Advances in surgical treatment of cervical cancer

Abstract

Radical hysterectomy has been the standard surgical treatment for cervical cancer, achieving a good survival outcome. However, it is a major operation that has considerable potential long-term morbidity. With good prognosis achieved in most early cervical cancers, there is a trend towards more emphasis on maintaining good quality of life post-treatment. Many women diagnosed with cervical cancer are young, and fertility-sparing surgery such as trachelectomy would preserve their reproductive potential. Minimally invasive surgery, such as laparoscopic radical hysterectomy, can potentially improve post-operative recovery and cosmetic results while maintaining oncological safety. Sentinel lymph nodes assessment can minimize unnecessary systematic pelvic lymphadenectomy. Radicality of the hysterectomy may also be reduced in selected individuals with good prognostic factors, thus minimizing long-term pelvic floor dysfunction. This review aims to give a broad overview of the current status of these new trends in surgical management for cervical cancer. © 2008 Future Medicine Ltd.