Robotic Radical Trachelectomy for Preservation of Fertility in Early Cervical Cancer: Case Series and Description of Technique

Abstract

Study Objective To present a case series of robotic radical trachelectomy for preservation of fertility in early cervical cancer. Design Descriptive study. Design Canadian Task Force Classification III. Setting Tertiary referral center. Patients Women with early cervical cancer who wish to maintain fertility potential. Interventions Robotic radical trachelectomy with bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy. The procedure also uses a cervical cerclage and permits preservation of the ascending branches of the uterine arteries to the uterus. Measurements and Main Results Report of the technique, and operative and immediate postoperative complications. To date, 6 women have undergone robotic radical trachelectomy, with preservation of the uterine arteries in all patients. One patient underwent completion hysterectomy when the frozen section of the trachelectomy margin revealed inability to clear the cancer. Five women have maintained their fertility potential after the procedure. Conclusion Robotic radical trachelectomy is a feasible technique that permits radical removal of the cervix. Improved visualization with the robot and fine dissection permissible with the instrument facilitate this procedure.