The Physiatric Approach to Gynecologic Cancers-The Physiatric Approach to Gynecologic Cancers

Video Transcription

Video Summary

Dr. Sarah Huang, Dr. Megan Clark, and Dr. Sonal Oza discuss the physiatric approach to gynecologic cancers. They begin by reviewing the anatomy and function of the pelvic floor, which supports the bladder, uterus, and rectum. The pelvic floor has five major roles, including support of internal organs, continence, sexual function, circulation, and maintenance of muscular contraction and relaxation. Pelvic floor dysfunction can occur due to factors such as gynecologic cancers and their treatments. Common issues include incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, urinary frequency and urgency, defecatory dysfunction, chronic pelvic pain, and sexual dysfunction. The doctors highlight the need for physiatric intervention and management for these issues. They discuss the impact of surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormonal therapies, and surgical treatments on pelvic function and how physiatrists can address these impairments. Treatment interventions may include manual therapy, dilator use, pelvic floor muscle training, biofeedback, counseling, and physical exercise. The doctors also emphasize the importance of addressing emotional and psychological factors that can impact function and adherence to treatment. They recommend integrating pelvic floor rehabilitation into cancer center care through interdisciplinary teams and developing screening questionnaires to identify patients who may benefit from physiatric intervention.

Keywords

pelvic floor

physiatric intervention

gynecologic cancers

pelvic dysfunction

treatment interventions

emotional factors

pelvic organ prolapse

interdisciplinary teams