Radiology, Vol 147, 249-251, Copyright © 1983 by Radiological Society of North America
Uterine perforation during intracavitary application. Prognostic significance in carcinoma of the cervix
RY Kim, DS Levy, DJ Brascho and KD Hatch
All cases of uterine perforation occurring during intracavitary application
for carcinoma of the cervix over a 13-year period (1968- 1981) were
reviewed. There were 14 perforations out of 799 applications in 622
patients, for an incidence of 2.25% of patients and 1.75% of applications.
In most cases, it is sufficient to halt the application and carefully
monitor the patient, as supported by the uneventful post- perforation
course in 12 cases. Nine patients (64%) underwent subsequent intracavitary
application without further complications; of these, 8 are still living or
died without evidence of tumor. In the other 5, it was impossible to locate
the cervical canal on subsequent applications. Alternative treatments,
results of therapy, and analysis of failures are presented. The authors
conclude that there is no direct evidence that uterine perforation alters
the prognosis following radiation therapy for carcinoma of the cervix.
