Laparoscopic-assisted application of interstitial brachytherapy for locally advanced cervical carcinoma: Results of a pilot study

Abstract

To assess the efficacy of diagnostic laparoscopy at the time of interstitial brachytherapy in patients with FIGO Stages IIB-IVA cervical carcinoma, who were not candidates for conventional brachytherapy after completion of whole pelvic radiation. Six patients with FIGO Stages IIB-IVA cervical carcinoma completed whole pelvic radiation (WPR) and were assessed for the placement of conventional intracavitary brachytherapy. Three patients (Stage IIB) received 50.40 Gy WPR and three (Stage IIIA-VA) received 61.20 Gy WPR. Because distorted vaginal anatomy precluded the placement of standard intracavitary brachytherapy equipment, interstitial therapy was selected. To minimize the risk of source misplacement, needles were placed with laparoscopic guidance. 192Iridium was utilized as a source of radiation. A total of 98 needles were placed under direct laparoscopic guidance. The median interstitial brachytherapy tumor dose was 20.00 Gy (range 19.00-41.20 Gy). Eleven perforations in the pelvic peritoneum and/or bladder were identified intraoperatively in 5 of the 6 patients, leading to immediate repositioning of needles. No acute or short-term morbidity related to the procedure was appreciated. Interstitial brachytherapy offers an alternative for intracavitary radiation therapy for selected patients, in whom adequate placement of intracavitary afterloading equipment is precluded by abnormal pelvic geometry. Historically, the placement of interstitial sources has been a procedure that was performed without visualization of the pelvic cavity. A major concern is direct injury to pelvic viscera and intestine. The use of diagnostic laparoscopy at the time of placement of interstitial brachytherapy may avert potential complications from misapplication of interstitial sources. Longer follow-up is required to substantiate these results.