Nerve Sparing in Radical Surgery for Early-Stage Cervical Cancer: Yes We Should!. (1st September 2010)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: de Kroon, Cornelis D.; Gaarenstroom, Katja N.; van Poelgeest, Mariette I. E.; Peters, Alexander A.; Trimbos, J. Baptist
• Is Part Of: International journal of gynecological cancer. Volume 20(2010)Supplement 2
• Page Start: S39
• Page End: S41
• Publication Date: 2010-09-01
• Subjects: Cervical cancer -- Nerve-sparing radical hysterectomy -- Autonomic nervous system -- Long-term morbidity -- Quality of life; Generative organs, Female -- Cancer -- Periodicals; 616.99465
• DOI: 10.1111/IGC.0b013e3181f6381f
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1048-891X

Abstract

Abstract : Radical hysterectomy with pelvic lymphadenectomy is considered to be the cornerstone in the treatment of early-stage cervical cancer. Although survival in early-stage cervical cancer is up to 95%, long-term morbidity with regard to bladder, bowel, and sexual function is considerable. Damage to the pelvic autonomic nerves may be the cause of these long-term complications following radical hysterectomy. Some authors have presented surgical techniques to preserve the autonomic nerves (ie, the hypogastric nerves and the splanchnic nerves) without compromising radicality. Safety, efficacy, and the surgical techniques of nerve-sparing radical hysterectomy are presented, and data confirm that whenever the decision is made to perform a radical hysterectomy, nerve-sparing techniques should be considered.