Urological problems following treatment of carcinoma of the cervix

Abstract

One thousand one hundred and sixty-one cases of carcinoma of the cervix presenting over a 20-year period to 1982 were considered: 326 (28%) of these women developed urological problems, of whom 82 (7%) had major complications. Fistula formation occurred in 46 cases (4%), and was associated with active malignant disease in 33. Significant progressive ureteric obstruction occurred in 15 patients, 11 of whom had active malignancy. Overall, 35 (43%) of 82 patients with major urological problems had no evidence of active disease. Urinary diversion by ileal conduit proved to be a relatively simple and effective way of dealing with the serious problems, especially for patients with fistula formation and progressive ureteric obstruction, 67% and 73% of whom, respectively, underwent this procedure. More complex reconstructive surgery proved successful in a small number of selected patients, in whom there was no evidence of active tumour. Attempts to compromise with less definitive or over-ambitious procedures resulted in further complications and prolonged hospitalisation.