Abdominal radical trachelectomy in West London

Abstract

Objective: Traditionally, the surgical management of invasive cervical carcinoma that has progressed beyond microinvasion has been a radical abdominal hysterectomy. However, this results in the loss of fertility, with significant consequences for the young patient. This report describes abdominal radical trachelectomy (ART) as a potential replacement for radical hysterectomy in patients with stage IA2-IIA cervical cancer who desire a fertility-sparing procedure without decreasing the curative rates.

Design: Observational, retrospective study.

Setting: Teaching hospital and regional cancer centre in London, UK.

Population: Patients undergoing ART.

Methods: Patients presenting during the period 2000-2009 with cervical cancer stage IA2-IIA were offered a trachelectomy, if they expressed a desire to preserve fertility. The type of trachelectomy (vaginal/abdominal) was chosen based on patient anatomy and neoplastic and magnetic resonance imaging characteristics. Each patient was counselled as to the experimental nature of the procedure.

Main outcome measures: Survival, recurrence and fertility issues among ART patients.

Results: A total of 30 patients underwent ART (open and laparoscopic) between 2001 and 2009. Three patients presented with a recurrence, two of which have died (median follow-up: 24 months). Only three patients required further surgical re-intervention because of operative complications. Ten patients attempted to conceive, resulting in three conceptions (30%) and two live children.

Conclusions: Abdominal radical trachelectomy provides a feasible, cost-effective and safe treatment option for young women who have been diagnosed with early-stage cervical cancer and wish to preserve their fertility.