Vaginal Repair in the Radical Operation for Cervical Carcinoma

Abstract

An attempt was made to preserve postoperative sexual function and the recovery of bladder function by a simple modification of technique in 22 cases of radical operations for invasive carcinoma of the cervix. The procedures consisted of two parts. After removal of the specimen, the bladder peritoneal flap is sutured to the anterior vaginal wall leaving a 2 to 3 cm margin between the line of suture and the edge of the peritoneum. Similarly, the posterior peritoneal flap is sutured to posterior vaginal wall leaving a margin. Both edges of the peritoneum are then closed forming a pouch as an extension of vaginal canal. The length of the vagina was successfully elongated by this procedure, thus adding to better postoperative sexual function.

Quality of Life and Sexual Function of Patients Following Radical Hysterectomy and Vaginal Extension

“…A shortened vagina following RH seems to be a quite prominent issue in CCSs. Symmonds and Pratt first reported the surgical technique of vaginal extension following RH, which creates a neo-vagina using the edges of peritoneum (peritoneovaginoplasty) to elongate the vagina for the purpose of a better postoperative sexual function [12,13]. However, it is unknown whether this kind of reconstruction actually improves the quality of sexual life as it may worsen pelvic floor problems (voiding dysfunction and colorectal motility disorder).…”