Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate the dimensions of the vaginal canal in patients undergoing gynaecological brachytherapy and the effect of the use of vaginal dilators (VD) used in the follow-up of pelvic physiotherapy.

Methods: A total of 88 patients were randomly allocated to the control group (CG) and intervention group (IG). Three evaluations were performed: pre-brachytherapy, post-brachytherapy and follow-up of 3 months. The CG received standard guidance from the health team while the IG was instructed to use VD for 3 months. The dimensions of the vaginal canal (main outcome) were defined by the length of the vagina (centimetres), width (number of full clockwise turns of the opening thread of a gynaecological speculum) and area (defined by the size of the VD). Quality of life and pelvic floor (PF) functionality were also evaluated.

Results: There was no effect of the VD on vaginal length, width and area among the intention-to-treat (ITT) population. However, in the analysis stratified by adhesion, the CG had a significant decrease in the vaginal area. PF was predominantly hypoactive throughout the follow-up. Quality of life improved in both groups, but the reduction of constipation, vaginal dryness and stress urinary incontinence manifested only in the IG.

Conclusion: The use of VD did not alter the dimensions of the vaginal canal within the first 3 months after the end of radiotherapy treatment. However, there was a large sample loss during follow-up so studies with a larger sample number and longer follow-up time need to be conducted.

Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT03090217.

Download full-text PDF

Source
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6822871PMC
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s12325-019-01006-4DOI Listing

Publication Analysis

Top Keywords

dimensions vaginal
12
vaginal canal
12
vaginal
8
vaginal dilators
8
gynaecological brachytherapy
8
quality life
8
follow-up
5
clinical psychological
4
psychological outcomes
4
outcomes vaginal
4

Similar Publications

Introduction: Pregnant women's experiences and concerns regarding childbirth are complex, necessitating a multidimensional and personalized approach in maternal care. This study explores the psychological and emotional factors influencing pregnant women's decisions regarding their mode of delivery. The results will provide valuable insights for the development of educational and counseling strategies designed to support pregnant women in making informed and conscious decisions about their childbirth.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Hemostatic Efficacy of TachoSil in Loop Electrosurgical Excisional Procedure: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Study.

J Low Genit Tract Dis

January 2025

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea.

Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the hemostatic efficacy of the fibrin sealant patch (TachoSil) after loop electrosurgical excision (LEEP) and its influence on other complications and quality of life (QoL).

Materials And Methods: This single-blind, prospective, randomized study involved patients undergoing LEEP with or without TachoSil (1:1) between August 2014 and August 2015 in Asan Medical Center, Korea. Primary outcome measures were bleeding duration and the frequency of additional treatment owing to vaginal bleeding within 2 weeks after LEEP.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

3D printed reservoir-like vaginal rings for antibiotic delivery.

Int J Pharm

January 2025

Sezione di Tecnologia e Legislazione Farmaceutiche "Maria Edvige Sangalli", Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Giuseppe Colombo 71, 20133, Milano, Italy.

Targeting the development of 3D printed reservoir-like vaginal rings (VRs) intended to fulfill the needs of precision medicine, prototypes ensuring prolonged release of metronidazole (MTZ) were preliminary manufactured and tested. Indeed, this drug represents the first-line therapy against bacterial vaginosis, which would especially benefit from convenient as well as easy dose adjustment and from more than 48 h continuous release, thus avoiding barely tolerated and repeated administrations. Starting from a soft thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), hollow ring structures were successfully printed at 190 °C and then extemporaneously filled with drug-loaded, in-situ-crosslinking hydrogel formulations based on alginate (ALG).

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Childbirth is a dynamic process involving mutual adaptation between the maternal pelvis and the presenting fetal part. The ability of the pelvis to maintain optimal mobility during labor plays a crucial role in achieving favorable obstetric outcomes. The pubic arch angle (PAA) increases amplitude during pregnancy, showing pelvic tissue adjustment.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the outcomes of robotic peritoneal flap vaginoplasty.

Background: There is a lack of long-term outcomes data for gender-affirming vaginoplasty to inform patient decision-making.

Methods: A retrospective cohort of 500 consecutive patients undergoing robotic peritoneal flap vaginoplasty from 2017-2023 were reviewed.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?

Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!