Laparoscopic radical hysterectomy for cervical cancer.

A laparoscopic approach for radical hysterectomy is described. The laparoscopic procedures are similar to those achieved previously by laparotomy, the extent of surgery being adapted to the volume of the tumour and to the associated treatments. From the results obtained in a preliminary study of 15 patients, this approach appears to be safe. This surgical treatment of cervical cancer which associates a radical procedure complying with oncological rules with a decreased morbidity seems very promising. However, laparoscopic radical hysterectomy should be considered investigational and reserved for oncology surgeons trained in extensive laparoscopic procedures. Large studies with long follow-up are necessary before this approach can be proposed as an alternative to conventional surgical approaches.