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 re cent years, more attention has been given to preserving organ function, cos mesis, and now reproductive function. As cancer treatment has improved surv ival in several neoplasias, cancer survivors are becoming more interested i n preserving their fertility potential. We focus here on new surgical advan ces in the management of early stage cervical cancer, with emphasis on the radical trachelectomy technique to preserve fertility potential and the Sal ing procedure to prevent premature labor. We also discuss the issue of the sentinel node localization. Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol 13:41-46. (C) 2001 Lip pincott Williams & Wilkins.