Application to help physiotherapists in the evaluation of pelvic dysfunctions after cervical cancer

Abstract

Introduction: Cervical cancer is caused by a persistent infection with some types of human papillomavirus (HPV), and its treatment entails chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery. This may cause different kinds of dysfunction in the pelvic floor. Hence, physiotherapy plays an important role in the evaluation and treatment of urogynecological dysfunctions occasioned by the oncological treatment. Objective: To develop a digital technology in application format to help physiotherapists in the assessment of pelvic dysfunctions after cervical cancer. Methods: A digital technology in application format was developed after approval from the Ethics in Research Committee of the Tropical Medical Center. The instrument was developed by a physiotherapist with expertise and experience in the area. The researchers held meetings to finalize the creation of the checklist, and the application was programmed using the Android Studio Environment. In the end, the application was evaluated by two physiotherapist experts in the field. Results: The application created displays 5 sections addressing the symptoms of urinary dysfunction, sexual function, anal function, pain and alterations such as: lymphedema, vaginal stenosis and vaginal fibrosis. Conclusion: The use of the application may help physiotherapists in the assessment of pelvic dysfunctions after cervical cancer.