Robotic radical trachelectomy for preservation of fertility in early cervical cancer: case series and description of technique.
OBJECTIVE
To present a case series of robotic radical trachelectomy for preservation of fertility in early cervical cancer.


METHODS
Descriptive study.


METHODS
Canadian Task Force Classification III.


METHODS
Tertiary referral center.


METHODS
Women with early cervical cancer who wish to maintain fertility potential.


METHODS
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.


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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Burnett
A F
AF
Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA. aburnett@uams.edu
Stone
P J
PJ
Duckworth
L A
LA
Roman
J J
JJ
D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000601:surgery*; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000601:surgery*; D023802:Cerclage, Cervical; D005260:Female; D005298:Fertility / Q000502:physiology; D013509:Gynecologic Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008197:Lymph Node Excision / Q000379:methods*; D012371:Robotics; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*