The effect of radical gynecologic surgery on urinary incontinence

Objectives: The aim of the study was evaluate the effect of gynecologic cancer treatment on urinary incontinence symptoms. Methods: This study includes 76 patients who underwent lymhnode disection surgery for endometrial cancer and ovarian cancer. At preoperative period urogynecologic examination and “Urinary incontinence score for females” test were performed. Preoperative IIQ-7 (Incontinence Impact Questionnaire-7), UDI-6 (Urogenital Distress Inventory-6) and were performed before treatment and at the 6th week after surgery for all patients. Results: The mean age and parity of patients were 57,7 ±10,5 and 2,6 ± 1,2. Total of 44 patients (57%) who were diagnosed stress or urge incontinence by examination or “Urinary incontinence score for females” test. The percentage of stress urinary incontinence and urge incontinence were 52, 3% and 9%. The percentage of mixed incontinence was 38,7%. Twenty four (31%) of 76 procedures were performed for ovarian cancer and 52 (69%) procedures were performed for endometrial cancer. There was no urinary track injury during procedures. The percentage of urinary incontinence at 6th week after surgery was 71% and difference was significant (p<.05). The difference between preoperative IIQ-7 and UDI-6 score and postoperative IIQ-7 and UDİ-6 scores were significantly different (p<.05). When compare the items of IIQ-7 test, physical activity and travel items were significantly difference. Conclusions: Radical gynecologic surgery has serious adverse effect on urinary incontinence symptoms. Urinary symptoms could impair quality of life after surgery. Preventive approaches should suggest patient early after operation.