Eugen Bogdan Aburel, a pioneer of fertility sparing surgery.

Eugen Bogdan Aburel was pioneer of the fertility sparing surgery in early cervical cancer in young women desiring to preserve their childbearing potential. He graduated in Romania but started specializing in obstetrics and gynecology in Paris, where he had the chance to work with the most prominent professors of the time and do research at Sorbonne, the most famous French higher education institution. Most of his discoveries date from the time he spent in Paris hospitals, proving that a good medical school can generate remarkable physicians. The fertility sparing surgery he created after returning to Romania did not have the same chance to be known and spread to the international medical world because of the Cold War isolation, Romania belonging to the Eastern Communist bloc. However, his pioneering work in this field of surgery is fully recognized today.

Reducing radicality in fertility-sparing surgery is associated with improved in vitro fertilization outcome in early-stage cervical cancer: A national retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE: Fertility-sparing surgery (FSS) aims to achieve oncological outcomes that are non-inferior to radical treatment while preserving fertility and optimizing reproductive results. This study assesses in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes in early-stage cervical cancer survivors following FSS, comparing radical and non-radical approaches. METHODS: This retrospective analysis used data from Hungary's National Health Insurance Fund (2004-2022) on patients who underwent IVF treatment following FSS for early-stage cervical cancer at ten Hungarian fertility clinics. Patients were classified into radical and non-radical surgical groups, with the uterine arteries being spared in the non-radical procedures. RStudio (R software version: 4.2.2) was used for statistical analysis. Student's t-test was used to compare group means, and Fisher's exact test was applied to assess independence and distributions between categorical variables, and to estimate odds. RESULTS: The study analyzed data from 122 IVF treatment cycles involving 36 patients. The non-radical group had a significantly higher live birth rate (83%, 5/6 compared to the radical group (17%, 5/30). Additionally, the non-radical group had a significantly higher implantation rate and cumulative live birth rate per oocyte retrieval (37%, 7/19 and 55%, 6/11 respectively) compared to the radical group (8%, 12/148 and 6%, 5/80 respectively). CONCLUSION: This is the largest study to evaluate IVF outcomes in young cervical cancer survivors who have undergone FSS. The findings suggest that less radical procedures are associated with significantly better IVF outcomes. These results emphasize the importance of considering oncological safety and reproductive outcomes together when choosing FSS for early-stage cervical cancer patients. It also highlights the reproductive benefits of performing less radical surgery.

The influence of radical trachelectomy on endometrial thickness in in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer.

AIM: Both morbidity and mortality rates of cervical cancer are increasing, especially in reproductive-aged women. Radical trachelectomy (RT) is an effective fertility-preserving surgery for early-stage cervical cancer. This study aimed to determine the influence of RT on endometrial thickness during in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET). METHODS: Forty-four patients had undergone RT, and 23 women undergoing IVF-ET treatment (105 ET cycles) were included. Endometrial thickness during hormone replacement therapy (HRT) was retrospectively evaluated and compared between patients with and without RT. RESULTS: Eleven patients (50 ET cycles) in the RT group and 12 (52 ET cycles) in the control group were investigated. Compared with the control group, higher ET cancellation rates were observed in patients in the RT group (1 of 52 cycles [control group] vs. 8 of 50 cycles [RT group], p < 0.01). Endometrial thinning was not affected by patient age at first IVF-ET treatment, history of artificial abortion, preservation of uterine arteries during RT, or postoperative chemotherapy (p = 0.27, 1, 1, and 1, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Our data revealed that RT influenced endometrial thickness in IVF-ET. This was not affected by the background of the patients or perioperative management in this study. We could not reveal the underlying mechanism, but it is postulated that the transient postoperative uterine blood flow status and postoperative infections may have some effect on the endometrium. To resolve these issues, accumulation of evidences are required. We recommend informing patients about the impact of RT on IVF-ET before starting assisted reproductive technology (ART).

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by radical trachelectomy versus upfront abdominal radical trachelectomy for patients with FIGO 2018 stage IB2 cervical cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the optimal fertility-sparing treatment for stage IB2 cervical cancer. We compared the outcomes of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) followed by radical trachelectomy (RT) with those of upfront abdominal RT (ART). METHODS: This is a retrospective study with prospectively collected data between August 2015 and July 2019. Patients with IB2 cervical cancer who desired fertility preservation underwent NACT followed by RT, or upfront ART, per their choice. RESULTS: This study included 51 patients, of which, 16 patients underwent NACT followed by RT and 35 patients chose upfront ART. Fertility was preserved in 12 (75.0%) and 27 (77.1%) patients from the NACT and upfront ART groups, respectively. Incidence rates of intraoperative (0% versus 3.7%) and postoperative complications (25.0% versus 48.1%) of the NACT group were lower compared to the upfront ART group (P=NS). Eleven (91.7%) patients in NACT group and 17 (63.0%) patients in upfront ART groups received adjuvant chemotherapy after surgery. The median follow-up, and 5-year recurrence-free survival rates of the NACT-RT and upfront ART groups were 56 and 61 months, and 83.3% and 96.3%, respectively (P=NS). The recurrence rate was higher in patients with tumor reduction <50% after NACT than that in patients with tumor reduction >50% (66.7% versus 0%, P < 0.05). Tumor reduction <50% was the only independent predictor of recurrence in patients who underwent NACT before RT. CONCLUSIONS: NACT followed by RT could be a feasible fertility-sparing option for selected patients with 1B2 cervical cancer. The NACT group had a relatively higher recurrence rate and fewer complications compared to the upfront ART group, albeit without statistical significance. Patients with tumor regression >50% after NACT could be ideal candidates for RT after NACT.

A meta-analysis of treatment for early-stage cervical cancer: open versus minimally invasive radical trachelectomy.

BACKGROUND: In previous systematic reviews, meta-analysis was lacking, resulting in the statistical difference between the data of different surgeries being impossible to judge. This meta-analysis aims to contrast the fertility results and cancer outcomes between open and minimally invasive surgery. METHOD: We systematically searched databases including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Scopus to collect studies that included open and minimally invasive radical trachelectomy. A random-effect model calculated the weighted average difference of each primary outcome via Review Manager V.5.4. RESULT: Eight studies (1369 patients) were incorporated into our study. For fertility results, the Open group excels MIS group in pregnancies-Third trimester delivery [OR = 2.68; 95% CI (1.29, 5.59); P = 0.008]. Nevertheless, there is no statistical difference in clinical pregnancy, miscarriage, and second-trimester rate. Concerning cancer outcomes, no difference was detected in the overall survival [OR = 1.56; 95% CI (0.70, 3.45); P = 0.27] and recurrence [OR = 0.63; 95% CI (0.35, 1.12); P = 0.12]. Concerning surgery-related outcomes, the comprehensive effects revealed that the estimated blood loss of the Open group was higher than that of the MIS group[MD = 139.40; 95% CI (79.05, 199.75); P < 0.0001]. However, there was no difference between the postoperative complication rate in the two groups [OR = 1.52; 95% CI (0.89, 2.60); P = 0.12]. CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis suggested that the fertility result of the Open group may be better than the MIS group, while the MIS group has better surgery-related outcomes. Owing to the poor cases of our study, a more robust conclusion requires more relevant articles in the future. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42022352999.

Long term oncologic and reproductive outcomes after robot-assisted radical trachelectomy for early-stage cervical cancer. An international multicenter study.

OBJECTIVES: Long term outcomes following fertility sparing robot-assisted radical trachelectomy (RRT). METHODS: A retrospective study of consecutive women selected for RRT between 2007 and 2019 at five referral centres. Generally used selection criteria for fertility-sparing surgery were applied. Oncologic, reproductive and long-term clinical data were analysed. RESULTS: Of the 166 included women, 149 completed a RRT. Median tumor size was 9 mm (range 3-20 mm), 111 women (75%) had FIGO 2009 stage IB1 cancer and 4.8% were node positive. At a median follow up of 58 months, 12 of all women (7.2%) and 9 of 149 women (6%) who underwent completed RRT with fertility preservation had recurred and two had died. 70 of 88 women (80%) who attempted to conceive succeeded, resulting in 81 pregnancies that progressed beyond the first trimester and 76 live births of which 54 (70%) were delivered at term and 65 (86%) delivered after gestational week 32. A short postoperative cervical length was associated with impaired fertility. A late secondary hysterectomy was necessary in four women due to persistent bleeding (n = 2), hematometra due to a cervical stenosis (n = 1) and recurrent dysplasia (n = 1). CONCLUSION: In this long-term follow-up of RRT the recurrence rate is comparable to larger individual studies of minimally invasive or vaginal radical trachelectomy with similar risk profile and follow up. The high pregnancy rate and low rate of premature delivery before 32 weeks GA may promote the use of robot-assisted approach.

Oncologic results of fertility sparing surgery of cervical cancer: An updated systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Several techniques can be proposed as fertility sparing surgery in young patients treated for cervical cancer but uncertaincies remain concerning their outcomes. Analysis of oncological issues is then the first aim of this review in order to evaluate the best strategy. RESULTS: Data were identified from searches of MEDLINE, Current Contents, PubMed and from references in relevant articles from January 1987 to 15th of September 2021. We carry out an updated systematic review involving 5862 patients initially selected for fertility-sparing surgery in 275 series. FINDINGS: In patients having a stage IB1 disease, recurrence rate/RR in patients undergoing simple conisation/trachelectomy, radical trachelectomy/RT by laparoscopico-vaginal approach, laparotomic or laparoscopic approaches are respectively: 4.1%, 4.7%, 2.4% and 5.2%. In patients having a stage IB2 disease, RR after neoadjuvant chemotherapy or RT by laparotomy are respectively 13.2% and 4.8% (p = .0035). After neoadjuvant treatment a simple cone/trachelectomy was carried out in 91 (30%) patients and a radical one in 210 (70%) cases. But the lowest pregnancy rate is observed in patients undergoing RT by laparotomy (36%). CONCLUSIONS: The choice between these treatments should be based above all, on objective oncological data that strike a balance for each procedure between the best chances for cure and the fertility results. In patients having a stage IB1 disease, oncological results are quite similar according to the procedure used. In patients having a stage IB2 disease, RT by open approach has the lowest RR. Anyway the lowest pregnancy rate is observed in patients undergoing RT by laparotomy.

Brazilian Society of Surgical Oncology consensus on fertility-sparing surgery for cervical cancer.

OBJECTIVE: Several controversies remain on conservative management of cervical cancer. Our aim was to develop a consensus recommendation on important and novel topics of fertility-sparing treatment of cervical cancer. METHODS: The consensus was sponsored by the Brazilian Society of Surgical Oncology (BSSO) from March 2020 to September 2020 and included a multidisciplinary team of 55 specialists. A total of 21 questions were addressed and they were assigned to specialists' groups that reviewed the literature and drafted preliminary recommendations. Further, the coordinators evaluated the recommendations that were classified by the level of evidence, and finally, they were voted by all participants. RESULTS: The questions included controversial topics on tumor assessment, surgical treatment, and surveillance in conservative management of cervical cancer. The two topics with lower agreement rates were the role of minimally invasive approach in radical trachelectomy and parametrial preservation. Additionally, only three recommendations had <90% of agreement (fertility preservation in Stage Ib2, anti-stenosis device, and uterine transposition). CONCLUSIONS: As very few clinical trials have been developed in surgery for cervical cancer, most recommendations were supported by low levels of evidence. We addressed important and novel topics in conservative management of cervical cancer and our study may contribute to literature.

Fetal biometric and Doppler measurements following abdominal radical trachelectomy in the second trimester of the pregnancy.

BACKGROUND: Our previous study demonstrated the safety and effectiveness of abdominal radical trachelectomy during pregnancy but did not focus on the fetus. This study aimed to clarify the influence of abdominal radical trachelectomy performed during pregnancy on the fetus. METHODS: Eight cervical cancer patients who underwent abdominal radical trachelectomy at our hospital between February 2013 and August 2020 were enrolled in this study. To assess the peri- and postoperative influence on the fetus, we performed fetal heart monitoring at 30-min intervals during abdominal radical trachelectomy and calculated the estimated fetal body weight and resistance indexes of the middle cerebral artery and umbilical artery from postsurgery until delivery. RESULTS: Four out of eight patients had preterm birth due to chorioamnionitis in one case and consideration of the recurrent risk of cervical cancer in three cases. Fetal heart monitoring during abdominal radical trachelectomy revealed deceleration just once in one case but no abnormal findings in the other cases. In all cases, the fetal growth after abdominal radical trachelectomy was normal until delivery. No abnormal Doppler findings were detected in the middle cerebral artery or umbilical artery. CONCLUSION: Our findings clarified that abdominal radical trachelectomy performed for the treatment of early-stage cervical cancer during pregnancy has no obvious influence on fetal growth. Next, it is necessary to evaluate the growth and development of children delivered from mothers who have undergone abdominal radical trachelectomy during pregnancy.

The oncological and obstetric results of radical trachelectomy as a fertility-sparing therapy in early-stage cervical cancer patients.

PURPOSE: This study explored the oncological and obstetric results of radical trachelectomy (RT) in early-stage cervical cancer patients. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted the oncological and obstetric results of 23 patients with early cervical cancer (stages IA2-IB3; International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics, 2018) who underwent RT in The Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital of Guiyang, China, from October 2004 to September 2018. RESULTS: 23 patients had cervical tumors of the squamous cell carcinoma histological type. All 23 patients retained reproductive function. The mean follow-up time was 112.87 ± 55.75 (36-199) months. The median tumor size was 2.00 ± 1.35 cm (imperceptible to the eyes 5.00 cm). No recurrence was observed in any of the patient cases. Among the patients with a tumor size > 4 cm (up to 5 cm), three patients who wished to preserve fertility accepted RT following neoadjuvant chemotherapy The pregnancy outcomes were as follows: 8 cases (47.06%) out of 17 cases who attempting pregnancy conceived 12 times.First-trimester abortion and the voluntary abandonment of pregnancy occurred in 4 cases (33.33%), respectively, one patient performed deliberate termination at 24 weeks of gestation. Second-trimester abortion occurred in three cases (25.0%) for chorioamnionitis. Premature delivery at 32 weeks occurred in one case (8.33%). CONCLUSION: Radical trachelectomy is a safe and effective treatment for women with early-stage cervical cancer preserving fertility biology. Patients with a cervical tumor sized > 4 cm can be pregnant after neoadjuvant chemotherapy and RT. Accordingly, this treatment is worthy of further exploration.

Fertility-sparing surgery in early-stage cervical cancer: laparoscopic versus abdominal radical trachelectomy.

BACKGROUND: Radical trachelectomy is an acceptable alternative to radical hysterectomy for patients with early-stage cervical cancer who wish to preserve reproductive function. This study is designed to compare the laparoscopic versus abdominal radical trachelectomy and provide oncological and obstetric outcome data on patients who have undergone fertility-sparing surgery. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed all early-stage cervical cancer patients who underwent abdominal radical trachelectomy (ART) or laparoscopic radical trachelectomy (LRT) between January 2005 and June 2017 in West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University. Patients' clinical details and follow-up were obtained from hospital records. RESULTS: A total of 33 patients (5 with IA1, 2 with IA2, and 26 with 1B1) were included, including 18 patients treated with ART and 15 patients treated with LRT. The median age at initial diagnosis was 30.00 ± 4.30 years (range 22-39). The mean follow-up time was 74.67 months. Among the 33 patients, 2 patients (6.06%, 1 abdominal/1 laparoscopic) developed recurrence, and there are no evidence of disease for the remaining 31 patients till now. The overall survival rate 96.99% (32/33). The LRT group had a shorter hospital stay (P = 0.01) and less blood loss (P < 0.01) than the ART group. There is no significant difference in the length of operative time (P = 0.48) between the two surgical routes. Overall, 15/33 patients (45.45%) have tried to conceive. 6 (40.00%) patients were pregnant and 6 (40.00%) patients were infertility. The ART group had a higher clinical pregnancy rate (P = 0.03) than the LRT group. CONCLUSIONS: There is no statistically significant difference in oncological outcome between the two surgical approaches. The clinical pregnancy rate in the ART group was significant higher than that in the LRT group. However, LRT resulted in less blood loss and decreased length of hospital stay.

Feasibility of the "Cuff-Sleeve" Suture Method for Functional Neocervix Reconstruction in Laparoscopic Radical Trachelectomy: A Retrospective Analysis.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of "cuff-sleeve" sutures for reconstructing a functional neocervix in laparoscopic radical trachelectomy (RT). DESIGN: A retrospective analysis of a case series. SETTING: A teaching hospital. PATIENTS: Twenty-five patients who were diagnosed as early-stage cervical cancer from June 2017 to October 2020 in Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital. INTERVENTIONS: Laparoscopic RT with the "cuff-sleeve" suture method for cervicovaginal reconstruction. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Twenty-five patients successfully underwent the laparoscopic RT with the "cuff-sleeve" suture method for cervicovaginal reconstruction, and no intraoperative complications occurred or conversion to laparotomy was needed. For all patients, approximately 80% of the cervical length was removed. Surgical radicality and negative surgical margins were also confirmed. During a median follow-up time of 29 months (range 8-48 months), no severe postoperative complications were observed. No cervical stenosis or secondary abnormal menstruation was reported. After the removal of the uterine stent 6 months after surgery, the neocervix length was approximately 14 mm (range 10-19 mm) and almost all the neocervixes were restored closely to the original anatomy. Four of 8 patients attempting actively to conceive were successful, and the cervical length of these pregnant patients was greater than or equal to 15 mm in all but one measurement at different gestational age. Three patients were ongoing pregnant, and the other had delivered successfully with a 16- mm cervix at term without cerclage. CONCLUSION: The "cuff-sleeve" suture method in cervicovaginal reconstruction is feasible in laparoscopic RT. This simplified suture technique can provide a functional neocervix to reduce cervical stenosis and incompetence.

Round ligament suspension and vaginal purse-string suture: Newly optimized techniques to prevent tumor spillage in laparoscopic radical trachelectomy for cervical cancer.

AIM: The purpose of this study was to investigate the surgical techniques and clinical feasibility of nonuterine manipulator and enclosed colpotomy to avoid cancer cell spillages in laparoscopic radical trachelectomy (LRT) for patients with early-stage cervical cancer. METHODS: We performed the newly optimized surgical techniques of round ligament suspension and vaginal purse-string suture in LRT in 12 patients with early-stage cervical cancer from May 2019 to October 2020. Surgical information and postoperative results were recorded. RESULTS: All 12 patients successfully underwent LRT with round ligament suspension and vaginal purse-string suture, and no conversion to laparotomy was required. The median operation time was 268.5 min (range 200-320 min), including 5 min of round ligament suspension, and the median blood loss was 20 mL (range 5-50 mL). The median number of pelvic lymph nodes removed was 27 (range 19-35), and median amounts of paracervical tissue was 24 mm (range 21-26 mm) and vaginal tissue was 18 mm (range 16-26 mm). No intraoperative complication or serious postoperative complications were reported. CONCLUSION: Round ligament suspension and vaginal purse-string suture techniques are feasible and effective in LRT. They can replace uterine manipulator and unprotected colpotomy with satisfactory perioperative outcomes.

Does radical trachelectomy (RT) during pregnancy have higher obstetrical and oncological risks than RT before pregnancy?

PURPOSE: Radical trachelectomy (RT) with pelvic lymphadenectomy has become a new treatment option for young patients with uterine cervical cancer stages 1A2-1B1 who desire the preservation of their fertility. However, the application of RT for pregnant patients is still controversial. We comparatively studied both obstetrical and oncological outcomes of pregnant patients who underwent vaginal RT during pregnancy and those who underwent vaginal RT before pregnancy. METHODS: Both obstetrical and oncological results of eight patients who underwent vaginal RT with pelvic lymphadenectomy during pregnancy in our institute between 2010 and 2020 (Group A), and ten pregnant patients who underwent vaginal RT with pelvic lymphadenectomy before pregnancy during the same period (Group B) were reviewed based on their medical charts. RESULTS: There were neither significant differences in blood loss, surgical time, or surgical completeness between Group A and Group B, nor were there significant differences in obstetrical outcomes between the two groups. However, two of the eight patients in Group A had recurrence of the cancer. None of the patients in Group B has shown any signs of recurrence thus far. CONCLUSION: Vaginal RT during pregnancy does not affect the obstetrical prognoses of patients with early invasive uterine cervical cancer, and it might be a tolerable treatment modality for them. However, oncologically, it should be performed carefully as there is a risk of recurrence.

Laparoscopic Radical Trachelectomy after Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy for Fertility Preservation in Early-Stage Bulky Cervical Cancer: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Management of early-stage cervical cancer (CC) in young women often faces challenges to preserve fertility, as well as to achieve an adequate oncological outcome. Although existing evidence supports a fertility-sparing treatment in the case of tumors <2 cm in diameter, the approach is less clear in bulky early-stage CC. In addition, the outcomes of radical trachelectomy performed by minimally invasive techniques are also highly debatable. Highlighting the high incidences of young women with early-stage CC, the lack of sufficient data raises considerable hindrances towards the proper counseling of this vulnerable patient group. In this report, a case of a young woman with bulky early-stage CC with a strong desire to preserve fertility is presented. A satisfactory oncological outcome was achieved after neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by laparoscopic radical trachelectomy. Ongoing prospective trials are expected to provide stronger evidence on this topic.

Uterine transposition for gynecological cancers.

OBJECTIVE: Uterine transposition has emerged as an alternative for fertility preservation in women with pelvic malignancies that require radiotherapy. The goal of this study was to evaluate the short-term outcomes of patients undergoing uterine transposition after trachelectomy for cervical cancer or before chemoradiation for vaginal cancer. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated patients with early stage cervical cancer after radical trachelectomy or with vaginal cancer with indication for pelvic radiation who had uterine transposition performed as fertility sparing strategy. RESULTS: Four patients with cervical cancer and one patient with vaginal cancer were included. Median age was 32 years (range 28-38). All patients had squamous cell carcinomas. All patients with cervical cancer had radical trachelectomies with sentinel lymph node dissection (SLN). Two of these patients also had pelvic lymphadenectomies. Indications for adjuvant radiotherapy was due to Sedlis criteria in two patients and to lymph node metastasis in the other two patients. The patient with stage IIB vaginal cancer was recommended primary chemoradiation. All patients underwent uterine transposition before radiotherapy. The median uterine transposition surgical time was 90 min (range 80-205) and no early complications (30 days) occurred. Average time from uterine transposition to start of radiotherapy was 16 days (10-28). After radiation, the uterus along with the ovaries and tubes were repositioned and the residual cervix sutured to the vagina. One patient declined uterine reimplantation after radiation and underwent a hysterectomy. After a median follow-up of 25 months (range 1-30), all patients were without evidence of disease. All patients with preserved uterus have normal menses after treatment. One patient has attempted to conceive with IVF techniques without success. CONCLUSIONS: Uterine transposition may be an option in selected patients with cervical and vaginal cancers who want to preserve fertility. However, further studies that address its oncological safety and obstetrical outcomes are encouraged.

Prospective assessment of urinary and bowel symptoms, and sexual function between laparoscopic assisted vaginal radical trachelectomy and radical hysterectomy.

OBJECTIVE: Radical trachelectomy is a valid alternative to radical hysterectomy in women with a desire to retain their fertility. Data regarding the oncological outcomes of radical trachelectomy are comparable with those of radical hysterectomy but information regarding urinary and sexual function is limited. The aim of this study was to prospectively evaluate and compare quality of life, urinary and bowel symptoms, and sexual dysfunction between patients who underwent laparoscopic assisted vaginal radical trachelectomy versus radical hysterectomy for early-stage cervical cancer. METHODS: Patients who underwent laparoscopic assisted vaginal radical trachelectomy or radical hysterectomy along with sentinel or systemic pelvic lymphadenectomy were included between May 2015 and January 2017. Patients were asked to complete a validated questionnaire (German pelvic symptom questionnaire) on bladder, bowel, prolapse, and sexual function, and total pelvic score, at least 48 hours before surgery and 6 months after surgery. RESULTS: A total of 51 patients were included. Of these, 26 patients (50.9%) underwent laparoscopic assisted vaginal radical trachelectomy and 25 (49.1%) underwent radical hysterectomy. No patient was converted to laparotomy. The majority of patients (76%) were diagnosed with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO 2018) stage 1B1 disease, with squamous cell carcinoma (54%) and grade II tumors (52%). Four patients (7.8 %) experienced perioperative complications (two grade II and two grade III complications according to the Clavien-Dindo classification). In the preoperative evaluation, the median scores for the four items of the questionnaire (bladder, bowel, prolapse, and sexual items) and total pelvic score were comparable between the two groups. The mean scores for radical hysterectomy and radical trachelectomy at the beginning of the study for bladder, bowel, prolapse, and sexual function were 0.93 versus 0.71, 0.71 versus 1.01, 0.12 versus 0.1, and 1.06 versus 1.0, respectively. On preoperative testing, the median scores for all four items of the questionnaire (pbladder=0.821, pbowel=0.126, pprolapse=0.449, psexual=0.965) and the total pelvic score (p=0.756) were comparable between the two groups. The radical hysterectomy group had worse total pelvic scores at the 6 month postoperative survey compared with baseline (p=0.03). There was no difference in bladder (p=0.07) or bowel symptoms (p=0.07) in the radical hysterectomy group comparing baseline with the 6 month assessment. Women undergoing radical hysterectomy experienced more urinary morbidity than women undergoing vaginal trachelectomy at 6 weeks (p=0.025). However, the mean bladder and pelvic scores in the 6 month control were comparable between patients who had and those who had not experienced urinary morbidity (pbladder=0.127, ptotal pelvic score=0.480). CONCLUSION: Patients undergoing laparoscopic assisted vaginal radical trachelectomy had similar pelvic scores in both the preoperative and postoperative periods. However, patients undergoing radical hysterectomy showed worse total pelvic scores on the postoperative assessment compared with the baseline evaluation. Urinary dysfunction in the early postoperative phase was more common in the radical hysterectomy group than in trachelectomy group.

Fertility-Sparing Surgery for Early-Stage Cervical Cancer: A Systematic Review of the Literature.

OBJECTIVE: This systematic review aimed to evaluate oncologic and reproductive outcomes after fertility-sparing surgery (FSS) for early-stage cervical cancer (early CC). DATA SOURCES: Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid EMBASE, and Cochrane CENTRAL were searched from 1980 to the present using Medical Subject Headings terms; other controlled vocabulary terms; and keywords related to fertility, cervical cancer, and surgical techniques. METHODS OF STUDY SELECTION: A total of 2415 studies were screened, with 53 studies included. Studies reporting recurrences with a median follow-up of 12 months in early CC (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics 2009 stages IA with lymphovascular space invasion, IB, or IIA) of traditional histologic type undergoing FSS were included. TABULATION, INTEGRATION, AND RESULTS: The studies were grouped by intervention, including vaginal radical trachelectomy (VRT), abdominal radical trachelectomy (ART), minimally invasive radical trachelectomy (MIS-RT), and conization or simple trachelectomy (ST), and studies involving neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT). Combined rates of recurrence (RR), cancer death (CDR), pregnancy (PR), and live birth (LBR) were calculated per procedure on the basis of all included studies that reported outcomes on that procedure. The results were as follows: VRT: RR 4%, CDR 1.7%, PR 49.4%, and LBR 65.0% ART: RR 3.9%, CDR 1.4%, PR 43.2%, and LBR 44.0% MIS-RT: RR 4.2%, CDR 0.7%, PR 36.2%, and LBR 57.1% Cone or ST: RR 4.2%, CDR 0.8%, PR 55.1%, and LBR 71.9% NACT: RR 7.5% and CDR 2.0% CONCLUSION: FSS of early CC with VRT, ART, or MIS-RT have comparable oncologic outcomes in carefully selected patients, with reproductive outcomes favoring VRT. Data on nonradical FSS with cone or ST are less robust but support similar oncologic outcomes to radical trachelectomy with fewer reproductive complications. NACT in this setting requires more investigation before routine implementation into practice.

Reproductive and obstetric outcomes after abdominal radical trachelectomy (ART) for patients with early-stage cervical cancers in Fudan, China.

OBJECTIVE: To report the reproductive and obstetric outcomes of patients undergoing abdominal radical trachelectomy (ART) for the treatment of early-stage cervical cancers in Fudan, China. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed a prospectively collected database of 360 patients with stage IA1-IB1 cervical cancers who underwent ART between 2004 and 2018. RESULTS: Overall, 211 women (58.6%) did not plan to get pregnant immediately after ART, and 89.6% of them were due to childbearing before surgery or unmarried. Among 149 women who attempted to conceive, 26 (17.4%) of them achieved 30 pregnancies. Eighty-six patients (57.7%) had infertility problems, 44 attempted to conceive with assisted reproductive technologies, and 12 (27.3%) succeeded. Post-operative cervical stenosis (26, 27.4%) and fallopian tube obstruction (22, 23.2%) were the most common reasons for infertility after surgery. Among the patients who conceived, there were 3 first-trimester miscarriages, 6 second-trimester miscarriages, and 2 elective terminations. A total of 19 pregnancies reached the third trimester, and 84.2% of them ended after 36 weeks. Twelve of 20 cases in patients with cerclage placed had full-term birth, while 3 of 5 patients without cerclage placed suffered from second-trimester miscarriage or preterm birth. CONCLUSIONS: Immediately after ART, many patients were reluctant to conceive, while others suffered from cervical stenosis or fallopian tube obstruction, which had led to low pregnancy rate. Pregnant patients might experience miscarriage or preterm labor which could be prevented by cervical cerclage. Assisted reproductive technology should be encouraged to improve obstetric outcomes.

Pregnancies after vaginal radical trachelectomy (RT) in patients with early invasive uterine cervical cancer: results from a single institute.

BACKGROUND: Radical tracheletomy (RT) with pelvic lymphadenectomy has become an option for young patients with early invasive uterine cervical cancer who desire to maintain their fertility. However, this operative method entails a high risk for the following pregnancy due to its radicality. METHODS: We have performed vaginal RT for 71 patients and have experienced 28 pregnancies in 21 patients. They were followed up carefully according to the follow-up methods we reported previously. Their pregnancy courses and prognoses after the pregnancy were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: All the vaginal RTs were performed safely without serious complications, including 6 patients who underwent the operation during pregnancy. The median time to be pregnant after RT was 29.5 months. 13 patients (46%) became pregnant without artificial insemination by husband or assisted reproductive technology. Cesarean section was performed for all of them. The median time of pregnancy was 34 weeks, and emergent cesarean section was performed for 7 pregnancies (25%). The median birth weight was 2156 g. Four patients had trouble with cervical cerclage, and they suffered from sudden premature preterm rupture of the membrane (pPROM) during the second trimester of pregnancy. We underwent transabdominal cerclage (TAC) for all of them and careful management for the prevention of uterine infection was performed. One patient had a recurrence of cancer during pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: Both the obstetrical prognosis and oncological prognosis after vaginal RT have become favorable for pregnant patients after vaginal RT.