Aims and Objective:Over 70% of the cases present in advanced stages of the disease and are associated with poor prognosis and high mortality rates. In many of them, it is difficult to offer definitive treatment as they present in uremia due to associated obstructive uropathy. There are no clear-cut guidelines for performing percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN) in patients of advanced cervical cancer. The results are unpredictable in terms of benefits achieved in these cases. Thus, we evaluated our experiences with PCN in the management of cervical cancer patients presenting with obstructive uropathy.Material and Methods:15 patients of cervical cancer with obstructive uropathy and deranged renal functions were retrospectively evaluated for the role of PCN in their managementResults:PCN was done in 15 patients of advanced cervical cancer. The mean age of patients was 44.5 years. Twelve (80%) patients presented primarily with advanced cervical carcinoma and obstructive uropathy. Three (20%) were already treated. Symptomatic improvement and significant fall of mean serum creatinine value from 7.5 mg% to 0.9 mg% over a period of 1-3 weeks was noted post PCN. Out of 12 patient with primary untreated advanced disease, curative treatment was possible in 3, palliative radiotherapy/chemo-therapy in 7 and only symptomatic treatment in 2 cases, after obstructive uropathy was managed with PCN insertion. Out of 3 already treated patients, 2 were disease free after curative radiotherapy/surgery. PCN was done to prevent permanent kidney damage in them. One patient was defaulter of curative radiotherapy. She had progressive residual disease. Complications like hemorrhage (20%), infection (26%), reinsertion for dislodgment/misplacement (53%), percutaneous leak or perinephric leak (20%), blockage of PCN (33%) were noticed.Conclusion:In spite of inherent, albeit manageable complications, PCN is a simple and safe technique. One of the major benefits observed was ability to administer either curative/palliative radiotherapy or chemotherapy in 85% of patients (11 out of 13 with disease). There was no active disease in remaining 2 patients. Therefore, the decision to attempt PCN in carefully selected cervical cancer patients is justified.
Of the approximately 80,000 new cases of all cancers detected every year in India, 10–15% are gynecological malignancies. As per population-based registries under the National Cancer Registry Program, the leading sites of cancer among women are the cervix uteri, breast, and oral cavity. About 50–60% of all cancers among women in India are mainly of the following four organs: cervix uteri, breast, corpus uteri, and ovaries. Over 70% of these women report for diagnostic and treatment services at an advanced stage of disease, resulting in poor survival and high mortality rates. Among all gynecological cancers, ovarian cancer is the deadliest one and, in 2/3rd of the cases, is detected in an advanced stage. But, in India and in other developing countries, due to inadequate screening facilities for the preventable cancer cervix, this kills more women than any other cancer in females. Gynecology Oncologist as a sub-specialist has an immensely important role in curtailing the menace of gynecological malignancies by providing comprehensive preventive, curative, palliative and follow-up services, with the aim of assuring a good quality of life to women as a cornerstone of cancer management.
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