Thank you Mr Abu: Claire, baby Alexander and a trachelectomy

Some of the letters we receive stay with the whole team. This one came from Claire, who had a trachelectomy for early-stage cervical cancer and later gave birth to her son, Alexander. We are sharing her words with her permission, along with a short explanation of the operation that made her pregnancy possible.

“Thank you Mr Abu for enabling a miracle to happen! We are so grateful for all your hard work, support, dedication and patient care. Thank you for being at the birth and looking after us (and for cutting the cord). Best wishes, Claire and baby Alexander”

What is a trachelectomy?

A trachelectomy is an operation to remove the cervix, the neck of the womb, while leaving the womb itself in place. For a carefully selected group of women with early cervical cancer, it offers an alternative to a hysterectomy. The main reason to choose it is simple: keeping the womb keeps the possibility of carrying a pregnancy in the future.

Not everyone with cervical cancer is suitable. The cancer usually needs to be small and found early, and the lymph glands in the pelvis are checked as part of the treatment. Your specialist will talk through your scan and biopsy results, your wishes about having children, and the risks of each option before you decide anything.

How a trachelectomy protects a future pregnancy

Removing the cervix is delicate surgery. The cervix normally helps keep a pregnancy safely inside the womb, so taking it away increases the risk of miscarriage and premature labour. To reduce that risk, Mr Abu would normally also place a special stitch called a cervical cerclage. He puts it in by keyhole surgery around the lower part of the womb, where it is joined to the top of the vagina.

The stitch acts as a supportive band during pregnancy. Because it stays in place, babies are usually delivered by planned caesarean section. In Claire's case, the cerclage did its job: she carried Alexander to term and had an elective caesarean section at 38 weeks and 5 days.

Keyhole surgery and recovery

Mr Abu performs this operation by keyhole (laparoscopic) surgery wherever it is safe to do so. Smaller incisions generally mean less pain, a shorter stay in hospital and a quicker return to everyday life than open surgery. You can read more about the procedure itself on our total laparoscopic radical trachelectomy page, and about other options on our fertility-sparing surgery page.

After a trachelectomy, follow-up is important. You will have regular check-ups so that any change can be picked up early. Most women are advised to wait a period of time before trying to conceive, and your team will guide you on timing, pregnancy care and the safest way to deliver.

Is a trachelectomy right for me?

That depends on the size and type of the cancer, whether it has spread, and what matters most to you. A trachelectomy is a specialist operation, so it is worth asking whether it is an option when you first discuss treatment. Cancer Research UK explains the treatment options for cervical cancer in more detail, and the World Health Organization summarises how cervical cancer develops and is prevented.

If you have been diagnosed with early cervical cancer and want to keep your fertility, Mr Abu can see you at The Park Hospital, Nottingham. Our patient pathway explains each step, from the first consultation to follow-up, so you know what to expect. You are welcome to bring a partner or family member, and to ask as many questions as you need about the operation, recovery and pregnancy afterwards.

Nothing is more rewarding than knowing you have made a real difference to someone's life. We wish Claire and Alexander all the very best for the future. You can read more stories like Claire's on our patient testimonials page.