Uterine artery sparing robotic radical trachelectomy (AS-RRT) for early cancer of the cervix

Abstract

Objective: To describe the surgical technique of uterine artery sparing robotic assisted radical trachelectomy (AS-RRT) for early stage cervical cancer.

Methods: We used our experience with AS-RRT performed at the University of Wisconsin-Carbone Comprehensive Cancer Center, USA, to present a detailed description of the surgical technique.

Results: The report details, step-by-step, our innovative surgical technique, supported by photos and illustrations. We also discuss potential difficulties with the surgical technique and offer solutions.

Conclusion: Technically, the surgery is feasible and could be performed by any gynecologic oncologist who is skilled in radical pelvic surgery and the robotic system. The long-term obstetric and oncologic outcome of this technique would be expected to match the outcome of the other radical trachelectomy techniques in the published literature, but is yet to be fully elucidated.