trachelectomy
(TRAY-kee-LEK-toh-mee)
Surgery to remove the cervix. There are two types of trachelectomy: simple trachelectomy and radical trachelectomy. During a simple trachelectomy, only the cervix is removed. During a radical trachelectomy, the cervix, nearby tissue, and the upper part of the vagina are removed. Lymph nodes in the pelvis may also be removed. Because the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries are not removed, a trachelectomy may be done to treat a person with early-stage cervical cancer who wants to become pregnant in the future. Also called cervicectomy.