined carefully. Further prospective data are urgently needed.