Literature Review of Vaginal Stenosis and Dilator Use in Radiation Oncology.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

Guidelines for the care of women undergoing pelvic radiation therapy (RT) recommend vaginal dilator therapy (VDT) to prevent radiation-induced vaginal stenosis (VS); however, no standard protocol exists. This review seeks to update our current state of knowledge concerning VS and VDT in radiation oncology.

Methods and materials

A comprehensive literature review (1972-2017) was conducted using search terms "vaginal stenosis," "radiation," and "vaginal dilator." Information was organized by key concepts including VS definition, time course, pathophysiology, risk factors, and interventions.

Results

VS is a well-described consequence of pelvic RT, with early manifestations and late changes evolving over several years. Strong risk factors for VS include RT dose and

SUBMITTER: Damast S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7944435 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature