Quality of life issues following surgery for vulval cancer: a case report.

Full Abstract

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Surgical intervention for vulvar cancer and vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia causes mutilation of the genital area and can impose significant bladder, bowel and sexual dysfunction. This case report outlines how conservative interventions such as pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) may reduce the long-term morbidities of such dysfunction. METHOD: The patient underwent 16 weeks of PFMT in conjunction with advice on fluid intake and bladder training. RESULTS: An increase in pelvic floor muscle strength and endurance were recorded. Improved bladder control as demonstrated by a reduction in frequency of voiding (from 15 to 7 per 24 hours), and number of pads used (from 6 to 3 per 24 hours) was evident. The impact of urinary incontinence on everyday life was much less at the end of the treatment period as measured by the Incontinence Impact Questionnaire with a change in score from 21 (maximum impact) to 10. CONCLUSIONS: These positive results indicate that further research is needed to investigate the effect of PFMT on bladder function following such surgery. Copyright (c) 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Author information

Author/s: McClurg, Doreen (D); Hagen, Suzanne (S);

Affiliation: Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Professions Research Unit, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK. doreen.mclurg(-atsign-)gcal.ac.uk

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article

Journal: Physiotherapy research international : the journal for researchers and clinicians in physical therapy (Physiother Res Int), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2009-Sep; vol 14 (issue 3) : pp 193-8

Dates: Created 2009/08/31; Completed 2009/10/20;

PMID: 19475642, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 10/20/2009, IMS Date: )

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