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The question is has there been any discussion on vaginal reconstruction after internal radiation? If so, I am thinking about it & wanted to find out more before going ahead. It has been 3 years since treatment ended.
Thank you for your time & trouble.
Dwight Heron, MD (Febuary 6, 2006):
First and foremost, the vast majority of women who undergo vaginal cuff brachytherapy (high dose internal radiation treatments) have no side effects related to treatment, and remain sexually active without the need for applicators or vaginal aids. If treatment-related changes in the vagina occur, steroid and/or estrogen creams have been used with a great deal of success.
Vaginal reconstruction is not a very common procedure for this indication, but is sometimes done in women who have part or all of their vagina removed for vaginal or cervix cancer. In cases of significant vaginal changes related to treatment, a new vagina (called a neo-vagina) can be made with portions of the small bowel. A consultation with a plastic surgeon who has experience with this surgery, or a gynecologic surgeon with a speciality in this area is recommended.
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What is the role of vaginal reconstruction after internal radiation treatment?