ObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical response of patients with symptoms of genitourinary syndrome of menopause after application of microablative fractional radiofrequency in the vagina and vaginal introitus.MethodsFourteen patients with symptoms of genitourinary syndrome of menopause underwent three applications of microablative fractional radiofrequency with a 30-day interval, using the Wavetronic 6000HF-FRAXX device and a fractional vaginal electrode. The questionnaires World Health Organization Quality of Life (for quality of life evaluation), Female Sexual Function Index and Quality of Life Adapted Questionnaire in the Domain of Sexual Satisfaction (for sexual function and satisfaction evaluation) were administered before and after the applications (30 to 60 days after the last procedure), in addition to the satisfaction questionnaire after procedure.ResultsThere was an increase in almost all dimensions on average in quality of life, with statistical significance only in the health domain. There was a significant improvement in the sexual domains in almost all dimensions. All patients stopped using lubricant during intercourse after treatment. In the satisfaction questionnaire after treatment, we observed that the vast majority felt cured or much better (29% and 64%, respectively, total of 92.6%) and were very satisfied or satisfied (43 and 57%, respectively, total of 100%). The only patient who reported little improvement had an 18-year postmenopausal history and was treatment naïve.ConclusionMicroablative fractional radiofrequency was effective in treating symptoms of vaginal dryness and dyspareunia, and eliminated the use of vaginal lubricant during the period observed. Since this is a pilot study with a small number of patients, further studies are required to corroborate our findings and evaluate the long-term effects of microablative fractional radiofrequency on the vaginal tissue.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the clinical response to and the histomorphometric effects of microablative fractional radiofrequency (MFR) in women with symptomatic vulvar lichen sclerosus (VLS). METHODS: This was a pilot study on the use of MFR for the treatment of VLS. Upon recruitment and at each treatment session, all participants were examined and each of their symptoms were rated on a visual analog scale. After the procedure, the participants completed a satisfaction questionnaire. We compared the morphometric findings of vulvar biopsies performed at enrollment and after the last treatment session. The participants were divided into three groups according to previous treatment with corticosteroids: G1, no previous treatment; G2, treated for up to 5 years; and G3, treated for >5 years. RESULTS: This study included 26 women. After two to three sessions, most participants in all groups became either “asymptomatic” or “much better” than before treatment and were “very satisfied” or “satisfied” with the intervention. Pruritus and burning sensation were the most frequently reported symptoms. Nearly 40% of the participants in all groups reported complete remission of symptoms. The improvement was rated as moderate or higher by 80%, 76%, and 66% of the women in groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. The improvement of symptoms persisted for 11 months (range, 7-16 months), on average, after the treatment. Type III collagen concentration significantly increased and was associated with important symptom improvement. Tissue trophism and vascularization also increased but did not reach statistical significance, probably because of the small number of cases. CONCLUSIONS: MFR may be an effective and safe treatment for symptomatic VLS.

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effectiveness of electrosurgery fulguration as a treatment for Bartholin’s gland cysts. DESIGN Retrospective study with a comparative control group performed on Hospital Brigadeiro and in the Disciplina de Ginecologia do Departamento de Obstetrícia e Ginecologia, Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo from February 2005 to March 2009. Patients: Patients with Bartholin’s gland cyst were divided into three treatment groups: group 1 electrosurgery (n=169 cases); group 2 - gland excision with the conventional technique using a cold scalpel (n = 51 cases); group 3 - marsupialization (n=11 cases). We reviewed the clinical and surgical history, physical examination, description of the surgical technique, postoperative results (success and complications), and follow-up data. RESULTS There is no difference between groups in relation to intraoperative bleeding, hematoma, and complete healing in a single treatment session. However, electrosurgery shows the lower percentage of recurrences 18 (10,7%) compared to the Marsupialization technique (group 3, p=.031). Recurrences occurred in 18 (10,7%), 3 (5,9%), and 4 (36,4%) cases. After retreatment by the same technique, there was a complete cure rate of 90% (152/169) for group 1, and 98% (50/51) for group 2. The cost of group 1 was lower than that of other groups. CONCLUSION The fulguration with electrosurgery of the capsule of Bartholin’s cyst is an effective method of treatment, andthe cost of this technique is lower than the conventional technique and marsupialization.

The estrogen decrease in postmenopausal women results in functional and anatomical changes in the genitourinary tract. The most prevalent and bothersome symptoms are vaginal dryness, dyspareunia, and reduced lubrication, which can significantly affect the quality of life of these women, principally those who are sexually active. Hormonal therapy with local estrogens is generally considered the “gold standard.” However, there are cases in which there are clinical concerns about its use or women opt for non-hormonal options. Thus, safe and effective non-hormonal options are needed to improve symptoms in these women. Moisturizers and lubricants are first-line therapy for breast cancer survivors.