THE ROLE OF PARTIAL COLPECTOMY IN THE MANAGEMENT OF PERSISTENT VAGINAL NEOPLASIA AFTER PRIMARY-TREATMENT

Objective To describe and assess the technique of partial colpectomy for the treatment of persistent vaginal neoplasia. Setting Gynaecological oncology unit of a London teaching hospital. Subjects 12 women with persistent vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia (VAIN) following hysterectomy for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) or for benign disease. Technique Partial colpectomy using a vaginal approach assisted by a Schuhardt incision to improve access. Results Assessment of patients between 9 and 99 (mean 55) months after partial colpectomy for VAIN showed no recurrence of disease in ten patients (83%). Conclusion This technique of partial colpectomy is an effective procedure, associated with minimal morbidity which should be considered as primary treatment for patients suffering from persistent vaginal disease after hysterectomy or other procedures.