Article

Endometrial cancer is the fourth most prevalent cancer in Canadian
women. Radiotherapy (RT) is frequently recommended as an adjuvant treatment.
There is a high prevalence (>80%) of urinary incontinence (UI) after RT. It is
plausible that UI is associated, at least in part, with alterations of the
pelvic-floor muscles (PFM).
The aim of this exploratory study was to
compare the PFM functional properties of women reporting UI after hysterectomy
and RT for endometrial cancer with those of women with a history of hysterectomy
but without UI. Design: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted. Eleven
women were recruited for the affected group, and 18 were recruited for the
comparison group. Methods: Urogenital and bowel functions were assessed using
International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaires, and PFM properties
were evaluated using a Montreal dynamometer. Nonparametric tests were used for
comparison of personal characteristics, functional status, and muscle properties.
A correspondence analysis detailed the association between UI severity and PFM
properties. Results: Maximal opening of dynamometer branches, maximal vaginal
length, PFM maximum force and rate of force development in a strength test, and
number of rapid contractions during a speed test were reduced in the affected
group. No significant difference was found for the endurance test. The severity
of UI was found to correspond to the rate of force development and the number of
rapid contractions in a speed test, endurance, age, and vaginal length.
Limitations: The results are limited to the population studied. The small sample
size limited the strength of the conclusions. Conclusions: Some evidence of
alterations in PFM properties were found in women with UI after hysterectomy and
RT for endometrial cancer. These alterations appeared to be associated with UI,
suggesting a possible role for rehabilitation.

Langue : ANGLAIS