Maylard incision for radical hysterectomy and pelvic and para-aortic lymph node dissection

Abstract

Angioli R, Koechli OR, Sevin B-U. Maylard incision for radical hysterectomy and pelvic and para-aortic lymph node dissection. Int J Gynecol Cancer 1998; 8: 274–278. Although the transverse, muscle-splitting technique for abdominal incision (Maylard incision) has been described for radical hysterectomy and for lymph node dissection of the pelvis and para-aortic area, the adequacy of the procedure performed through this incision has not been assessed. From 1991 to 1994, 205 patients underwent radical hysterectomy with pelvic lymph node (PLN) and para-aortic lymph node (PALN) dissection at the Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Jackson Memorial Hospital/University of Miami School of Medicine. Twenty-four patients with cervical cancer stage IB-IIA underwent radical hysterectomy, pelvic lymph node and para-aortic lymph node dissection through a Maylard incision. Three patients had panniculectomy performed at the same time. Duration of surgery, estimated blood loss, number of pelvic and para-aortic lymph nodes removed and duration of hospital stay were within acceptable ranges. Postoperative and intraoperative complications were minimal. Excellent cosmetic results were obtained. In conclusion, the Maylard incision offers good exposure to the pelvic and para-aortic area for lymph node dissection, good cosmetic result, and can be performed in association with abdominoplasty. Complications are similar to those observed with a vertical skin incision. This type of incision should be considered in selected young patients with early cervical cancer and in obese patients desiring abdominoplasty.