Post-radical trachelectomy pregnancy appears safe. (Study of 80 Patients).

NEW ORLEANS -- Pregnancy following radical trachelectomy for cervical cancer is generally safe, according to a study of 80 patients who underwent the procedure.

The findings from this study--the largest to date to address pregnancy outcomes following radical trachelectomy--provide encouragement for cervical cancer patients who hope to maintain their fertility and who choose trachelectomy as the method of treatment for their cancer, Dr. Allan Covens said at the annual meeting of the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists.

Of 80 patients with stage IA or IB cervical cancer who underwent radical trachelectomy, 39 attempted to conceive, Of 22 total pregnancies (in 18 patients), 18 were viable. Twelve patients with viable pregnancies proceeded to term; two patients had twin pregnancies and gave birth between 24 and 26 weeks' gestation because of preterm premature rupture of the membranes (PPROM); and four gave birth between 32 and 34 weeks, according to Dr. Covens of the University of Toronto.

Of the 18 patients with pregnancies that resulted in live births, 12 conceived spontaneously

Three others underwent in vitro fertilization, two underwent intrauterine insemination, and one underwent ovulation induction.

The median time to conception was 11 months.

Three of the four nonviable pregnancies ended in spontaneous abortion, and one patient experienced PPROM and delivered at 17 weeks. The 18 successful deliveries were by cesarean section.