The role of surgery in the management of carcinoma of the vagina.

Treatment for vaginal carcinoma should be individualized. Surgery is an option to be considered in an attempt to improve both survival and the quality of life following therapy. Most patients with superficial Stage I vaginal carcinoma can be managed surgically. In patients with central non-metastatic Stage IV disease exenterative surgery should be considered, as well as in patients with central recurrence following radiotherapy. In suitable patients the results of surgery are good, and using modern techniques the incidence of complications is acceptably low.