[Initial experiences and outcome of gasless laparoscopic pelvic lymph node excision combined with Schauta vaginal radical hysterectomy in stage IB cervix carcinoma].

In 11 patients with a cervical cancer stage IB a gasless laparoscopic pelvic lymph node dissection in combination with a vaginal radical Schauta-Amreich-hysterectomy was performed. The technique of the gasless lymph node dissection with the Laparolift (ORIGIN Medsystems, Menlo Park) is described. Because of the advantages of this technique (ability to use conventional and endoscopic instruments, perform irrigation and suction, dot with sponge sticks, change instruments quickly, prepare and remove lymph nodes without influence on visibility) it was possible to obtain a radicality (45 lymph nodes-median value) according to oncological standards for an abdominal radical Wertheim hysterectomy. If the radicality is equivalent to a Wertheim hysterectomy the combination of the radical vaginal Schauta-Amreich-hysterectomy and the gasless laparoscopic pelvic lymph node dissection offers a real alternative to the abdominal Wertheim hysterectomy because of low postoperative morbidity and quick mobilisation.