Nerve-sparing radical vaginectomy: two case reports and description of the surgical technique

Int J Gynecol Cancer. 2009 May;19(4):794-7. doi: 10.1111/IGC.0b013e3181a47b97.

Abstract

Background: Radical vaginectomy (RV) is related to significant bladder dysfunctions. We describe 2 cases of RV with nerve-sparing technique (NSRV).

Case reports: A 58-year-old woman with a diagnosis of locally advanced cervical cancer underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy with local and nodal progression of disease. The patient underwent NS radical hysterectomy plus NSRV, with prompt recovery of bladder function. A 14-year-old adolescent girl with a diagnosis of recurrent embryonal-botryoidal rhabdomyosarcoma was referred to us. She underwent 6 courses of chemotherapy with persistent disease. She then underwent NSRV. Two months after the surgical procedure, she was able to void the bladder.

Conclusions: These are the first 2 cases of NSRV reported in literature. This new surgical technique is feasible, with prompt recovery of bladder function.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Gynecologic Surgical Procedures / methods
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoadjuvant Therapy
  • Pelvis / innervation*
  • Rhabdomyosarcoma, Embryonal / drug therapy
  • Rhabdomyosarcoma, Embryonal / radiotherapy
  • Rhabdomyosarcoma, Embryonal / surgery*
  • Urinary Bladder / innervation
  • Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Vagina / surgery*
  • Vaginal Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Vaginal Neoplasms / radiotherapy
  • Vaginal Neoplasms / surgery*