Evaluation of the CO<sub>2</sub> Laser Therapy on Vulvo-Vaginal Atrophy (VVA) in Oncological Patients: Preliminary Results

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the impact of fractionated CO2 laser therapy on vaginal atrophy and mild/moderate stress urinary incontinence (SUI) symptoms in patients with physiological or surgically-induced menopause. Materials and Methods: Post-menopausal patients (n = 33) presenting vaginal atrophy and/or SUI, underwent three vaginal CO2 laser treatment sessions, performed at 1-month intervals. Vaginal symptoms were evaluated using the Vaginal Health Index Score (VHI-S), Visual Analogue Scales (VAS) for dyspareunia and global patient satisfaction. The impact of urinary incontinence on patient quality of life was evaluated using the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire (ICIQ). Symptoms were evaluated before treatment and at every subsequent treatment session, as well as 3 months following the last treatment session. RESULTS: The three-session treatment series led to a significant improvement in both subjective symptoms (dryness, burning, dyspareunia) and clinical signs (VHI-S) (P 2 laser therapy is a safe, effective and easy-to-perform treatment modality for menopause-related vaginal atrophy and SUI.