Uterine perforation during intracavitary application. Prognostic significance in carcinoma of the cervix

All cases of uterine perforation occurring during intracavitary application for carcinoma of the cervix over a 13-year period (1968-1981) were reviewed. There were 14 perforations out of 799 applications in 622 patients, for an incidence of 2.25% of patients and 1.75% of applications. In most cases, it is sufficient to halt the application and carefully monitor the patient, as supported by the uneventful post-perforation course in 12 cases. Nine patients (64%) underwent subsequent intracavitary application without further complications; of these, 8 are still living or died without evidence of tumor. In the other 5, it was impossible to locate the cervical canal on subsequent applications. Alternative treatments, results of therapy, and analysis of failures are presented. The authors conclude that there is no direct evidence that uterine perforation alters the prognosis following radiation therapy for carcinoma of the cervix.