The uterus is typically removed in cases of invasive cervical cancer because the cervix and uterus share the same blood supply, which may allow cancer cells to move freely from the cervix to the uterus. In the radical trachelectomy, surgeons remove part of the cervix and some surrounding tissue. The surgery is done through the vagina. It does not affect the vagina and leaves the top part of the cervix and the uterus intact.
Because the trachelectomy affects cervical mucus, Rivas and her husband required artificial insemination to conceive and underwent four attempts before conceiving. And, because her cervix is weakened, Rivas will spend much of her pregnancy resting in bed.
