Authors :
A. Hamdan; O. Eddarif; S. El Baz; K. Nouni; A. Lachgar; H. El Kacemi; T. Kebdani; K. Hassouni
Volume/Issue :
Volume 9 - 2024, Issue 3 - March
Google Scholar :
https://tinyurl.com/4cwkf3xn
Scribd :
https://tinyurl.com/266mr694
DOI :
https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/IJISRT24MAR2099
Abstract :
The objective of the study: The aim of our
study was to highlight the anatomical and physiological
changes of the vagina after external radiotherapy and
brachytherapy in cervical cancer. Materials and
Methods: This was a prospective descriptive study
conducted over a period of 6 months, from March to
August 2022. A total of 123 women with cervical cancer,
treated with concurrent radiochemotherapy and
uterovaginal brachytherapy, who reported having had
sexual intercourse in the six months prior, were included
in the study. Patients were interviewed and examined
during post-therapeutic follow-up consultations. Results
and Statistical Analysis: The age of the patients (n=123)
ranged from 33 to 67 years, with a mean of 49.35 ± 9.84
years. The post-therapeutic follow-up duration ranged
from 6 months to 7 years. The most common histological
type was squamous cell carcinoma, and the most common
FIGO stage was stage II. Treatment consisted of
concurrent radiochemotherapy and uterovaginal
brachytherapy. Interviews revealed several changes
related to the vagina after treatment. More than 65% of
patients (n=81) reported the onset or worsening of vaginal
dryness, over 50% (n=63) reported the onset or
worsening of dyspareunia. Nearly 70% (n=83) reported a
decrease in sexual desire frequency or dissatisfaction, and
over 60% (n=78) became indifferent to sexual life.
Gynecological examination revealed a vaginal length
ranging from 2 to 10 cm with a mean of 5.66 ± 2.09 cm,
the presence of synechiae and/or stenosis in nearly 43%
(n=53), and bleeding in nearly 40% (n=47). In univariate
analysis, vaginal dryness and dyspareunia significantly
increased with age. Resumption of sexual activity was
slower in younger and older women. Among patients
followed for two years or less, there was a significant
increase in synechiae or stenosis, as well as bleeding.
Conversely, the prevalence of vaginal dryness and
dyspareunia increased with follow-up duration, especially
in those exceeding two years. In groups with vaginal
dryness or dyspareunia, a large proportion of patients
reported a decrease in sexual desire and indifference to
their sexual life. Conclusion: This study revealed that
patients with cervical cancer experienced significant
anatomical and physiological changes in the vagina after
treatment with concurrent radiochemotherapy and
uterovaginal brachytherapy, leading to chronic sequelae
and sexual disorders. It is therefore essential to
implement measures to prevent or limit certain side
effects associated with these treatments.
Keywords :
Vagina, Concurrent Radiochemotherapy, Brachytherapy, Cervical Cancer.
The objective of the study: The aim of our
study was to highlight the anatomical and physiological
changes of the vagina after external radiotherapy and
brachytherapy in cervical cancer. Materials and
Methods: This was a prospective descriptive study
conducted over a period of 6 months, from March to
August 2022. A total of 123 women with cervical cancer,
treated with concurrent radiochemotherapy and
uterovaginal brachytherapy, who reported having had
sexual intercourse in the six months prior, were included
in the study. Patients were interviewed and examined
during post-therapeutic follow-up consultations. Results
and Statistical Analysis: The age of the patients (n=123)
ranged from 33 to 67 years, with a mean of 49.35 ± 9.84
years. The post-therapeutic follow-up duration ranged
from 6 months to 7 years. The most common histological
type was squamous cell carcinoma, and the most common
FIGO stage was stage II. Treatment consisted of
concurrent radiochemotherapy and uterovaginal
brachytherapy. Interviews revealed several changes
related to the vagina after treatment. More than 65% of
patients (n=81) reported the onset or worsening of vaginal
dryness, over 50% (n=63) reported the onset or
worsening of dyspareunia. Nearly 70% (n=83) reported a
decrease in sexual desire frequency or dissatisfaction, and
over 60% (n=78) became indifferent to sexual life.
Gynecological examination revealed a vaginal length
ranging from 2 to 10 cm with a mean of 5.66 ± 2.09 cm,
the presence of synechiae and/or stenosis in nearly 43%
(n=53), and bleeding in nearly 40% (n=47). In univariate
analysis, vaginal dryness and dyspareunia significantly
increased with age. Resumption of sexual activity was
slower in younger and older women. Among patients
followed for two years or less, there was a significant
increase in synechiae or stenosis, as well as bleeding.
Conversely, the prevalence of vaginal dryness and
dyspareunia increased with follow-up duration, especially
in those exceeding two years. In groups with vaginal
dryness or dyspareunia, a large proportion of patients
reported a decrease in sexual desire and indifference to
their sexual life. Conclusion: This study revealed that
patients with cervical cancer experienced significant
anatomical and physiological changes in the vagina after
treatment with concurrent radiochemotherapy and
uterovaginal brachytherapy, leading to chronic sequelae
and sexual disorders. It is therefore essential to
implement measures to prevent or limit certain side
effects associated with these treatments.
Keywords :
Vagina, Concurrent Radiochemotherapy, Brachytherapy, Cervical Cancer.
