How to select early-stage cervical cancer patients still suitable for laparoscopic radical hysterectomy: a propensity-matched study

Background: Recently, it was reported that minimally invasive surgery (MIS) has a negative impact on early-stage cervical cancer (ECC) patient survival. At the same time, advantages of MIS regarding quality of life and low rate of intra- and postoperative complications are well known. Therefore, it is essential to select patients who may benefit from MIS without worsening their oncologic outcomes. The aim of this study is to investigate which pathological factors could guide surgeons’ choice about the best approach in ECC. Patients and Methods: Patients with 2009 FIGO stage from IA1 with lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI) to IB1/IIA1 treated by open or laparoscopic surgery were judged eli…