[Ability to work following radical surgery for cervix carcinoma]

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Gynecology
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Context:

• Radical hysterectomy is a major surgical procedure for gynecologic cancers.
• Post-treatment recovery and return to work are critical aspects of survivorship care.
• Understanding patient timelines for professional reintegration is essential for comprehensive follow-up.

Purpose:

• To examine the time interval between the end of treatment and the start of subsequent professional activity in women post-radical hysterectomy.
• To compare actual return-to-work timelines with patients' perceived optimal rehabilitation periods.
• To assess patient satisfaction with their return-to-work timing.

Summary:

• Follow-up examinations of 74 women after radical hysterectomy revealed varying return-to-work intervals.
• 34.1% resumed work within 3 months, 46.8% within 6 months, and 87.2% within 18 months.
• A significant majority (73.1%) preferred a 6-7 month rehabilitation period, with 44.7% idealizing 3 months. 51% found a 6-month sick leave essential. 74.5% of return-to-work dates aligned with personal plans.

Impact:

• Findings suggest discussing professional work resumption 3 months post-treatment, contingent on recurrence-free status.
• This approach aligns with patient-reported optimal rehabilitation timelines.
• Facilitates better patient-centered care and professional reintegration planning in gynecologic oncology survivorship.