[Body image in gynecologic patients before and after radical surgery]

After radical gynecologic surgery women are faced with therapy-induced changes of their body. Since 1995, the body images of women who undergo pelvic exenteration, Wertheim-Meigs-operation or hysterectomy are assessed preoperatively and four and twelve months postoperatively. The aim of this multidimensional prospective study is to get basic information for effective counselling and support. One year after hysterectomy women state to have a normal body image. Cancer patients feel less attractive, less self-confident and more discontented in sexuality depending on therapy-induced changes of their bodies. These women could profit from problem-related preoperative counselling. Postoperative counselling offers will be helpful to support women in the process of acceptance of bodily changes and in the reorganisation of their sexual life.