The Impact of Surgical Treatment with Adjuvant Chemotherapy for Ovarian Cancer on Disorders in the Urinary System and Quality of Life in Women

Abstract

Ovarian cancer is the fourth-most-common cause of death among all malignant cancers in women in Poland. This study aimed to compare the functioning of the urinary system and quality of life in women in the 12-month period following the completion of surgery or adjuvant treatment for ovarian cancer, with patients who underwent a hysterectomy for non-oncological reasons (control group). The study group consisted of 50 patients diagnosed with stage I–III ovarian cancer. Among 38 patients with type II ovarian cancer (group A), surgery followed by first-line chemotherapy was performed. Within this group of patients, 20 had stage I ovarian cancer, while 18 had stage II ovarian cancer. The study was performed at least 6 months after the final chemotherapy cycle, with no clinical, marker or radiological recurrence determined. On the other hand, in 12 patients with stage I type I ovarian cancer, oncological treatment consisted of only surgery, without the need for adjuvant chemotherapy, due to the low stage of the lesions (group B). In turn, the control group consisted of 50 women who underwent uterine removal for non-oncological reasons (group C). The assessment of quality of life was conducted using the questionnaires: Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS); Incontinence Impact Questionnaire, short form (IIQ-7); Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI-6); and the Sexual Satisfaction Scale for 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after the conclusion of oncological treatment. During the follow-up, a significant reduction in the quality of everyday life and sexual life was noted among patients with ovarian cancer, more pronounced in group B, compared to the control group (p < 0.05). The risk of urinary incontinence is independent of the treatment regimen chosen for ovarian cancer. It is necessary to consider comprehensive psychological care and sexual therapy in patients with ovarian cancer and their families.