Insights from plastic and reconstructive surgery wound specialists in managing complex vaginal and vulvar toxicities following radiation therapy

Early human evidence such as case series or small samples is exploring possible benefits.

• Level A · Stronger Clinical Evidence
• Level B · Emerging clinical evidence with positive signals
• Level C · Early human research exploring benefits
• Level D · Scientific groundwork from lab and animal studies
• Emerging · Emerging topic under active research

Abstract (original English)

Objective Radiation therapy is essential for treating vaginal and vulvar cancers but can cause chronic pain, sexual dysfunction, infections, and delayed wound healing. These complications profoundly impact survivors' quality of life and may impede cancer-directed treatment in recurrent disease. We describe a multidisciplinary approach involving Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Gynecologic Oncology, and Radiation Oncology for managing complex radiation-induced wounds. Methods We retrospectively reviewed two patients with severe vaginal/vulvar radiation wounds treated at a tertiary wound care center. Results Case 1: A 71-year-old woman with vulvar squamous cell carcinoma (VSCC) underwent vulvectomy and adjuvant chemoradiation, developing acute radiation dermatitis. Recurrent VSCC required further surgery, and reconstruction was complicated by wound necrosis, which was treated with debridement, quarter-strength sodium hypochlorite and advanced dressings. Following a third vulvectomy for further recurrence, she again demonstrated impaired wound healing. Despite ongoing management, cancer persists.Case 2: A 73-year-old woman with locally advanced endometrial adenocarcinoma received chemotherapy, external radiation, brachytherapy, hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, and stereotactic radiation for bone metastasis. Two years post-radiation, she developed vaginal necro

Evidence level

Early human evidence such as case series or small samples is exploring possible benefits.

Browse all related research

Filter the research library by this study's title keywords, author, or publication year.