Annalisa Pieralli1,2, Maria Grazia Fallani3, Angelamaria Becorpi3, Claudia Bianchi3, Serena Corioni3, Manuela Longinotti3, Zelinda Tredici3, Secondo Guaschino3. 1. Section of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Department of Woman and Child Health, Careggi University Hospital, Largo Brambilla 3, 50144, Florence, Italy. clabianchi85@gmail.com. 2. , Largo Brambilla 3, 50134, Florence, Italy. clabianchi85@gmail.com. 3. Section of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Department of Woman and Child Health, Careggi University Hospital, Largo Brambilla 3, 50144, Florence, Italy.
Abstract
PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of fractional CO2 laser therapy in breast cancer survivors as a therapeutic method for vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA) dyspareunia. METHODS: 50 patients (mean age 53.3 years) underwent fractional microablative CO2 laser treatment for dyspareunia in oncological menopause (mean time of menopause 6.6 years). The Gloria Bachmann's Vaginal Health Index (VHI) score was chosen as system to evaluate the presence of VVA and its improvement after the treatment. Intensity of dyspareunia was evaluated using a visual analog scale (VAS). RESULTS: Data indicated a significant improvement in VVA dyspareunia (p < 1.86e-22) in breast cancer survivors who had undergone 3 sessions of vaginal fractional CO2 laser treatment. Moreover, VHI scores were significantly higher 30 days post-treatment (T4) (p < 0.0001). 76 % of patients were satisfied or very satisfied with the treatment results. The majority (52 %) of patients were satisfied after a long-term follow-up (mean time 11 months). No adverse events due to fractional CO2 laser treatment occurred. CONCLUSIONS: The treatment with fractionated CO2 laser appeared to be a feasible and effective treatment for VVA dyspareunia in breast cancer survivors with contraindications to hormonal treatments.
PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of fractional CO2 laser therapy in breast cancer survivors as a therapeutic method for vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA) dyspareunia. METHODS: 50 patients (mean age 53.3 years) underwent fractional microablative CO2 laser treatment for dyspareunia in oncological menopause (mean time of menopause 6.6 years). The Gloria Bachmann's Vaginal Health Index (VHI) score was chosen as system to evaluate the presence of VVA and its improvement after the treatment. Intensity of dyspareunia was evaluated using a visual analog scale (VAS). RESULTS: Data indicated a significant improvement in VVA dyspareunia (p < 1.86e-22) in breast cancer survivors who had undergone 3 sessions of vaginal fractional CO2 laser treatment. Moreover, VHI scores were significantly higher 30 days post-treatment (T4) (p < 0.0001). 76 % of patients were satisfied or very satisfied with the treatment results. The majority (52 %) of patients were satisfied after a long-term follow-up (mean time 11 months). No adverse events due to fractional CO2 laser treatment occurred. CONCLUSIONS: The treatment with fractionated CO2 laser appeared to be a feasible and effective treatment for VVA dyspareunia in breast cancer survivors with contraindications to hormonal treatments.
Entities:
Keywords:
Breast cancer survivors; Laser; Oncological menopause; Vulvovaginal atrophy
Authors: Yona Tadir; Adrian Gaspar; Ahinoam Lev-Sagie; Macrene Alexiades; Red Alinsod; Alex Bader; Alberto Calligaro; Jorge A Elias; Marco Gambaciani; Jorge E Gaviria; Cheryl B Iglesia; Ksenija Selih-Martinec; Patricia L Mwesigwa; Urska B Ogrinc; Stefano Salvatore; Paolo Scollo; Nicola Zerbinati; John Stuart Nelson Journal: Lasers Surg Med Date: 2017-02-21 Impact factor: 4.025