Phasing out the radical hysterectomy

The term radical can create concern when a person is hearing it used to describe a surgery she is about to undergo. When the term is used in conjunction with hysterectomy the concern multiples exponentially.

Radical hysterectomy came into existence as a means of treating cervical cancer. At a loss for any other adequate method of care, doctors reasoned that removing the affected parts of the body and the surrounding organs was the best way to save women’s lives.

Historical records tell us that the original procedure was performed in 1895. This was an abdominal surgery. At the turn of the 20th century, a radical vaginal procedure was devised. This new procedure led to a drop in mortality rates, a lessening of recovery time and fewer long term/permanent limitations.

Fortunately, the need for surgery to combat cervical cancer has decreased significantly since 1940—the year the American Cancer Society asked that the Pap test be used to help identify cancer in the early stages. It has been estimated that since this screening procedure became widely used cases of cervical cancer have decreased over 70 percent.

The cause of cancer is often a mystery. This holds true with cancer of the cervix. However, infection with human papillomavirus (HPV) has been identified as a possible contributor. Studies also show that sexually transmitted diseases such as herpes, Chlamydia and gonorrhea are linked to the cancer.

Smoking may also play a factor. Elements such as nicotine, tar and hydrocarbons have been found in the secretions of the cervixes of women with this type of cancer. Some studies have also linked oral contraceptives to the disease. However, these studies are still under review as other studies have concluded exactly the opposite, showing that women using these contraceptives actually have a lower risk of cervical cancer.

What ever the causes, new less invasive treatments are making the use of radical hysterectomy less frequent, and this is good news.