Childbearing Possible Following Modified Surgery for Invasive Cervical Cancer

Radical hysterectomy is the traditional treatment for cervical cancer. Treatment by trachelectomy for invasive carcinoma of the cervix offered pregnancy for more than half of premenopausal women.

In this study, Dr Covens and associates at the University of Toronto followed 63 patients who underwent trachelectomy. 33 of these patients attempted to conceive. There were 20 pregnancies among 17 patients within 2 months to 3 years. 6 of these patients required assisted reproductive technology to become pregnant.

Although 3 spontaneous abortions occurred and 1 pregnancy was lost at 17 weeks due to membrane rupture, 9 proceeded to full term and were delivered by caesarian section. 5 patients are currently pregnant.

5 patients required hospitalization during pregnancy for incompetent cervix, threatened preterm labor, preterm premature rupture of membranes or placenta previa. However, the incidence of early miscarriage is similar to the background rate and once in the 3rd trimester, outcomes are usually excellent.

(Source: Reuter’s Health)