Lower urinary tract dysfunction as persistent complication of radical hysterectomy

Gynecological cancers and urinary dysfunction: a comparison between endometrial cancer and other gynecological malignancies

The purpose of this paper is to provide a narrative overview of the available literature about voiding dysfunction in women with gynecological cancer before and after surgical, chemo- and radiotherapy treatments. Radical surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy may cause lower urinary tract dysfunction such as stress and urge urinary incontinence, and voiding difficulties. However, nerve-sparing radical hysterectomy may be a valid surgical approach in order to reduce bladder innervation impairment and maintain normal urinary function. Also, newer radiotherapy techniques significantly reduce the number of adverse effects, including bladder dysfunction. Pelvic floor muscle physiotherapy and training with biofeedback and urethral bulking agents represent some additional therapies that can be used in oncologically treated patients with urinary symptoms in order to improve a significant aspect of their quality of life. Considering the important impact on the patients' quality of life, a full urogynecological evaluation should be considered as an important part of oncological treatment and follow-up.

Outcome and Subsequent Pregnancy after Fertility-Sparing Surgery of Early-Stage Cervical Cancers

We aimed to investigate the outcomes and subsequent pregnancies of early-stage cervical cancer patients who received conservative fertility-sparing surgery. Women with early-stage cervical cancer who underwent conservative or fertility-sparing surgery in a tertiary medical center were reviewed from 2004 to 2017. Each patient's clinicopathologic characteristics, adjuvant therapy, subsequent pregnancy, and outcome were recorded. There were 32 women recruited, including 12 stage IA1 patients and 20 stage IB1 patients. Twenty-two patients received conization/LEEP and the other 10 patients received radical trachelectomy. Two patients did not complete the definite treatment after fertility-sparing surgery. There were 11 women who had subsequent pregnancies and nine had at least one live birth. The live birth rate was 73.3% (11/15). We conclude that patients with early-stage cervical cancer who undergo fertility-sparing surgery can have a successful pregnancy and delivery. However, patients must receive a detailed consultation before surgery and undergo definitive treatment, if indicated, and regular postoperative surveillance.

Early removal of indwelling urinary catheter after radical surgery for early-stage cervical cancer-A cohort study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the difference between early and delayed removal of indwelling urinary catheter after radical hysterectomy (RH) or radical trachelectomy (RT).

METHODS

An ambispective study was conducted in early-stage cervical cancer patients who underwent RH or RT. Delayed indwelling urinary catheter removal occurred on a postoperative day (POD) 7 in the retrospective group (January 2012-November 2013), and early removal occurred on POD 1 in the prospective group (May 2014-June 2017). The postvoid residual (PVR) test was performed after indwelling catheter removal in both groups.

RESULTS

Our sample included 47 patients in the delayed group and 48 in the early one. There was no difference in age, body mass index, tumor size, histology, stage, surgical approach, and intraoperative and postoperative complications. Indwelling urinary catheter reinsertion was needed in 16 (34%) patients in the delayed group and 12 (25%) in the early group (P = .37), with no statistical difference between the median PVR volumes -82.5 and 45 mL (P = .06), respectively. Seven (14.9%) patients in the delayed group presented with 30-day urinary tract infection vs two (4.2%) in the early group (P = .09).

CONCLUSIONS

Early indwelling urinary catheter removal, in regard to the rate of catheter reinsertion and PVR volume, does not differ from delayed removal.

Quality of life and the prevalence of urinary incontinence after surgical treatment for gynecologic cancer: a questionnaire survey

Background

Although there have been a number of reports on urinary voiding symptoms associated with surgical interventions for gynecologic cancer and post-voiding symptoms, there have been few reports on urinary storage symptoms such as urinary incontinence (UI) and overactive bladder (OAB). The purpose of this study was to examine the rates and impact on quality of life (QOL) of urinary storage symptoms after gynecologic cancer surgery.

Methods

A questionnaire survey, including Japanese-language versions of the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form (ICIQ-SF), Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS), and Incontinence Impact Questionnaire-7 (IIQ-7), was distributed to gynecologic cancer patients who underwent hysterectomy between 2008 and 2013.

Results

Of the 145 patients analyzed, 49 (33.8%) had UI pre-surgery, and 76 (52.4%) had UI post-surgery, including 34 (35.4%) first-time UI patients, with a significant difference between pre- and post-surgery. Of the 49 subjects with UI pre-surgery, 43 (87.7%) had stress incontinence, while of the 76 patients with UI post-surgery, 44 (57.1%) had stress incontinence, and 24 (31.2%) had mixed incontinence. Seven (4.8%) subjects had OAB pre-surgery, whereas 19 (13.1%) had OAB symptoms post-surgery (including 15 first-time OAB patients), with a significant difference between pre- and post-surgery. IIQ-7 scores were markedly higher for patients with mixed incontinence post-surgery than for those with stress incontinence, indicating a lower QOL. Logistic regression analysis identified the number of Cesarean sections and days of urinary bladder catheterization as risk factors for postoperative UI.

Conclusions

UI and OAB rates were higher after gynecologic cancer surgery than in the general female population. The mixed incontinence rate was markedly higher post-surgery; QOL was low for such patients due to the combination of urge and stress incontinence. Multiple Cesarean sections and urinary bladder catheterization post-surgery were risk factors for post-surgical UI.

Nerve-sparing radical hysterectomy in the precision surgery for cervical cancer

Precision cancer surgery is a system that integrates the accurate evaluation of tumor extension and aggressiveness, precise surgical maneuvers, prognosis evaluation, and prevention of the deterioration of quality of life (QoL). In this regard, nerve-sparing radical hysterectomy has a pivotal role in the personalized treatment of cervical cancer. Various types of radical hysterectomy can be combined with the nerve-sparing procedure. The extent of parametrium and vagina/paracolpium excision and the nerve-sparing procedure are tailored to the tumor status. Advanced magnetic resonance imaging technology will improve the assessment of the local tumor extension. Validated risk factors for perineural invasion might guide selecting treatment for cervical cancer. Type IV Kobayashi (modified Okabayashi) radical hysterectomy combined with the systematic nerve-sparing procedure aims to both maximize the therapeutic effect and minimize the QoL impairment. Regarding the technical aspect, the preservation of vesical nerve fibers is essential. Selective transection of uterine nerve fibers conserves the vesical nerve fibers as an essential piece of the pelvic nervous system comprising the hypogastric nerve, pelvic splanchnic nerves, and inferior hypogastric plexus. This method is anatomically and surgically valid for adequate removal of the parametrial and vagina/paracolpium tissues while preserving the total pelvic nervous system. Local recurrence after nerve-sparing surgery might occur due to perineural invasion or inadequate separation of pelvic nerves cutting through the wrong tissue plane between the pelvic nerves and parametrium/paracolpium. Postoperative management for long-term maintenance of bladder function is as critical as preserving the pelvic nerves.

Effects of an EP2 and EP3 Receptor Dual Agonist, ONO-8055, on a Radical Hysterectomy-Induced Underactive Bladder Model in Monkeys

OBJECTIVES

The objective was to develop an underactive bladder (UAB) model in primates and to evaluate the potential of prostanoid EP2 and EP3 receptor dual agonist ONO-8055 to become a therapeutic agent for UAB.

METHODS

A surgical procedure resembling radical hysterectomy was performed on female cynomolgus monkeys. Subsequently, in vitro muscle strip studies were performed using bladder muscle strips from normal monkeys and monkeys that underwent surgery. In addition, uroflowmetric data were obtained at specified days after the surgery. To evaluate the effects of ONO-8055 and distigmine (DIS) on voiding function in the UAB monkey model, uroflowmetry was performed approximately 1 week after the surgery, before and after the cumulative intravenous administration of the compounds at 2 h intervals.

RESULTS

In the bladder muscle strip studies, the responses to potassium chloride at 2 months, and carbachol and electrical field stimulation from 2 weeks decreased significantly. Voided volume (VV), maximum flow rate (Qmax), and average flow rate (Qave) decreased after surgery, while voiding time (VT) increased. In this model, ONO-8055 and DIS significantly increased VV and Qmax. DIS prolonged VT, while ONO-8055 had no effect. The results also showed that ONO-8055 increased Qave.

CONCLUSIONS

We developed a neurogenic UAB model in primates. As ONO-8055 improved voiding function in this model to at least the same degree as DIS, this EP2 and EP3 receptor dual agonist has the potential to be a candidate for neurogenic UAB pharmacotherapy.

Clinical tumor diameter and prognosis of patients with FIGO stage IB1 cervical cancer (JCOG0806-A)

OBJECTIVE

In order to determine indications for less radical surgery such as modified radical hysterectomy, the risk of pathological parametrial involvement and prognosis of FIGO stage IB1 cervical cancer patients undergoing standard radical hysterectomy with pre-operatively assessed tumor diameter≤2 cm were investigated.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective multi-institutional chart review of patients with FIGO stage IB1 cervical cancer who underwent primary surgical treatment between 1998 and 2002. The eligibility criteria for the analyses were (i) histologically-proven squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma or, adenosquamous cell carcinoma, (ii) radical hysterectomy performed, (iii) clinical tumor diameter data available by MR imaging or specimens by cone biopsy, and (iv) age between 20 and 70. Based on the clinical tumor diameter, patients were stratified into those with the following tumors: i) 2 cm or less (cT≤2 cm) and ii) greater than 2 cm (cT>2 cm). We expected 5-year OS of ≥95% and parametrial involvement<2-3% for patients with cT≤2 cm who underwent radical hysterectomy.

RESULTS

Of the 1269 patients enrolled, 604 were eligible for the planned analyses. Among these, 571 underwent radical hysterectomy (323 with cT≤2 cm and 248 with cT>2 cm). Parametrial involvement was present in 1.9% (6/323) with cT≤2 cm and 12.9% (32/248) with cT>2 cm. Five-year overall survivals were 95.8% (95% CI 92.9-97.6%) in cT≤2 cm and 91.9% (95% CI 87.6-94.8%) in cT>2 cm patients.

CONCLUSION

Patients with cT≤2 cm had lower risk of parametrial involvement and more favorable 5-year overall survival. They could therefore be good candidates for receiving less radical surgery.

Effect of the systematised critical pathway protocol on emptying failure as a secondary complication of radical hysterectomy due to uterine cervix cancer

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the usefulness of this pathway in managing postoperative emptying failure as a secondary complication of radical hysterectomy.

BACKGROUND

Postoperative urological management after radical hysterectomy has not been effective. We designed and prospectively applied a critical pathway for effective postoperative urological management after radical hysterectomy, based on early catheter removal and application of clean intermittent catheterisation.

DESIGN

Retrospective qualitative study.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Retrospective review of results from a database of patients who underwent radical hysterectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy for the treatment of uterine cervical cancer from 2004-2008 and analysis of questionnaires from ward nurses (Appendix 1) who were directly involved in patient care for measuring the clinical effectiveness.

RESULTS

Data from a total of 185 patients were analysed. Mean period of the indwelling catheter was 8·3 (SD 1·1), 13·0 (SD 1·1) and 13·1 (SD 3·3) days in the critical pathway (CP), parallel control (PC) and historical control (HC) groups, respectively. Among CP, HC and PC groups, the overall hospital stays were 14·1 (SD 4·8), 20·2 (SD 10) and 18·2 (SD 8·8) days and the periods of time for the indwelling catheters were 8·31 (SD 1·1), 13·1 (SD 3·3) and 13·0 (SD 1·1) days, respectively. Significant differences in the overall hospital stay and the postoperative hospital stay were observed between CP group and the other groups. Analysis of the questionnaires showed that 67% of nurses agreed that the critical pathway was more effective than the previous management pathway system.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results demonstrated that CP is an effective treatment modality for the management of postoperative emptying failure after radical hysterectomy.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

Our critical pathway may be applicable to postoperative urological management of radical pelvic surgeries. It may help patients in understanding their hospital course of treatment and encourage patients to participate in their postoperative care.

Short-term Effect of Radical Hysterectomy with or without Adjuvant Radiation Therapy on Urodynamic Parameters in Patients with Uterine Cervical Cancer

Purpose

Lower urinary tract dysfunction is the most common complication after radical pelvic surgery. The aims of this study were to assess the effect of radical hysterectomy (RH) on the storage function of the lower urinary tract and to evaluate the impact of radiation therapy (RT) on postoperative urodynamic parameters.

Methods

This was a retrospective review of preoperative and postoperative urodynamic variables, which were prospectively collected. All women from 2006 to 2008, who underwent RH for uterine cervical cancer with a stage of 1A to 2B with or without adjuvant RT were enrolled. All patients were divided into two groups: group 1, without RT, and group 2, with adjuvant RT. Urodynamic studies were performed before, 10 days after, and 6 months after RH.

Results

A total of 42 patients with a mean (±standard error) age of 51.9 (±12.3) years were analyzed. There were no significant differences in age, body mass index or clinical stage between the two groups. On the 10th postoperative day, all parameters were decreased except postvoid residual volume. In comparison with group 2 (n=14), group 1 (n=28) showed a significant increase in bladder compliance. At 6 months postoperatively, bladder compliance in group 1 had increased four times or more compared with that on postoperative 10 days. However, it had increased only 2.5 times in group 2 at the same time point (P<0.001).

Conclusions

The results of our study suggest that adjuvant RT after RH might result in a deterioration of bladder compliance. It is highly suggested that practitioners pay attention to low bladder compliance, especially in patients who have adjuvant RT after RH.

Basis for the use of localized hypothermia during radical pelvic surgery

Controlled tissue cooling, or hypothermia, has been used therapeutically for decades to mitigate the negative effects of traumatic, ischemic, and surgical insults. When applied systemically, moderate hypothermia can attenuate or prevent the extent of neurologic sequelae. Localized hypothermia, on the other hand, has the capacity to reduce tissue edema, suppress inflammation, and minimize the severity of peripheral nerve injury. Therapeutic hypothermia has been used in critical care, neurosurgery, ophthalmology, otolaryngology, cardiothoracic surgery and most recently in urology. Nerve injury during radical pelvic surgery can result in urinary incontinence or retention, impotence and bowel dysfunction. Localized hypothermia during radical prostatectomy has demonstrated improved recovery of urinary continence and erectile function, and similar benefits might be observed in other types of radical pelvic surgery.

Risk factors for persistent low bladder compliance after radical hysterectomy

INTRODUCTION

Bladder compliance deteriorates immediately after radical hysterectomy (RH), and low bladder compliance causes upper urinary tract dysfunctions such as progressive hydronephrosis. The aims of this study were to clarify risk factors for persistent low bladder compliance after RH and to propose a postsurgical management protocol for improved recovery of bladder function.

METHODS

A total of 113 consecutive patients who underwent RH with the intention to preserve the pelvic autonomic nerve system were included in this prospective study. Urodynamic studies were performed according to a planned schedule: presurgery and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. Autonomic nerves were preserved at least unilaterally in 95 (84.1%) of the 113 patients, but this was not possible in the remaining 18 patients (15.9%). Postoperative adjuvant radiation therapy (RT) was performed in 14 patients. The relationships between bladder compliance and various clinical factors were investigated using logistic regression analysis. Covariates included age, nerve-sparing procedure, adjuvant RT, and maximum abdominal pressure during the voiding phase. Bladder compliance at 12 months after surgery was used as the dependent variable.

RESULTS

Radical hysterectomy with a non-nerve-sparing procedure (odds ratio [OR], 3.4; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1-11.0), adjuvant RT (OR, 10.3; 95% CI, 2.5-43.5), and voiding with abdominal pressure at 3 months after surgery (OR, 2.9; 95% CI, 1.1-7.2) were risk factors for persistent low bladder compliance.

CONCLUSIONS

A nerve-sparing procedure and prohibition of voiding with abdominal strain during the acute and subacute phases after RH resulted in improved recovery of bladder compliance. Adjuvant RT should be avoided in patients who undergo nerve-sparing RH if an alternative postoperative strategy is possible.

Long-term lower urinary tract dysfunction after radical hysterectomy in patients with early postoperative voiding dysfunction

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

To compare long-term lower urinary tract dysfunction after radical hysterectomy in patients with or without early postoperative voiding dysfunction.

METHODS

Thirty patients at least 2 years after radical hysterectomy were evaluated with multichannel urodynamic studies. Fifteen patients (group A) had early postoperative voiding dysfunction (required urethral catheterization more than 1 month), and 15 patients (group B) had no early postoperative voiding dysfunction.

RESULTS

Overall voiding dysfunction was more prevalent in group A than group B (73.3% versus 33.3%, p > 0.05). In particular, high postvoid residual urine and abdominal straining increased significantly in group A (40% versus 0% and 60% versus 13.3%, respectively). Total and all domains scores from Urogenital Distress Inventory and Incontinence Impact Questionnaire were not different between both groups.

CONCLUSION

High postvoid residual urine and abdominal straining increased significantly in patients with early postoperative voiding dysfunction without impairment on quality of life.

New developments in the surgical therapy of cervical carcinoma

For almost a century abdominal radical hysterectomy has been the standard surgical treatment of early-stage macroscopic carcinoma of the uterine cervix. The excessive parametrial resection of the original procedures of Wertheim, Okabayashi, and Meigs has later been "tailored" to tumor extent. Systematic pelvic and eventually periaortic lymph node dissection is performed to identify and treat regional disease. Adjuvant (chemo)radiation therapy is liberally added to improve locoregional tumor control when histopathological risk factors are present. The therapeutic index of the current surgical treatment, particularly if combined with radiation, appears to be inferior to that of primary chemoradiation as an oncologically equivalent therapeutic alternative. Several avenues of new conceptual and technical developments have been used since the 1990s with the goal of improving the therapeutic index. These are: surgical staging, including sentinel node biopsy and nodal debulking; minimal access and recently robotic radical hysterectomy; fertility-preserving surgery; nerve-sparing radical hysterectomy; total mesometrial resection based on developmentally defined surgical anatomy; and supraradical hysterectomy. The superiority of these new developments over the standard treatment remains to be demonstrated by controlled prospective trials. Multimodality therapy including surgery for locally advanced disease represents another area of clinical research. Both neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by radical surgery, with or without adjuvant radiation, and completion surgery after (chemo)radiation are feasible and have to be compared to primary chemoradiation as the new nonsurgical treatment standard. Surgical treatment of postirradiation persisting or recurrent cervical carcinoma has been traditionally limited to pelvic exenteration for central disease. Applying the principle of developmentally derived anatomical compartments increases R0 resectability. The laterally extended endopelvic resection allows even the extirpation of a subset of visceral pelvic side wall tumors with clear margins. Many questions regarding the indication for these "ultraradical" operations, the surgery of irradiated tissues, and the optimal reconstructive procedures are still open and demand multi-institutional controlled trials to be answered.

Long-standing complications after treatment for cancer of the uterine cervix--clinical significance of medical examination at 5 years after treatment

The purpose of this study is to investigate the side effect in patients who survived for more than 5 years after initial treatment for invasive cervical cancer. Between January 1984 and December 1997, 341 patients underwent primary treatment for invasive cervical cancer. One hundred nine patients who underwent medical examinations at 5 years after primary treatment were reviewed. The patients were divided into three groups: radical surgery alone (group A), radiotherapy alone (group B), and radical surgery with postoperative radiotherapy (group C). Dysuria was seen in 8%, and positive catheterized urine culture was noted in about 20% of groups A and C. Hydronephrosis was seen in 2% and 9% of groups A and B, respectively. Colitis or ulcer detected by proctosigmoidoscopy was noted in 15%, 50%, and 43% of groups A, B, and C, respectively, frequently observed in radiotherapy group (P= 0.0029). Lymphocyst was still present in 6% of group A, and leg edema was noted in 14%, 6%, and 15% of groups A, B, and C, respectively. Long-standing abnormal findings including urinary and bowel complications were presented in this study. Periodic physical examination after treatment should be performed because complications existed over a long time.

Urogynaecological dysfunction after radical hysterectomy

AIMS

To identify self-reported urogynaecological dysfunctions in women treated by radical hysterectomy, and predict risk factors.

METHODS

A survey using questionnaires. Questionnaires were mailed to 396 patients.

RESULTS

Symptoms of urinary incontinence and urinary retention were reported by more than one-third, respectively. One-third of the patients reported cystitis and dysuria. However, 78% of the women did not consider their symptoms as a problem. Analyses identified body mass index, at least one delivery, pre-operative urinary incontinence, and pulmonary disease as predictors for development of post-operative urinary incontinence. Predictive variables for urinary retention symptoms were age, cystitis and/or dysuria, previous rupture of the anal sphincter, fetal weight at delivery > or =4000 g, sensation of vaginal dryness, and pre-operative urinary retention symptoms. Considering post-operative cystitis and/or dysuria, fetal weight > or =4000 g, sensation of vaginal dryness, cystitis and/or dysuria before the operation, and physical activity were predictive variables.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients can be informed and advised about possible urinary tract symptoms. Special attention in the pre- and post-operative period can be paid to a subgroup of patients at high risk of later urogynaecological problems.

Urodynamic study on postsurgical bladder function in cervical cancer treated with systematic nerve-sparing radical hysterectomy

The objective of this study was to assess the postsurgical bladder function by urodynamic study in patients with cervical cancer treated with nerve-sparing radical hysterectomy. A total of 27 consecutive patients were included in the study. Of the 27 patients, autonomic nerves had been completely preserved at least on one side in 22 patients (group A), and autonomic nerves could not be successfully preserved in five patients (group B). In group A, there was no significant difference in compliance at the moment of strong desire to void, maximum flow rate, and residual urine volume between before the operation and at 12 months after the operation. However, abdominal pressure at maximum flow had significantly increased in patients of group B than of group A. Detrusor contraction pressure at maximum flow had significantly decreased in patients of group B than of group A. Bladder sensation was diminished in three cases (60%) of group B but preserved in all the patients of group A. Although it is still preliminary, our surgical technique described in this report is thought to be effective for preservation of bladder function. For further evaluation of the efficacy of nerve-sparing radical hysterectomy in terms of quality of life and survival of patients, a prospective randomized trial needs to be performed.

Neue Konzepte für die operative Therapie des Zervixkarzinoms

Abdominal radical hysterectomy (Wertheim operation) is the current standard of surgical therapy of cervical carcinoma. It is based on historical concepts of female pelvic anatomy and locoregional tumor spread. This surgical therapy - depending on the individual radicality of the operation - leads to damage of essential structures not involved by the tumor, e.g. the autonomic pelvic nerves. Despite of its supposed radicality the Wertheim operation has to be combined with adjuvant radiotherapy in case of histopathological high risk factors to reach acceptable rates of tumor control. The total mesometrial resection (TMMR) uses new insights in pelvic anatomy and local tumor spread derived from developmental biology for a new concept of radicality achieving a high regional control rate with minimal treatment-related morbidity without adjuvant radiotherapy.

Hysterectomy and pelvic organ dysfunction

Contrary to popular belief, there is now considerable evidence that simple abdominal hysterectomy does not adversely affect bladder, bowel and sexual function (collectively referred to as 'pelvic organ function'). This also appears to hold true for vaginal hysterectomy, although randomized studies are lacking. Furthermore, conservation of the cervix by performing a subtotal (supracervical) hysterectomy does not confer advantages over total hysterectomy as far as pelvic organ function is concerned. By contrast, as radical hysterectomy involves more extensive dissection of the pelvic organs and innervation, some degree of pelvic organ dysfunction might be expected. However, the small prospective studies available provide conflicting results, but major sexual problems after radical hysterectomy appear to be transient. Retrospective studies suggest that abdominal and particularly vaginal hysterectomy may predispose to vault prolapse. One study reported that subtotal hysterectomy may be associated with subsequent cervical prolapse. These issues can only be clarified when long-term follow-up of recently completed randomized trials are performed. Until then, myths regarding the most frequently performed major gynaecological operation need to be dispelled, and women requiring hysterectomy should be counselled using the best available evidence.

A case-control study to evaluate urinary tract complications in radical hysterectomy

Background

This study has evaluated urinary tract injuries and dysfunction after Radical Hysterectomy (RH) performed in patients with cervical cancer and has compared the cystometric parameters and urinary complications occurring in these patients with those occurring in patients who had undergone Simple Hysterectomy (SH).

Patients and methods

A prospective case-control study was conducted to evaluate urinary tract injuries (intra-operative and post-operative) and dysfunction in 50 patients undergoing RH for cervical cancer and to compare them with the same parameters in 50 patients who underwent SH for benign disease.

Results

Mean age in the RH group was 46.3 years and in the SH group was 50.1 (p = 0.63). There were no bladder and urethral injuries in either group of patients. There was one intra-operative ureteral injury in the RH patients but none in those who underwent SH. (p < 0.05). In the two weeks after surgery, 15% of RH patients and 11% of SH patients had experienced a urinary tract infection urinary tract infection (p = 0.61). Two week after surgery 62% of RH patients had no urinary symptoms, compared to 84% in the SH group who did (p < 0.02). Urinary residual volume, first urinary sensation and maximal bladder capacity were higher in the RH group, but this was not statistically significant. The only case of a urinary fistula appeared in a patient who received 5000 cGy radiation therapy pre-operatively, but this spontaneously healed after 3 weeks of catheterization.

Conclusions

Intra-operative and post-operative urinary tract complications are comparable in patients undergoing RH and SH and an expert gynaecological oncologist might be able to further decrease complications. However, radiation therapy before surgery may increase the risk of complications.

Modulation of surgery in early invasive cervical cancer

In modern oncology increasing attention is given to patient quality of life issues. Reduction of morbidity and preservation of reproductive organs are aspects of major concern for surgeons treating women affected by gynecologic tumors. To achieve these goals both improvements of surgical technique and peri-operative management, but mainly a better individualization of therapy are needed. This requires: (1) advanced knowledge of the natural history of disease, (2) accurate pathological evaluation, (3) innovative diagnostic tools. In the last decades remarkable progresses have been made in these fields making modulation of surgery a concrete option in the treatment of early invasive cervical cancer. Currently, tumor volume measurements by step serial section of cone specimen (stage IA(2) and small volume IB(1)), sentinel nodal group lymphadenectomy and sentinel node biopsy (stage IB(1)) represent the best techniques available for assessing the risk of extracervical spread of disease allowing tailoring of patient management to optimize the patients outcome and quality of life.

Vesical dysfunctions after radical hysterectomy for cervical cancer: a critical review

Functional disorders of the lower urinary tract are the most common long-term complications following radical surgery for cancer of the uterine cervix (8-80%). These disturbances were associated to the partial interruption of the autonomic fibers innervating the bladder during the resection of anterior, lateral and posterior parametrium and vaginal cuff. The pathophysiology of these changes is actually debated. The nature of the surgical damage appears to be a decentralization rather than a complete denervation and bladder dysfunctions may be either the unmasking of intrinsic detrusor activity, characterized by a loss of beta-adrenergic innervation and a consequent alfa-adrenergic hyperinnervation or the influence of remaining sympathetic innervation. No data on long-term bladder function in patients who underwent class 4 radical hysterectomy have been reported. In our experience on long-term vesical function in 38 patients with locally advanced cervical cancer treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy and 4 Piver type radical hysterectomy, urinary symptoms were reported in 11 patients (29%), while a normal urodynamic finding was recorded in only nine patients (24%). The most common bladder dysfunction was the storage dysfunction (47%). The voiding dysfunction was present in one patient (3%) and stress urinary incontinence in 20 patients (53%). The parametrial and vaginal resections were compared among the urodynamic diagnosis The size of lateral parametria measured on the giant sections did not differ among the groups of urodynamic diagnosis, while the length of vagina removed was significantly longer in patients with detrusor dysfunctions (storage and voiding dysfunctions) than in patients with normal diagnosis or genuine stress incontinence.

Total mesometrial resection: High resolution nerve-sparing radical hysterectomy based on developmentally defined surgical anatomy

Total mesometrial resection (TMMR) is characterized by: i). the en bloc resection of the uterus, proximal vagina, and mesometrium as a developmentally defined entity; ii). transection of the rectouterine dense subperitoneal connective tissue above the level of the exposed inferior hypogastric plexus; and iii). extended pelvic/periaortic lymph node dissection preserving the superior hypogastric plexus. Since July 1998 we have studied prospectively the outcome in patients treated with TMMR for cervical carcinoma FIGO stages IB, IIA, and selected IIB. By July 2002, 71 patients with cervical cancer stages pT1b1 (n = 48), pT1b2 (n = 8), pT2a (n = 3), pT2b (n = 12) had undergone TMMR without adjuvant radiation. Fifty-four percent of the patients exhibited histopathologic high risk factors. At a median observation period of 30 months (9-57 months) two patients relapsed locally, two patients developed pelvic and distant recurrences and two patients only distant recurrences. Three patients died from their disease. Grade 1 and 2 complications occurred in 20 patients, no patient had grade 3 or 4 complications. No severe long-term impairment of pelvic visceral functions related to autonomic nerve damage was detected. Based on these preliminary results, we believe TMMR achieves a promising therapeutic index by providing a high probability of locoregional control at minimal short and long-term morbidity.

Neurourological changes before and after radical hysterectomy in patients with cervical cancer

BACKGROUND

The severity of bladder dysfunction in patients receiving radical hysterectomy for cervical cancer has been related to the delicacy and the degree of radicality of the hysterectomy. Our goal was to evaluate the effect of modified radical hysterectomy on the storage and evacuation of the lower urinary tract.

METHODS

In this prospective study, 18 patients underwent radical hysterectomy for cervical cancer with FIGO stages Ia, Ib and IIa. These patients participated in a pudendal motor nerve conduction study and a urodynamic study, including urethral pressure profile (UPP), cystometry (CMG) and uroflowmetry (UFR). These were carried out at preoperative baseline and at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months and 6 months following surgery. We used generalized linear models to evaluate, over time, the relationship between the different parameters marked in these profiles.

RESULTS

The average pudendal nerve motor latency was prolonged at 2 and 6 weeks after surgery but recovered to baseline at 3 months postsurgery. Maximal urethral closing pressure revealed a tendency to decrease, and the CMG showed a significant increase in maximum intravesical filling pressure and a marked decrease in compliance throughout the investigative course. Increased residual urine volume and decreased uroflow rates were detected in a series of UFR. However, these values headed for baseline at 6 months after surgery.

CONCLUSION

Transient neurological changes in the majority of our patients suggested that both somatic and autonomic demyelination with or without denervation might be responsible for the temporal changes in vesicourethral function after radical hysterectomy and recovery to baseline condition within 6 months.

Urinary tract dysfunction after radical hysterectomy for cervical cancer

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the urinary tract dysfunction following a radical hysterectomy and to compare the baseline urodynamical parameters of women who had uterine cervical carcinoma with women who had CIN 3.

METHODS

A prospective case-control study was conducted to evaluate preoperative and postoperative urinary tract function of thirty-two cervical carcinoma patients using twenty-seven CIN 3 patients' preoperative urodynamical parameters as a baseline control.

RESULTS

The rate of detrusor instability in women with preoperative cervical carcinoma was higher than that of women with CIN 3 (37.5 % vs. 14.8 %, P < 0.05). In the cervical carcinoma patients, there were 53.1 % who had normal urinary tract function, but after a radical hysterectomy they began voiding by abdominal straining. The impairment of bladder sensation, alteration of bladder capacity and bladder compliance, compromise of detrusor function, reduction of maximal urethral pressure and maximal urethral closure pressure, and the decrease of the pressure transmission ratio were significantly noted after a radical hysterectomy. The rate of genuine stress incontinence did not increase significantly (9.4 % vs. 18.8%, P > 0.05), but the rate of detrusor instability decreased significantly (37.5% vs. 15.6%, P < 0.05) after a radical hysterectomy.

CONCLUSIONS

Changes of urinary tract function after a radical hysterectomy might be related to the partial sympathetic and parasympathetic denervation during a radical dissection. More than half of the women who preoperatively had normal urinary tract function needed to void by abdominal straining after radical surgery.