Long-term bladder symptomatology following radiotherapy for cervical carcinoma

The prevalence of long-term bladder symptoms 5-11 years after radiotherapy for cervical carcinoma was investigated by postal questionnaire. Sixty-six replies (68%) were received. Only 29 (44%) were asymptomatic and 17 (26%) had severe symptoms. Urgency and urge incontinence were the most common symptoms occurring in 30 women (45%). Significant frequency and nocturia occurred in 23 women (35%) but voiding problems were less common. These results suggest that long-term bladder dysfunction is a common problem following radiotherapy for cervical carcinoma.