Radical trachelectomy via a trans-sacral approach: a case report

Endometrial cancer may arise in patients previously treated for rectal cancer. Surgical management can be challenging, and the gynecologic oncologist may need to employ alternative surgical approaches.

A 71-year-old female with a history of Dukes class B rectal cancer previously treated by abdominoperineal resection and pelvic radiation therapy subsequently developed an endometrial cancer. Initial surgical management was difficult, and the entire cervix could not be removed. The patient recurred locally the following year and was managed by radical trachelectomy via a trans-sacral approach.

Locally recurrent endometrial cancer can pose difficult management decisions. Radical resection may be the only alternative. Unusual situations may require adaptation of different surgical approaches of which the gynecologic oncologist must be aware.