Surgical stapling technique for radical hysterectomy: survival, recurrence, and late complications.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to conduct a long-term follow-up of the surgical stapling technique of radical hysterectomy to determine survival, recurrence, and late complications.

METHODS

One hundred consecutive eligible patients treated with the surgical stapling technique of radical hysterectomy were prospectively evaluated.

RESULTS

Median operative time was 3.2 h. Median blood loss was 500 ml. There was an 18% acute postoperative complication rate and a 10% long-term complication rate. There was a 6% recurrence rate and a 92% disease-free survival.

CONCLUSION

The surgical stapling technique of radical hysterectomy results in acceptable survival, recurrence, and complication rates, which appear similar to those of the traditional type of radical hysterectomy, while operative time and blood loss appear to be reduced.