Transumbilical Laparoendoscopic Single-Site Radical Hysterectomy without Uterine Manipulator and with Vaginal Closure

Abstract

Study Objective Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) of radical hysterectomy (RH) was reported with inferior oncologic outcomes according to the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM). Then some studies suggested that the no-touch technique may be a useful procedure to prevent tumor spillage as well as improve survival, and the procedures were improved continuously. Therefore, we performed RH targeting early-stage cervical cancer through laparoendoscopic single-site (LESS) approach with enclosed colpotomy and without uterine manipulator. Design A presentation of the surgery through this technical video. Setting A Hospital. Patients or Participants A 48-year-old postmenopausal woman was diagnosed as cervical cancer with stage IB1(FIGO 2018). Interventions After fully informed of the benefits and risks of different surgical approaches (open laparotomy and MIS), she agreed with the MIS. Measurements and Main Results The type C radical hysterectomy via LESS approach was performed successfully, the final pathologic findings confirmed stage IB1 cervical carcinoma. The patient recovered fast and well with slight pain, and the incision scar was hidden perfectly for cosmetic purpose. Conclusion This video demonstrated that LESS-RH with vaginal closure and without manipulator was feasible and safe. Suspension skills played a significant role in the LESS-RH. Besides, this surgery procedure also involved 4 specific techniques to prevent tumor spillage, including creation of a vaginal cuff, avoidance of interoperate uterine manipulator, standard extent and bagging of the specimen. These adaptations were meant to minimize tumor manipulation and disruption, for reducing the increased risk of recurrence. However, further verifications were still required.