Role of the Internal Iliac Node Dissection in Radical Hysterectomy for Cervical Cancer: A Retrospective Analysis

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to assess the role of the internal iliac node (IIN) dissection, which is occasionally neglected in radical hysterectomy for uterine cervical cancer.Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical and pathological records of patients with cervical cancer (stage IB1-IIB) with lymph node metastases, who underwent radical hysterectomy at our institute. We assessed the number and site of lymph node metastases along with history and site of recurrence.Results: Twenty-three patients who underwent radical hysterectomy reported lymph node metastases and included in this study. Of these, 13 with only one positive node revealed no IIN metastases, whereas 5 of 10 with two or more positive nodes exhibited IIN metastases. While 20 patients, including 4 with positive IIN, received platinum-based chemotherapy, 3 received radiotherapy as adjuvant therapy. Four patients, including 2 with positive IIN, experienced disease recurrence.Conclusion: Given the high prevalence of IIN metastases in patients with multiple lymph node metastases, the IIN dissection should be performed in radical hysterectomy. IIN metastasis could be one of the important factors for regional recurrence in cervical cancer.

Keywords

• cervical cancer
• pelvic lymphadenectomy
• internal iliac node