Fertility-sparing radical abdominal trachelectomy for clear cell adenocarcinoma of the upper vagina: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Clear cell adenocarcinoma (CCA) of the vagina is traditionally treated with radical surgical resection with tailored postoperative radiation when indicated. Due to a bimodal distribution, women of reproductive age are frequently affected and could benefit from radical trachelectomy to preserve fertility.

CASE: A 22 year old female was diagnosed with clinical stage I vaginal clear cell adenocarcinoma in the left fornix abutting the cervix. The patient desired future fertility; therefore, she underwent radical abdominal trachelectomy and upper vaginectomy. Twenty-eight months after initial surgery, she has no evidence of recurrence with regular menstrual cycles.

CONCLUSION: For patients with CCA of the upper vagina, where removal of the cervix is necessary, a radical trachelectomy with upper vaginectomy should be considered to conserve fertility.