Laparoscopic radical hysterectomy and lymph node dissection learning experience at campus Virchow - Charite.

AIM The purpose of this study was to establish and analyze the laparoscopic technique of radical hysterectomy and para-aortic and pelvic lymphadenectomy and to retrospectively evaluate its feasibility and morbidity. PATIENTS AND METHODS During a one-year period 12 patients underwent laparoscopic radical surgical procedures for cervical or endometrial cancer. All our patients underwent radical pelvic lymphadenectomy, whereas we performed radical para-aortic lymphadenectomy-alone in five patients and radical type-C hysterectomy in eight patients. RESULTS The mean operating time for para-aortic and pelvic lymphadenectomy was 120 and 152 minutes respectively, and 153.75 minutes for type C hysterectomy. A mean of 41.6 pelvic lymph nodes and 21.2 para-aortic lymph nodes were removed. The mean extensions of parametrium in laparoscopic radical hysterectomy type C were 45×30 mm. CONCLUSION Following a short learning curve, laparoscopic para-aortic and pelvic lymphadenectomy is a safe and effective technique for staging cervical, and endometrial cancer.