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What Is Trachelectomy?

Trachelectomy is surgery to remove the cervix while leaving the uterus in place. A simple trachelectomy removes the cervix, while a radical trachelectomy also removes nearby tissue and the upper part of the vagina. In selected cases of early cervical cancer, it can preserve the possibility of pregnancy. The exact operation depends on the condition being treated.

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What Is Trachelectomy?

Trachelectomy is surgery to remove the cervix while leaving the uterus in place. A simple trachelectomy removes the cervix, while a radical trachelectomy also removes nearby tissue and the upper part of the vagina. In selected cases of early cervical cancer, it can preserve the possibility of pregnancy. The exact operation depends on the condition being treated.

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When Is Trachelectomy Considered?

Radical trachelectomy may be offered to some people with early cervical cancer who wish to preserve fertility. Eligibility depends on the tumor and the results of a specialist assessment. Lymph nodes may also be evaluated or removed as part of cancer treatment. The care team discusses whether this approach can adequately treat the cancer.

What Happens During the Procedure?

The surgeon removes the cervix and reconnects the uterus to the vagina. Radical surgery also removes tissue around the cervix and part of the upper vagina. A stitch or band may be placed to help support a future pregnancy. The uterus and ovaries are generally retained.

How Can Trachelectomy Affect Pregnancy?

Keeping the uterus means pregnancy may still be possible after trachelectomy, but it is not guaranteed. Removing the cervix can increase the risk of pregnancy complications, including pregnancy loss or premature birth. A person who becomes pregnant after the operation needs specialist obstetric care. Fertility and pregnancy plans should be discussed before treatment.

What Are the Risks and Follow-Up Needs?

Risks include bleeding, infection, and complications involving nearby organs. Additional treatment may be needed if the final cancer findings show a higher risk of recurrence. Recovery and follow-up depend on the extent of surgery. Continued cancer surveillance remains necessary after a fertility-preserving operation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Trachelectomy

Is the uterus removed during trachelectomy?

No. Trachelectomy removes the cervix while preserving the uterus.

What is the difference between simple and radical trachelectomy?

A simple trachelectomy removes the cervix. A radical trachelectomy also removes nearby tissue and the upper part of the vagina.

Can someone become pregnant afterward?

Pregnancy may be possible because the uterus remains. Fertility is not guaranteed, and any pregnancy needs specialist care.

Are lymph nodes removed during trachelectomy?

They may be evaluated or removed when the procedure is used to treat cervical cancer. The plan depends on the cancer findings.

References

About Your Radical Trachelectomy. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/patient-education/radical-trachelectomy. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.

Cervical Cancer Surgery. American Cancer Society. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/cervical-cancer/treating/surgery.html. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.

Management of pregnancy after radical trachelectomy. PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33902946/. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.

Radical trachelectomy. Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. https://www.gloshospitals.nhs.uk/your-visit/patient-information-leaflets/radical-trachelectomy-ghpi0670/. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.

Radical vaginal trachelectomy and laparoscopic bilateral pelvic lymph node dissection. Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. https://www.cuh.nhs.uk/patient-information/radical-vaginal-trachelectomy-and-laparoscopic-bilateral-pelvic-lymph-node-dissection/. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.