Pregnancy outcome and obstetric management after vaginal radical trachelectomy

Radical vaginal trachelectomy (VRT) is widely prescribed as a surgical procedure to treat early-stage cervical cancer while preserving fertility. However, the ideal obstetric standard of care for patients who have undergone VRT has not yet been established. Aim of this rerport is to analyze pregnancy outcomes and optimal obstetric management during pregnancy and delivery after vaginal radical trachelectomy (VRT).

Forty-six cases of VRT from December 2003 to April 2013 in Peking Union Medical College Hospital were analyzed.

The mean age of the patients at the time of VRT was 30.6 years and the mean follow-up time was 39.5 months. Of the 32 patients who attempted to conceive, 12 had 16 successful conceptions. There were two miscarriages and two elective abortions. One case of ectopic pregnancy and one case of second trimester loss occurred in this cohort. Ten cases reached the third trimester. Two patients delivered before 32 weeks, and four before 37 weeks. The total preterm delivery rate was 60%. All ten patients delivered by Cesarean section through a high transverse uterine incision. No uterine rupture or postpartum hemorrhage occurred.

There is an increased occurrence of preterm delivery after VRT. Cesarean section after full term pregnancy through a high transverse incision should be considered as a suitable and safe procedure.