Infertility after fertility-preserving surgery for cervical carcinoma: the next challenge for reproductive medicine?

Abstract

Radical trachelectomy is an operation developed as an alternative to radical hysterectomy for patients with small-volume, early stage cervical cancer, who wish to retain their fertility. The body of the uterus is left in place, so that future pregnancies can occur. Patients who have undergone radical trachelectomy may face problems conceiving naturally and may request assisted conception. This article explains the operation and the difficulties that those working in reproductive medicine may face.