Evaluation and classification of vaginal stenosis after brachytherapy

Abstract

This narrative review identified, in the scientific production, the methods used for evaluating and classifying vaginal stenosis in women who have undergone brachytherapy. Data collection was undertaken in July 2013 in the publications of SciELO, MEDLINE and PubMed, without time limits, and in studies cited by two scientific reviews which addressed the issue investigated here. The search protocol included the description of the method for evaluating and classifying vaginal stenosis. Comparative analysis between the findings showed there to be diversity among the methods used by different researchers. In the light of this finding, this study proposes elements for making an evaluative instrument to be applied by nurses. The standardization of the technique will help in the early detection of vaginal stenosis and in the care for women subsequent to vaginal brachytherapy.