Pelvic floor dysfunction in gynecologic cancer survivors

• Published in: European journal of obstetrics & gynecology and reproductive biology 2023-09, Vol.288, p.108-113
• Main Authors: Cai, Linjuan, Wu, Yue, Xu, Xuyao, Cao, Jian, Li, Dake
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Gynecologic cancer; Pelvic floor dysfunction; Prevention; Urinary incontinence
• ISSN: 0301-2115; 1872-7654
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2023.07.010

•Gynecologic cancer survivors often develop pelvic floor dysfunction after treatment.•Treatments for early prevention of pelvic floor dysfunction is available.•Gynecologic clinicians should pay attention to the pelvic floor function of gynecologic cancer survivors for timely prevention. Pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) is a common complication in gynecologic cancer survivors (GCS) and is now a worldwide medical and public health problem because of its great impact on the quality of life of GCS. PFD after comprehensive gynecologic cancer treatment is mainly reflected in bladder function, rectal function, sexual dysfunction and pelvic organ prolapse (POP), of which different types of gynecologic cancer correspond to different disease incidence. The prevention strategies of PFD after comprehensive gynecologic cancer treatment mainly included surgical treatment, physical therapy and behavioral guidance, etc. At present, most of them still focus on physical therapy, mostly using Pelvic Floor Muscle Training (PFMT) and multi-modal PFMT treatment of biofeedback combined with electrical stimulation, which can reduce the possibility of PFD after surgery in GCS to some extent. This article reviews the clinical manifestations, causes and current research progress of prevention and treatment methods of PFD after comprehensive treatment for GCS.