Clinical and Urodynamic Follow‐Up of Women with Established Urinary Dysfunction After Radical Hysterectomy

Summary: The aim of this study was to examine the symptomatic and urodynamic changes seen in women presenting with urinary dysfunction after radical hysterectomy and ascertain whether there is any significant improvement over time. Sixteen women with persistent urinary dysfunction after radical hysterectomy were assessed on 2 occasions by interview and urodynamic studies over an average time interval of 35 months. Urinary incontinence, decreased bladder sensation and voiding difficulty were common symptoms of urinary dysfunction after radical hysterectomy. The sign of stress incontinence was an unreliable indicator of urethral sphincter incompetence. The only symptom to show significant improvement was bladder sensation (p<0.02). No significant improvement was found in any urodynamic parameter during the interval in either women who had surgery alone or had surgery and radiotherapy. The persistent nature of urinary dysfunction after cervical cancer treatment highlights the importance of prevention and long‐term follow‐up.