Intraoperative measurements to determine the extent of radical hysterectomy

Hypotheses. The extent of radical hysterectomy can be objectively measured and the measured extent of resection will correlate with morbidity. Study design: Observational. The extent of radical hysterectomy was determined by measurement of overall length and excised portions of the uterosacral and cardinal ligaments. Analysis of morbidity was performed on 120 patients. Univariate analysis was accomplished with correlation, t test, and X-2 statistical methods, and regression models were used for multivariate analysis. Results. In precisely defined terms, the patients in this study underwent modified radical hysterectomy. The extent of the resection had an independent relationship to blood loss, operative time, and duration of postoperative bladder drainage. The extent of resection was also directly related to persistent bladder and rectal dysfunction. Conclusions. This method for objectively measuring the extent of a radical hysterectomy is feasible. The extent of the procedure correlates with morbidity. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science (USA).