What are the potential complications of the treatments?

Complications of surgery
Extended colpohysterectomy (extended hysterectomy with parameters) is a potentially morbid intervention. It requires extensive dissection of the ureters, pelvic nerves, bladder and rectum.

In the short term, urinary tract infections, urinary retention, urinary fistulas (communication between the ureters or the bladder and the vagina) are observed in 15 to 20% of cases. Phlebitis are also common and anticoagulant treatment is prescribed to prevent them.

In the long term, the most common complication is urinary retention and difficulty urinating. This may require bladder catheterization after returning home (self-catheterization) and usually regresses within a few weeks to a few months after surgery. In some cases it can be definitive.

Lymph node dissections can cause lymphatic complications. Lymphocele (collection of lymph outside the lymphatic circuit) at the dissection site can be discovered on a systematic post-therapeutic imaging assessment or responsible for pain. Only symptomatic lymphoceles are treated, preferentially by radiological drainage.

Lymphedema of one or both lower limbs (large leg) may be related to treatment or disease. Type 2 or 3 restraint will be prescribed. Precautionary measures (avoiding injuries, stings, cuts, injections, sunburn, exposure to extreme temperatures, air travel) must be respected in order to reduce its incidence as well as its infectious complications (lymphangitis).
< br> Complications of the radiotherapy-surgery association
Rare complications may occur:
  - communication between the ureter or bladder and the vagina,
  - ureter stricture
  - induced menopause.

Complications related to external radiation therapy
Early and often transient complications can occur:
  - digestive (diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, hemorrhoidal attacks)
  - vaginal (vulvar mucocutaneous reactions)
  - urinary (frequent cravings)
  - cutaneous (redness, transient loss of pubic hair)

Complications can be late and sequella:
  - digestive (diarrhoea, blood in the stool, occlusion)
  - vaginal (vaginal dryness, vaginal narrowing, vaginal tightness, pain during intercourse)
  - urinary (frequent cravings, blood in the urine, urinary leakage)
  - recto or vesico-vaginal fistula

Complications related to brachytherapy
Hardware removal can be painful.

The main complications observed are:
  - increased vaginal discharge
  - recurrence of vaginal bleeding

Complications related to chemotherapy
Chemotherapy used during radiation therapy usually does not cause hair loss.
It almost never requires the placement of an implantable port.
It can increase the side effects of radiotherapy.