Prevalance of abnormal vault cytology after hysterectomy for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, Pietermaritzburg

BACKGROUND: A simple hysterectomy is considered the definitive treatment modality for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). However, it is associated with recurrence of vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia (VAIN) of up to 7.4%. We sought to determine recurrence rates of VAIN, in women living with HIV (WLWH) and non-infected women. METHODS: This was a descriptive retrospective review of patients who received a simple hysterectomy for CIN between January 2015 and December 2017 in Pietermaritzburg. RESULTS: Fifty-eight files were reviewed. Forty-two (72.4%) WLWH were seen; amongst those, 76.2% were virally suppressed. Abnormal vault cytology was only seen in patients with CIN grades 2 and 3. The recurrence rates for high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) were 6.1% and 5.0% at 6 and 12 months, respectively. Human immunodeficiency virus co-infection was associated with 26.2% versus 13.3% of abnormal vault cytology compared to the HIV-negative counterparts (p = 0.164). Virologically suppressed patients had more abnormal cytology (28.1% vs. 0%) compared to the unsuppressed patients. There was a 17.2% and 65.5% loss- to follow-up rates at 6 and 12 months, respectively. Recurrence of premalignant lesions was noted amongst those who had the abdominal approach. CONCLUSION: The recurrence rates were comparable to the previous literature. A 6-month cytology follow-up showed no added benefit. Human immunodeficiency virus co-infection didn’t show a statistical significance on the recurrence rates; however, more structured studies are required to address this. Primary health care-based post operative surveillance can be a solution to address high loss to follow-up.