Complications of postoperative radiotherapy in uterine cancer

Abstract

A report is given about reversible and irreversible complications following postoperative irradiation in cases of endometrial carcinomas. Intravaginal brachytherapy (Ra226, vaginal cylinder applicator) is given. In advanced cases or in cases with poor prognosis (tumor grading) percutaneous irradiation was added (Co60). Reversible complications (cystitis, proctitis) could be observed in 7%, irreversible complications (fistulas, stenosis) in 1.9% of the cases, respectively. The rate of radiation side effects after primary operation is lower than after primary irradiation of endometrial carcinoma. This is contrary to the results in postoperative irradiation of cervical carcinoma with a markedly higher rate of irradiation side effects. After postoperative intravaginal brachytherapy (Ra226) alone, only in 5.9% of the cases reversible and in 0.8% irreversible complications were observed.