Anatomical and functional changes in the lower urinary tract after radical hysterectomy with lymph node dissection as studied by dynamic urethrocystography and simultaneous urethrocystometry

Abstract

Seventeen urologically healthy women undergoing standardized radical hysterectomy with lymph node dissection for stage I carcinoma of the cervix were evaluated urodynamically before, immediately after, and 1 year after surgery, by dynamic videourethrocystography and simultaneous urethrocystometry. The surgical technique had been developed in order to preserve as much of the nerve and blood supply to the bladder and urethra as possible. Major dysfunction was found in the early postoperative state, but the lower urinary tract almost always regained its preoperative functional status in the course of approximately 1 year. There were no long-lasting functional changes which interfered with daily life, although small static and dynamic changes were observed. The changes occurred chiefly above the urogenital diaphragm. The results of the two urodynamic examinations, each giving different information, corresponded well. Used together they gave a more complete picture than used separately. Dynamic videourethrocystography offered information about the function of the bladder and urethra which could not be obtained by urethrocystometry alone.