New approaches in the surgical management of early stage cervical cancer

Quality of life has become a very important issue in deciding the extent of surgical procedures for patients affected with a variety of cancers. In recent years, more attention has been given to preserving organ function, cosmesis, and now reproductive function. As cancer treatment has improved survival in several neoplasias, cancer survivors are becoming more interested in preserving their fertility potential. We focus here on new surgical advances in the management of early stage cervical cancer, with emphasis on the radical trachelectomy technique to preserve fertility potential and the Saling procedure to prevent premature labor. We also discuss the issue of the sentinel node localization. Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol 13:41-46. (C) 2001 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.