Role of percutaneous nephrostomy in cervical cancer patients: data from a reference center in Brazil

Introduction: Cervical cancer is the fourth most common neoplasm in the world. Ureteral obstruction is common in advanced disease, and percutaneous nephrostomy can be performed in these cases. However, the patient profile that would most benefit from the procedure is still debated in the literature. This study aims to identify prognostic factors to better understand the role of this procedure in patients with cervical cancer. Method: A cohort study with women diagnosed with cervical cancer who underwent percutaneous nephrostomy was conducted. Sociodemographic and clinicopathological data were collected, and patients were followed up. Descriptive analysis of the data and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis were performed. Cox regression was used to analyze how and which study variables impacted survival. Results: Forty women were recruited. Data were analyzed, and the overall survival was 28.21 weeks. We identified the following factors as improving prognosis in patients undergoing percutaneous nephrostomy: subsequent chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy. A total of 87.5% of the patients used the nephrostomy until the date of death or until the end of the study, and 72.5% of them had at least one of the complications assessed, with an incidence of infection of 60%. Conclusion: The most important prognostic value of nephrostomy appears to be the potential for subsequent oncological treatment. The benefit and indication of the procedure should be questioned when there is no prospect of subsequent oncological therapy, considering limited survival, a high rate of complications, and a lack of evidence in the literature for an improvement in the quality of life.