METHODS
Mid-stream specimens of urine were collected and urine cultures were performed in 45 patients with gynecological malignancy; genitourinary symptoms were recorded during pelvic radiotherapy.
RESULTS
Before the treatment, urinary tract infections were detected in four patients, while during the treatment seven patients had positive urine cultures. Dysuria was recorded in five patients before radiotherapy, and at the end of treatment, 40 cases experienced grade 1 or 2 dysuria. No significant relationship was detected between urinary tract infection and clinical genitourinary symptoms.
CONCLUSION
The most effective method to define urinary tract infection in patients with gynecologic malignancies is urine culture during the treatment. Routine prophylactic antibiotherapy is not recommended because of the low risk of infection during radiotherapy.
Keywords: Gynecologic tumors; radiotherapy; urinary tract infection
