Pelvic Physiotherapy in the Prevention of Vaginal Stenosis Secondary to the Radiotherapy

Pelvic Physiotherapy in the Prevention of Vaginal Stenosis Secondary to Radiotherapy of Gynecological Cancer: a Randomized Controlled Trial

Vaginal stenosis is one of the most prevalent side effects of pelvic radiation, affecting about one third of women. In this randomized controlled trial, the effect of a pelvic physiotherapy protocol on an incidence rate of vaginal stenosis in women with gynecological cancer undergoing gynecological brachytherapy. In addition, the investigators will explore an improvement in quality of life, sexuality, and contractile function of the pelvic floor muscles.

Tis study will be conducing in a reference hospital to oncology treatment were mane patients with gynecologic cancer are management on radiotherapy services. The aim of this work is evaluated the effects of the pelvic physiotherapy (PP) on the more prevalent constriction pathology (vaginal stenosis) secondary to the brachytherapy. The PP will be conduced by three months after the radiotherapy starts and the incidence of the vaginal stenosis will be compared with a control group throughout six months of fallow-up.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Women over 18 years old;
• No vaginal stenosis at first evaluation;
• Women free of previous intracavitary radiation;
• Women diagnosed with gynecological cancer who are undergoing brachytherapy treatment during the period of research at the Santa Rita Hospital of the Santa Casa de Misericórdia in Porto Alegre;
• Women who agree to participate in the research through the Informed Consent Form (TCLE).

Exclusion Criteria:

• Women who do not sign the ICF;
• Women not being treated for gynecological cancer;
• Women who have a 30% lack of physical therapy sessions (4 sessions);
• Women who present complications that prevent the accomplishment of the protocol of pelvic physiotherapy or that do not perform all the treatment with brachytherapy.