Multidisciplinary management of patients with pubic osteomyelitis, a rare but serious complication after surgery and radiation therapy for advanced gynaecological cancer

Ilse Haveman, Anne M. van Altena, Charlotte Pa Verschuren, Johanna Wm Aarts

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Pubic osteomyelitis is a rare and often late-onset complication of radiation therapy and surgery for vulvar and vaginal carcinoma. It typically presents with vulvar pain, fever, vaginal discharge and/or gait disorders. Pubic osteomyelitis is often accompanied by fistulas or wound dehiscence in the pelvic area. Its accurate diagnosis and treatment are challenging and require a multidisciplinary team effort. In our patients, multiple combined surgical procedures, long-term antibiotic treatment and days to weeks of hospital admission were necessary to treat pubic osteomyelitis. We emphasise the importance of timely and adequate diagnosis and multidisciplinary approach resulting in a course of treatment that is as effective as possible, limiting the impact on quality of life, which is generally high in this group of patients.
Original languageEnglish
JournalBMJ Case Reports
Volume14
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 11 Jan 2021

Keywords

  • cancer - see oncology
  • cancer intervention
  • gynaecological cancer
  • infections
  • radiotherapy

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