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

ABSTRACT

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.