ABSTRACT
Expertise in this procedure is the prerequisite to having the skill required for a new technique described for removal of exophytic tumors, stages IA2 to IIA, which were unsuitable for treatment by conization. Dargent called this procedure “radical vaginal trachelectomy.” It involves laparoscopic pelvic lymphadenectomy followed by removal of the cervix, parametrium, and upper vagina via the vaginal route. This requires considerable skill in both vaginal and laparoscopic techniques. Gynecological oncologists have acquired laparoscopic skills to complement their open surgical skills, but fewer have undertaken the training necessary to perform radical vaginal hysterectomy. For this reason, we have been involved in developing an abdominal approach to radical trachelectomy that is technically similar to a traditional radical hysterectomy but still offers prospects for future fertility.
