Radical trachelectomy

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

As the womb is not removed, a trachelectomy means that it may still be possible for the woman to have children. At the time of surgery a stitch is placed at the bottom of the womb (uterus); this keeps it closed during pregnancy. There is a higher chance of miscarriage after this procedure, and the baby will need to be delivered by Caesarean section.

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

This type of surgery isn’t common and is only done 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 radical trachelectomy. It’s important that your doctor fully explains to you the benefits and possible risks of this type of operation.