Postoperative vaginal vault brachytherapy for node-negative Stage II (occult) endometrial carcinoma

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to look at the efficacy of extended surgical staging and postoperative vaginal vault brachytherapy in patients with Stage II (occult) endometrial carcinoma. METHODS: Between January 1989 and December 1997, there were 30 patients with Stage II (occult) endometrial carcinoma who received postoperative vaginal vault brachytherapy as the only adjuvant treatment. The study group consisted of 15 of these patients who had extended surgical staging (including lymphadenectomy). RESULTS: At a median follow-up of 36 months (range 17 to 113 months), there has been no recurrence. There were no major complications from surgery. Only 1 patient had mild rectal bleeding following vaginal vault brachytherapy and there were no grade 3 or 4 bowel toxicities. CONCLUSIONS: Extended surgical staging and postoperative vaginal vault brachytherapy for Stage II (occult) endometrial carcinoma is associated with minimal morbidity and excellent survival.