Surgery for cervical cancer

A radical trachelectomy is an operation to remove most of the cervix, the tissue around the cervix and the upper part of the vagina.

A radical hysterectomy is an operation to remove the cervix, tissues around the cervix, womb, fallopian tubes and top part of the vagina. It might also include removal of the ovaries.

A pelvic exenteration is an operation to remove the cervix, womb and ovaries, part or all of your vagina, lymph nodes and other organs in the pelvis, such as the bladder or part of the bowel.

Before surgery for cervical cancer, you have tests to check your fitness and you meet members of your treatment team.

You have a general anaesthetic so you can't feel anything during the operation. This sends you into a deep sleep. 

After surgery to remove your cervix or womb, most people can go back to normal activities after a few weeks, but it can take up to 3 months to fully recover.

Possible problems after cervical cancer surgery include damage to organs or swelling in one or both legs (lymphoedema). Other risks include infection, blood clots and bleeding.