Comparison of nerve content in removed parametrial tissue after classic radical hysterectomy and nerve-sparing radical hysterectomy--histologic evaluation.

PURPOSE OF INVESTIGATION: The aim of this study was to find whether nerve-sparing radical hysterectomy resulted in a lower amount of nerves in the removed parametrial tissue. METHODS: Histological specimens from nerve-sparing radical hysterectomy (28 cases) were compared with those obtained after classic radical hysterectomy (26 cases). Width of the parametria and vaginal cuff were measured. Using a point counting technique, nerve areal density was determined in cross sections of resected parametria at 0.5 cm (A), 1 cm (B), 1.5 cm (C) from the cervix. RESULTS: The width of the resected parametria was smaller in the study group (right side p < 0.013; left side; p < 0.011). The nerve areal density in the lateral part of the right parametrium was lower in the study group (p < 0.01) (Student's t-test). CCONCLUSION: Modified radical hysterectomy is less radical and is nerve-sparing.