Risk factors of lymphocele after RAH with pelvic lymph node dissection for women with cervical cancer

Abstract

To identify the risk factors of lymphocele formation in patients with cervical cancer who underwent radical abdominal hysterectomy and pelvic lymph node dissection. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of 62 patients diagnosed with cervical cancer who underwent radical abdominal hysterectomy, including pelvic lymph node dissection between April 2005 and June 2010. Lymphocele was confirmed by imaging studies such as computed tomography or ultrasonography. Included risk factors were patient's age, body mass index, surgeon's experience, tumor histology, stage of cancer, previous surgery, number of retrieved lymph nodes, and radiation therapy. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the risk factors of lymphocele formation. RESULTS: During median follow-up of 34.5 months (range, 12-69 months), 20 patients (32%) out of 62 had developed lymphocele. Eight patients developed symptomatic lymphocle. Univariate analysis showed the radiation therapy, and the number of retrieved lymph nodes as significant risk factors of lymphocele formation. When applying mutivariate analysis using logistic regression, radiation therapy (odds ratio=5.19, p=0.010) and the number of retrieved lymph node (odds ratio=4.80, p=0.021) were independent risk factors of lymphocele formation. CONCLUSION: Radiation therapy and the number of retrieved lymph node were significant risk factors of lymphocele formation in patients with cervical cancer who underwent radical abdominal hysterectomy and pelvic lymph node dissection.