Pelvic dysfunctions and quality of life after nerve-sparing radical hysterectomy : a multicenter comparative study

Aim: To analyze pelvic dysfunctions, quality of life, and survival after nerve-sparing radical hysterectomy (NSRH) compared to classical radical hysterectomy (RH) for cervical cancer. Patients and Methods: All cervical cancer patients undergoing a RH or a NSRH were evaluated for pelvic dysfunctions and filled in a quality-of-life questionnaire. Results: A total of 56 women were included; 31 underwent RH (group 1) and 25 NSRH (group 2). Postoperatively, a higher number of patients had urinary incontinence (p=0.02), urinary retention (p=0.01), faecal incontinence (p=0.01) and constipation (p=0.01) in group 1 versus group 2. Patients referred a higher rate of severe sexual dysfunction after RH compared to NSRH (p=0.03). No differences were found in orgasmic frequency and sexual desire; overall quality of life evaluation was more satisfactory after NSRH. Conclusion: NSRH conferred a better clinical outcome with fewer long-term bladder, colorectal and sexual complications. Post-operative quality of life after NSRH was better, with the same overall survival as compared to RH.