Lower urinary tract dysfunction after radical hysterectomy for carcinoma of cervix

The charts of 22 consecutive patients who had undergone radical hysterectomy for carcinoma of the cervix were reviewed retrospectively. Uroflowmetry, gas cystometry, and postvoid residual measurements were performed pre- and postoperatively, and a questionnaire to evaluate urinary problems experienced postoperatively was mailed to all patients. Twenty responses were received and followed up by a telephone interview with the urologist. The number and kind of problems suggest that the cause of urinary dysfunction commonly reported after radical hysterectomy is disruption of nerve supplies to both bladder and urethra. Data on retention suggest that the characteristics of this dysfunction change with time but generally are stabilized by the end of the first postoperative year. It is noted that recurrent urinary tract infection may occur asymptomatically because of loss of bladder sensation. Because of the diversity of presentation, urodynamics played an important role in individualization of treatment and monitoring of progress.