Láser CO2 vaginal, indicaciones y aplicaciones / Vaginal CO2 laser, indications and applications

El síndrome genitourinario es una entidad hoy en día cada vez más frecuente en la mujer posmenopáusica, con signos y síntomas muy característicos que llevan a la pérdida de calidad de vida de las pacientes, generados por la disminución de estrógenos. Su diagnóstico se realiza mediante una buena historia clínica, exámenes hormonales, estudios urodinámicos y de pH vaginal. Su clínica varía desde sequedad vaginal, atrofia de la misma, vaginitis a repetición, pérdida de orina al esfuerzo, nicturia y dispareunia. A los largo de los años se han protocolizado diferentes tratamientos como reemplazos hormonales, lubricantes y cirugías invasivas vaginales. Pero en los últimos años ha aparecido una nueva terapéutica de láser CO2 fraccionado. Materiales y método. Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo de seis años de evolución, entre los años 2017 y 2023, con más de 300 pacientes tratadas con tecnología láser CO2 fraccionado, con criterios de inclusión y exclusión, protocolizando 3 sesiones cada 30 días y controles hasta los 6 meses. Resultados. Para evaluar los resultados se diseñó una encuentra de satisfacción de 5 puntos, la cual fue presentada luego de cada sesión, encontrando un alto grado de satisfacción en la mejoría clínica a medida que transcurrían las sesiones, con un muy bajo índice de complicaciones. También biopsias con mejorías histológicas que demuestran resultados. Discusión. La aplicación de esta nueva tecnología láser nos abre una posibilidad terapéutica segura, rápida y efectiva para mejorar la sintomatología y calidad de vida de nuestras pacientes con síndrome genitourinario, sumando una nueva terapéutica a todo el arsenal de tratamientos médico-quirúrgicos disponibles a la fecha. Conclusiones. El síndrome genitourinario es una entidad prácticamente inevitable, con síntomas desde leves a graves, que afecta la calidad de vida personal, sexual y social. Los tratamientos hasta la fecha hormonales, tópicos o quirúrgicos han dado mediocres resultados sin estar exentos de complicaciones, por lo que la aparición de la tecnología láser CO2 fraccionada nos ha dado el plus necesario para aportar un tratamiento seguro, eficaz, con mínimas complicaciones y una curva de aprendizaje pequeña

Genitourinary syndrome is an increasingly frequent entity in postmenopausal women today, with very characteristic signs and symptoms that lead to a loss of quality of life in patients, generated by estrogen depletion, whose diagnosis is made through a good clinical history, hormonal tests, urodynamic and vaginal pH studies. Its symptoms vary from vaginal dryness, vaginal atrophy, repeated vaginitis, loss of urine on exertion, nocturia and dyspareunia. Over the years, different treatments have been protocolized, such as hormone replacements, lubricants, and invasive vaginal surgeries. But in recent years a new fractionated CO2 laser therapy has appeared. Materials and method. A retrospective study of six years of evolution was carried out, between the years 2017 and 2023, with more than 300 patients treated with fractionated CO2 laser technology, with inclusion and exclusion criteria, protocolizing 3 sessions every 30 days and controls until the 6 months. Results. To evaluate the results, a 5-point satisfaction score was designed, which was presented after each session, finding a high degree of satisfaction in the clinical improvement as the sessions progressed with a very low indication of complications. Also biopsies with histological improvements that demonstrate results. Discussion. The application of this new laser technology opens up a safe, fast and effective therapeutic possibility to improve the symptoms and quality of life of our patients with genitourinary syndrome, adding a new therapeutic option to the arsenal of medical-surgical treatments available to date. Conclusions. Genitourinary syndrome is a practically inevitable entity, with symptoms ranging from mild to severe, affecting the quality of personal, sexual and social life. The hormonal, topical or surgical treatments to date have given mediocre results, not being free of complications, so the appearance of fractionated CO2 laser technology has given us the necessary extra to provide a safe, effective treatment, with minimal complications. and a small learning curve.

Clinical manifestations and evaluation of postmenopausal vulvovaginal atrophy.

INTRODUCTION: It is estimated that 50% of women will suffer a severe form of vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA) related to menopause. Equally, young women may temporarily present this clinical problem while receiving various pharmacological or endocrine treatments or radiotherapy. AIM: To determine clinical and diagnostic exams required to confirm the presence of VVA (also referred to as atrophic vaginitis, urogenital atrophy, or genitourinary syndrome of menopause) and rule out other genital or pelvic clinical conditions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Literature review searches were carried out on the main scientific article search engines (PubMed, SciELO, Cochrane) using different clinical terms, treatments or interventions and comorbidity related to VVA. RESULTS: The development and severity of VVA depend mainly on the duration of hypoestrogenism. Hypoestrogenism causes changes in the urogenital tissue, generating signs and symptoms, such as dryness, burning, soreness, itching, and irritation of the genital skin. The diagnosis can be made through anamnesis (patient history), questionnaires, physical exam, and, sometimes, complementary exams. Objective vaginal assessment is essential and can be completed with the Vaginal Health Index, the Vaginal Maturation Index, or vaginal pH in the absence of infection or semen. The exclusion of other vulvovaginal organic pathology is essential to reach an accurate diagnosis and provide adequate treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The specialist should be able to identify VVA, rule out other pathologies that make a differential diagnosis and conduct proper management.

Noncandidal vaginitis: a comprehensive approach to diagnosis and management.

Vaginitis is one of the most common causes of patient visits to gynecologists, primary care providers, and urgent care centers. However, many women leave without a clear diagnosis or experience recurrent symptoms despite treatment. The 3 most common etiologies of vaginitis are trichomonas, bacterial vaginosis, and vulvovaginal candidiasis, which account for an estimated 70% of cases. The remaining 30% may be related to other causes of vaginitis, including atrophic vaginitis, desquamative inflammatory vaginitis, and vaginal erosive disease. The purpose of this review is to describe the noncandidal causes of acute and recurrent vaginitis, with the goal of improving the likelihood of accurate diagnosis as well as efficient and effective therapy. We excluded candidal vaginitis from our review because there was a recently published review on this topic in the Journal. The clinical presentation and evaluation of patients with symptoms of vaginitis can be triaged into 1 of 2 diagnostic pathways: noninflammatory and inflammatory vaginitis. The most common noninflammatory cause is bacterial vaginosis. Features such as irritation, purulent discharge, and the presence of polymorphonuclear neutrophils are more suggestive of an inflammatory process. Trichomoniasis is the most common cause of inflammatory vaginitis. Other well-described forms of inflammatory vaginitis include atrophic vaginitis, desquamative inflammatory vaginitis, and erosive disease. We present a review of the pathogenesis, symptoms, examination findings, diagnostic testing, and treatment for each of these causes of noncandidal vaginitis.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause.

Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM), formerly referred to as vulvovaginal atrophy or atrophic vaginitis, is a common chronic condition that requires a collaborative treatment plan between a health care provider and a woman to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life. Many women are not aware that symptoms can be controlled with treatment. Current treatment options approved for GSM include vaginal moisturizers, lubricants, and hormones. For women with GSM symptoms that are unresponsive to nonhormonal therapy, low-dose vaginal estrogen therapy is the preferred pharmacologic treatment. Clinicians should be trained to routinely ask appropriate questions during the history to elicit sufficient information to assess for GSM. Physical examination findings may further confirm suspicion of GSM.

Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause: Management Strategies for the Clinician.

Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM), previously known as atrophic vaginitis or vulvovaginal atrophy, affects more than half of postmenopausal women. Caused by low estrogen levels after menopause, it results in bothersome symptoms, including vaginal dryness, itching, dyspareunia, urinary urgency and increased frequency, and urinary tract infections. Even though women with GSM can have sexual dysfunction that interferes with partner relationships, women are often embarrassed to seek treatment, and health care professionals do not always actively screen for GSM. As a result, GSM remains underdiagnosed and undertreated. Several effective treatments exist, but low-dose vaginal estrogen therapy is the criterion standard. It is effective and safe for most patients, but caution is suggested for survivors of hormone-sensitive cancers. Newer treatment options include selective estrogen receptor modulators, vaginal dehydroepiandrosterone, and laser therapy. Nonprescription treatments include vaginal lubricants, moisturizers, and dilators. Pelvic floor physical therapy may be indicated for some women with concomitant pelvic floor muscle dysfunction. Sex therapy may be helpful for women with sexual dysfunction. This concise review presents a practical approach to the evaluation and management of GSM for the primary care physician.

Genitourinary syndrome of menopause: an overview of clinical manifestations, pathophysiology, etiology, evaluation, and management.

Genitourinary syndrome of menopause, a new term for a condition more renowned as atrophic vaginitis, is a hypoestrogenic condition with external genital, urological, and sexual implications that affects >50% of postmenopausal women. Due to sexual embarrassment and the sensitive nature of discussing symptoms, genitourinary syndrome of menopause is greatly underdiagnosed. The most up-to-date literature pertaining to clinical manifestations, pathophysiology, etiology, evaluation, and management of genitourinary syndrome of menopause is comprehensively reviewed. Early detection and individually tailored pharmacologic (eg, estrogen therapy, selective estrogen receptor modulator, synthetic steroid, oxytocin, and dehydroepiandrosterone) and/or nonpharmacologic (eg, laser therapies, moisturizers and lubricants, homeopathic remedies, and lifestyle modifications) treatment is paramount for not only improving quality of life but also for preventing exacerbation of symptoms in women with this condition.

Manejo de la atrofia vulvovaginal posmenopáusica / Management of postmenopausal vulvovaginal atrophy

Objetivo: Identificar las propuestas terapéuticas disponibles para el manejo de la vulvovaginitis atrófica o atrofia vulvovaginal posmenopáusica (AVVP) o síndrome genitourinario de la menopausia. Metodología: Revisión temática sin intervención en la cual se incluyeron artículos cuyo principal criterio fue tratamiento y manejo de la AVVP, obtenidos luego de búsqueda en las bases de datos: Pubmed, Science Direct, Embase, Medline y Scielo. 2119 títulos se consideraron adecuados, 136 ajustados al objetivo y en 87 fue identificada información relevante. Resultados: Diferentes estrategias terapéuticas han mostrado eficacia para el tratamiento de AVVP. Cambios en el estilo de vida, como evitar el hábito de fumar, prevenir la obesidad, realizar ejercicio físico y adelantar actividad sexual, pueden ser beneficiosos. Los hidratantes y lubricantes vaginales son la primera línea terapéutica para mejorar la AVVP, los primeros se administran permanentemente y los últimos en el coito. Existe controversia acerca de la importancia de la vitamina D, isoflavonas y diferentes hierbas. La terapia estrogénica local es la terapéutica más efectiva y debe preferirse siempre en AVVP severa, puede ser estriol, estradiol, estrógenos conjugados o estrona. El ospemifeno, un modulador selectivo del receptor estrogénico, está aprobado para la AVVP. Se encuentran en investigación los TSECs, existe poca información sobre la eficacia de DHEA y son buenos los resultados con los STEAR. Estudios iniciales han señalado los beneficios del láser fraccionado de CO2. Conclusiones: Diferentes medidas son adecuadas para tratar la AVVP, para que las mujeres conserven saludable la vagina y disfruten la actividad sexual.

Objective: To identify the available therapeutic proposals for the management of the atrophic vulvovaginitis or vulvovaginal atrophy in postmenopause (VVAP) or genitourinary syndrome of menopause. Methods: Thematic review without intervention in which there was included articles whose main criterion was treatment and management of the VVAP, obtained after search in the databases: Pubmed, Science Direct, Embase, Medline and Scielo. 2119 titles were considered appropriate, 136 were adjusted to the aim and in 87 relevants information was identified. Results: Different therapeutic strategies have shown effectiveness for the treatment of the VVAP. Changes in the lifestyle, as to avoid the smoking habit, to prevent the obesity, to do exercise and to practice sexual activity, could be beneficial. The vaginal moisturizers and lubricants are the first-line therapies for the improvement of the VVAP, the first ones are administered permanently and the last ones are used during the coitus. There is controversy about the importance of the D vitamin, soya isoflavones and different herbs. The local estrogen therapy is the most effective therapeutic and it always must be preferred in severe VVAP. It could be estriol, estradiol, conjugated estrogens or estrone. The ospemifene, a selective estrogen-receptor modulator, is approved for the VVAP. The TSECs are in research, few information exists about the effectiveness of DHEA and the results with the STEAR are good. Initial studies have indicated the benefits of the fractional CO2 laser. Conclusions: Different measures are appropriate to treat the VVAP, in order that the women preserve a healthy vagina and enjoy the sexual activity.

Menopause management: how you can do better.

Let patients know that hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and other common menopausal symptoms can be treated successfully with hormonal and nonhormonal agents.

[Menopausal symptoms emerging during hormonal therapy of breast cancer, and their treatment]. / Az emlodaganat endokrin kezelése során fellépo egyes menopauzális jellegu panaszok és azok kezelési lehetoségei.

Hormonal compounds play an important role in the treatment of breast cancer. Their side effects may lead to suspension of therapy and consequently to the failure of the expected effect. Common and the same way most prevalent side effects of hormonal compounds are the menopausal complaints which can alter quality of life significantly. The early recognition and treatment of menopausal complaints and symptoms help to reach therapeutic success. In general, of menopausal related complaints the role of hot flash, atrophic vaginitis and sexual dysfunction is emphasized. Within the topic, it is possible to mention some musculo-skeletal complaints according to their similar etiology, the failure of estrogen effect. In the treatment of hot flash non-pharmacologic and pharmacologic methods can be distinguished. Based on meta-analyses anti-depressants, some anti-convulsants and clonidine proved to be effective. Musculo-skeletal complaints explained by the lack of estrogen effect do not cause permanent impairment but may indicate greater efficacy of endocrine treatment. In the context of osteoporosis it is important to emphasize prevention. The main goal of endocrine therapies is to ameliorate remission rate or survival, but we should not forget to treat side effects which can influence quality of life.