A retrospective review of side effects and complications of treatment in 52
2 patients with endometrial cancer managed in a gyneoncology unit was condu
cted. This study evaluated 517 patients who underwent total abdominal hyste
rectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (TAH BSO). Lymphadendectomy or
lymph node sampling was performed with the primary surgery in 264 and 41 ca
ses, respectively. Postoperative radiotherapy was given as external beam or
vault brachytherapy. Serious morbidity included lymphedema, hemorrhage, an
d vaginal stenosis. Lymphadenectomy was associated with lymphedema and lymp
hocyst formation in 11% of the cases. Vascular injury associated with lymph
adenectomy occurred in 0.7% of the cases; however, this was satisfactorily
managed through adequate surgical training and experience by staff within t
he unit. The incidence of vaginal stenosis (54.7%) following postoperative
vault brachytherapy was a particular concern for clinical follow-up and sex
ual function. Although many women were not sexually active prior to treatme
nt, those who were had high levels of sexual dysfunction, even when vaginal
stenosis was not present.