Laparoscopic pelvic lymphadenectomy in 32 pregnant patients with cervical cancer: Rationale, description of the technique, and outcome

Objective: Individualized treatment of pregnant patients with cervical cancer is mandatory; hence, information on nodal status is pivotal to allow awaiting strategy in early-stage disease. We aimed to verify the oncological safety and surgical reproducibility of a standardized laparoscopic pelvic lymphadenectomy in pregnant patients with cervical cancer. Methods: We standardized laparoscopic pelvic lymphadenectomy during the first and second term of gestation in 32 patients with cervical cancer since 1999. According to gestational week (GW) of less than 16 GWs or more than 16 GWs, 2 different techniques were used. Results: The International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stages were IA in 10 patients, IB1 in 17 patients, IB2 in 4 patients, and IIA in 1 patient. Mean (SD) GW was 17.5 (5.1) weeks. Mean (SD) operative time was 105.4 (29) minutes. Mean (SD) blood loss was 5.3 (10.2) mL. There were no conversion to laparotomy and no intraoperative complications. A median number of 14 pelvic lymph nodes (range, 8-57) were harvested. Median hospital stay was 6 days. Median follow-up is 42.5 months (range, 17-164). Four patients had lymph node metastases. Five patients interrupted their pregnancy. Fourteen patients were given neoadjuvant platin-based systemic therapy. All patients are alive and disease free. All children born through cesarean delivery at a mean (SD) 34 (1.9) GWs are well and show normal clinical neurological development. Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge, this is the largest series so far reported on laparoscopic pelvic lymphadenectomy during pregnancy. This procedure is safe and associated with good oncological and obstetrical outcomes. Copyright © 2014 by IGCS and ESGO.