Laparoscopic total vaginectomy for isolated vaginal recurrence of cervical cancer or high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion after hysterectomy: a retrospective, single-centre cohort study

Objective: We conducted a retrospective study in which we evaluated the feasibility and effectiveness of total vaginectomy for isolated vaginal recurrence of cervical cancer that had been treated surgically. Such recurrence is uncommon, and there is no consensus regarding the treatment strategy. Methods: Included in our study were 6 patients who, between January 2012 and December 2019, had undergone laparoscopic vaginectomy for vaginal recurrence of cervical cancer or high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion that had been treated by hysterectomy. Results: The patients ranged in age from 49 to 78 years (median, 68 years). Vaginectomy time ranged from 128 to 385 minutes (median, 176.5 minutes), and estimated blood loss ranged from 40 to 310 mL (median, 105 mL). Patients’ hospital stay ranged from 7 to 29 days (median, 14 days). Two intraoperative complications occurred: a grade 1 small bowel injury in 1 patient and a grade 1 bladder injury in another. An abdominal abscess developed postoperatively in 1 patient. Conclusions: Local control was achieved in 5 of the 6 patients. Our data support both the feasibility and effectiveness of laparoscopic total vaginectomy for isolated vaginal recurrence of cervical cancer or high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion after hysterectomy.

Vaginectomy; Total vaginectomy; Vaginal recurrence; Cervical cancer; Laparoscopy

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