Trachelectomy

For some women with a very early cancer of the cervix, it may be possible to have a trachelectomy. In this type of surgery the cervix and the upper part of the vagina are removed, but the rest of the womb is left in place. The lymph glands in the pelvis are also removed, usually through a tiny cut in the abdominal skin (called keyhole surgery).

As the womb is not removed, trachelectomy allows for the possibility for the woman to have children. During pregnancy, a stitch is made at the bottom of the uterus to keep the womb closed. There is a higher chance of miscarriage after this procedure, and the baby will be delivered early by Caesarean section [1].

Trachelectomy is only suitable for women with early stage cancer of the cervix.

This type of surgery is not common and is only undertaken in a few hospitals in the UK. You may need to ask your gynaecologist to refer you to a specialist hospital if you would like to discuss the possibility of having a trachelectomy. It is important that your doctor fully explains to you the benefits and possible risks of this type of operation.

References

Shepherd H, Spencer C, Herod J, Ind TE (2006) Radical vaginal trachelectomy as a fertility-sparing procedure in women with early-stage cervical cancer-cumulative pregnancy rate in a series of 123 women. BJOG 113 (6), 719-24.

* Diagram showing the parts removed with trachelectomy surgery - taken from CancerHelp UK, the patient information website of Cancer Research UK: www.cancerhelp.org.uk

Last updated: 17/03/2011