A minimally-invasive medical procedure known as laparoscopic hysterectomy surgery, used to remove tumors from the cervix, may actually exacerbate the problem.

This was the finding of a study published on Oct. 31, 2018 in the New England Journal of Medicine. Sponsored by the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, the study involved 631 women across the U.S. and seven other countries.  Researchers discovered that women who underwent traditional open surgery were less likely to experience recurrence or spread of the cancer, and enjoyed a significantly better rate of disease-free survival than those who had laparoscopy.

Open Surgery vs. Laparoscopy

Healers and physicians have practiced open surgery since humans started using tools. However, it was not until the development of anesthesia and antiseptics that such procedures became practical. Open surgery involves making an major incision, using a scalpel, into the patient’s body in order to access, repair or remove an organ that is diseased or  damaged.

Laparoscopy is a relatively recent development. Also known as “minimally invasive surgery,” it was first used by a veterinary surgeon in 1901; the first human laparoscopy was performed in 1910. Laparoscopic surgery is performed by making a very small incision through which fiberoptic and robotic instruments are inserted. Up until 1990, laparoscopy was used primarily for gynecological diagnoses and surgeries, such as tubal ligation.

The primary touted advantages of laparoscopy over traditional surgery have been reduced recovery times, lower risk of complications and reduced costs. However, the recent UT research, along with an epidemiological study (based on an analysis of patient records) funded by the National Cancer Institute, show survival rates to be more than 40 percent greater among cervical cancer patients who underwent traditional open surgery compared with those who had laparoscopic hysterectomy surgery.

Surgeons Reconsider Patient Options

Dr. Pedro Ramirez, lead author of the UT study, told The New York Times that surgeons at the Anderson Cancer Center no longer perform laparoscopic hysterectomy surgery. He adds, “Throughout the gynecologic oncology community, we’re seeing a transition back to the predominance of open surgery.” However, Ramirez also notes that there is some resistance among surgeons who have “invested a lot of time, energy and money” in learning how to perform laparoscopic surgery.

Meanwhile, the FDA, while regulating devices used in surgery, has no authority on how such devices are used. This means that  any changes in surgical policy are voluntary on part of the hospital and surgeon. Patients who have been diagnosed with cervical cancer may wish to ask about alternatives to laparoscopic hysterectomy surgery if they have concerns.

Have You or a Loved One Experienced Laparoscopic Hysterectomy Surgery?

At the present time, there have been no laparoscopic hysterectomy surgery lawsuits filed that specifically mention cervical cancer recurrence as the cause of action. Law firms are investigating the issue, however. Hysterectomy patients who have seen their disease return or spread after undergoing a hysterectomy and their families may be eligible to seek compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, loss of income and loss of consortium.

Join a Free Cervical Cancer after Hysterectomy Lawsuit Investigation

If your cervical cancer progressed after laparoscopic radical hysterectomy, or if your loved one died after such surgery, you may have a legal claim. See if you qualify to file a cervical cancer after hysterectomy lawsuit by filling out the form on this page now.

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