What is Wertheim-Meigs surgery used for?

Question 1

What is Wertheim-Meigs surgery used for?

Answer 1

-Wertheim-Meigs surgery, also known as radical hysterectomy, is a surgical procedure performed to treat early-stage cervical cancer.
-Standard surgical treatment for early-stage cervical cancer, particularly for tumors that have not spread beyond the cervix.
-It aims to remove the cancerous tissue completely while preserving surrounding structures when possible.

-Goal : To remove the cervix, uterus, surrounding tissues, and nearby lymph nodes to eliminate the cancerous cells and prevent the spread of cervical cancer.

-Steps:
●Incision: A surgical incision is made in the abdomen, either vertically (up-and-down) or horizontally (across the bikini line).

●Removal of the uterus and cervix: The uterus, cervix, and upper part of the vagina are carefully removed. In some cases, the fallopian tubes and ovaries may also be removed (called a radical hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy).

●Pelvic lymphadenectomy: Lymph nodes in the pelvis are dissected and removed to determine if cancer has spread to these areas.

●Closure: The incisions are closed using sutures or staples, and a sterile dressing is applied.