The management of pregnancy after trachelectomy for early cervical cancer

Key content Cervical cancer continues to affect many women in the UK with over half under the age of 45 years at the time of diagnosis; with a trend towards starting families later in life this raises fertility concerns. While the standard treatment for stage IA2 or IB1 cervical cancer is a radical hysterectomy, radical trachelectomy has been shown to have equivalent 5‐year survival and is a surgical option if there is a wish to preserve fertility. Although trachelectomies are performed by gynaecological oncologists, the management of any subsequent pregnancies falls under the remit of obstetricians who therefore require a sound knowledge of the procedure and potential obstetric sequelae. Pregnancies following trachelectomy are high risk because of the increased rate of mid‐trimester miscarriage and preterm delivery, often as a consequence of preterm prelabour rupture of membranes. Delivery is by caesarean section, traditionally by classical section as a permanent isthmic suture is placed at the time of trachelectomy, but nowadays a transverse incision may be used to reduce morbidity and the implications on future fertility. Learning objectives Management of a pregnancy following radical trachelectomy. Intrapartum care of post‐radical trachelectomy pregnancy and complication risks. Impact of trachelectomy and subsequent pregnancy on the woman. Ethical issues Informed consent surrounding trachelectomy and future pregnancies.