Term: cervicectomy

Pronunciation: (SER-vih-SEK-toh-mee)

Description:

Surgery to remove the cervix. There are two types of cervicectomy: simple cervicectomy and radical cervicectomy. During a simple cervicectomy, only the cervix is removed. During a radical cervicectomy, 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 cervicectomy may be done to treat a person with early-stage cervical cancer who wants to become pregnant in the future. Also called trachelectomy.