Robotic radical parametrectomy: A single institution experience

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility and safety of robotic radical parametrectomy (RRP) and pelvic lymphadenectomy for the management of occult invasive cervical cancer. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study enrolling patients with occult invasive cervical cancer submitted to RRP and pelvic lymphadenectomy at “Regina Elena” National Cancer Institute in Rome from August 2010 to December 2013. RESULTS: A total of 4 patients were enrolled in the study. Total operative time was 145 minutes (range, 135 – 150 minutes). Blood loss was 100 ml (range, 50 – 150 ml) and there were no intra and post-operative complications. The median number of removed lymph nodes was 24 (range, 10 – 40). The patients were discharged home on postoperative day 3 (range, 2 – 4 days). At a follow-up of 30 (range 8 – 49) months there is no evidence of disease. CONCLUSION: Radical parametrectomy with pelvic lymphadenectomy is indicated in case of occult and under staged cervical cancer and can be performed successfully by robotic approach. Short hospital stay, little haemoglobin drop, absence of complications and the radicality of procedure showed by the length of the parametria removed and the number of lymph nodes dissected demonstrated the feasibility of the procedure.