Bacterial vaginosis in pregnant women: A comparison of the Nugent Score with a multiplex PCR.

We evaluated the Nugent score against a multiplex real-time PCR (reference) for diagnosing bacterial vaginosis (BV) in 140 pregnant women. The Nugent score had a sensitivity of 60 %, a specificity of 81 % and a negative predictive value of 92 % - therefore a tool to rule out BV in pregnant women.

Vaginal atrophy and genital pain in women on depot medroxyprogesterone acetate contraceptive injection.

Depot medroxyprogesterone acetate causes a hypo-estrogenic state in over half of users although clinical vaginal atrophy causing superficial dyspareunia is thought rarely to occur. This is a case series of ten women using depot medroxyprogesterone acetate who presented with superficial dyspareunia and clinical vaginal atrophy. The women were treated with vaginal estriol cream and their contraception was discontinued or changed. All patients had either a complete resolution of symptoms or a substantial improvement at follow-up, and the clinical and laboratory findings of vaginal atrophy had resolved. This case series demonstrates that vaginal atrophy may occur more frequently than previously thought.

Vulvar lichen planus-induced vulvovaginal stenosis: A case report and review of the literature.

The authors report a case of vulvar lichen planus-induced vulvovaginal stenosis along with a review of the current literature. The authors outline a case of a patient with biopsy-proven vulvar lichen planus who subsequently developed a vulvovaginal stenosis. Treatment was initiated with clobetasol ointment, oral prednisone, later transitioned to oral methotrexate and clobetasol, and then switched to acitretin. Collaboration with the patient's family physician and the hypertension clinic has been sought to remove medications associated with lichenoid reactions from the patient's regimen. Review of literature was conducted through Ovid MEDLINE. Only six cases of vulvar lichen planus-induced vulvovaginal stenosis had been found, suggesting the relative rarity of this severe disease presentation. The patient has achieved control with her current regimen, as well as some clinical improvement of the resulting vaginal stenosis. Vulvovaginal stenosis can be induced by vulvar lichen planus, and its management requires a multimodal and multidisciplinary approach.

Surgical treatment of rectovaginal fistula-predictors of outcome and effects on quality of life.

PURPOSE: To determine the results after rectovaginal fistula (RVF) repair and find predictors of outcome. Primary objective was fistula healing. Secondary outcomes were morbidity and patient health-related quality of life (HRQoL). METHOD: An observational study of 55 women who underwent RVF repair including both local procedures and tissue transposition 2003-2018 was performed. Baseline patient and fistula characteristics were registered, combined with a prospective HRQoL follow-up and a general questionnaire describing fistula symptoms. RESULTS: Healing rate after index surgery was 25.5% (n = 14) but the final healing rate was 67.3% (n = 37). Comparing the etiologies, traumatic fistulas (iatrogenic and obstetric) had the highest healing rates after index surgery (n = 11, 45.9%) and after repeated operations at final follow-up (n = 22, 91.7%) compared with fistulas of inflammatory fistulas (Crohn's disease, cryptoglandular infection, and anastomotic leakage) that had inferior healing rates after both index surgery (n = 7, 7.1%) and at final follow-up (n = 13, 46.4%). Fistulas of the category others (radiation damage and unknown etiology) included a small amount of patients with intermediate results at both index surgery (n = 1, 33.3%) and healing rate at last follow-up (n = 2, 66.7%). The differences were statistically significant for both index surgery (p = 0.004) and at final follow-up (p = 0.001). Unhealed patients scored lower than both healed patients and the normal population in 6/8 Rand-36 domains, but the differences were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Most traumatic rectovaginal fistulas closed after repeated surgery whereas inflammatory fistulas had a poor prognosis. Low healing rates after local repairs suggest that tissue transfer might be indicated more early in the treatment process. Unhealed fistulas were associated with reduced quality of life. Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov No. NCT05006586.

The Application of Sonovaginography for Implementing Ultrasound Assessment of Endometriosis and Other Gynaecological Diseases.

Sonovaginography is a way of assessing gynaecological diseases that can be described as cheap yet accurate and non-invasive. It consists of distention of the vagina with ultrasound gel or saline solution while performing transvaginal sonography to clearly visualize and assess a host of local cervical, as well as any vaginal, disorders. With endometriosis being a steadily growing gynaecological pathology affecting 8-15% of women of fertile age, transvaginal sonography (TVS) can be considered as one of the most accurate and comprehensive imaging techniques in its diagnosis. Nevertheless, the accuracy may vary depending on scan sites. The purpose of this narrative review is to assess the performance of sonovaginography in detecting endometriosis in those sites where TVS has a low sensitivity.

Blue LED as a new treatment to vaginal stenosis due pelvic radiotherapy: Two case reports.

BACKGROUND: Currently, the advancement cancer treatment technology improves overall survival, however, adverse events are still a challenge for health professional. Genitourinary syndrome of menopause and vaginal stenosis are conditions that impact the quality of life of patients undergoing radiotherapy. We present two such cases in patients with previous cervical and endometrial cancer. These conditions were handled with an innovative method using an energy-based device with blue light emitting diode for concomitant vaginal and vulvar irradiation. Positive impact in clinical findings, cytologic changes, and referred symptoms were documented. CASE SUMMARY: One patient diagnosed with vaginal severe vaginal stenosis with previous cervix cancer treatment and other patient diagnosed with mild stenosis with severe dyspareunia and recent endometrium cancer treatment were considered for vulvovaginal treatment with weekly blue led device and closely evaluated with repeated validated questionnaires and cytological samples. CONCLUSION: This innovative technique showed an improvement in all areas of the examiner's criteria, the cytological criteria, and most bothered symptoms.

Pilot study of radiofrequency thermal therapy performed twice on the entire vaginal wall for vaginal laxity.

OBJECTIVE: Radiofrequency thermal (RFT) therapy is commonly performed to treat vaginal laxity (VL), but the optimal technique of RFT therapy is unclear. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of RFT therapy performed twice on the whole vaginal wall in women with VL. METHODS: This was a single-arm, open-label clinical trial conducted in a tertiary hospital in the Republic of Korea from July 2018 to January 2019. Non-pregnant, adult women with VL, defined as a score ≤3 on a vaginal laxity questionnaire (VLQ), were recruited. RFT therapy consisted of 2 office procedures performed 3 weeks apart. Starting from the upper vaginal wall at the 12 o'clock position, the whole vaginal wall was slowly rubbed with a heated vaginal probe for 20 minutes. After the 2nd RFT therapy session, patients had follow-up visits at 4 and 12 weeks, and changes in the VLQ score, Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) score, Female Sexual Distress Scale (FSDS) score, and vaginal pressure at rest and during the Valsalva maneuver and treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were examined. RESULTS: Thirty subjects were enrolled, but 28 were evaluated for efficacy measurements. RFT therapy improved the VLQ score (means at baseline, 4 weeks, and 12 weeks were 2.5, 4.9, and 4.8, respectively; p < 0.0001), FSFI score (means at baseline, 4 weeks, and 12 weeks were 21.9, 27.0, and 27.2, respectively; p < 0.0001), and FSDS score (means at baseline, 4 weeks, and 12 weeks were 33.8, 21.1, and 18.6, respectively; p < 0.0001); however, vaginal pressure did not increase. The effect of RFT therapy peaked at the 4-week follow-up and plateaued at week 12. No TEAE was observed, except transient grade 1 vaginal pain. CONCLUSION: RFT therapy performed twice on the whole vaginal wall showed promising efficacy and safety profiles and has merit for further investigation.

Manejo intraparto del tabique vaginal longitudinal / Intrapartum management of a longitudinal vaginal septum

RESUMEN El tabique vaginal congénito longitudinal (TVCL) es un defecto que puede asociarse a dispareunia o distocia durante el parto. Se presenta el caso de una mujer secundigesta nulípara de 20 años en quien se identificó un TVCL durante trabajo de parto. En el tacto vaginal se palpó una estructura elástica de aproximadamente 2 cm por detrás del introito vaginal. Durante la segunda etapa del trabajo de parto, se realizó una sección medial del tabique permitiendo el nacimiento de un producto vivo. En conclusión, un examen físico exhaustivo es suficiente para evidenciar la presencia de un tabique vaginal; sin embargo, existe la probabilidad de un diagnóstico intraparto de TVCL donde la formación médica ginecológica es necesaria para minimizar los riesgos asociados al parto.

ABSTRACT The longitudinal congenital vaginal septum (LCVS) is a defect that can be associated with dyspareunia or dystocia during childbirth. We present a case of a 20 year old woman in whom a LCVS was identified during labor. In the pelvic examination, an elastic structure was felt about 2 cm behind the vaginal intro. During the second stage of labor, a medial section of the septum was made allowing the birth of a live female product. In conclusion, a thorough physical examination is enough to show the presence of a vaginal septum. However, there is a probability of an intrapartum diagnosis of LCVS therefore gynecological medical training is necessary to minimize the risks associated with childbirth.

Comportamiento de la infección vaginal en gestantes, Consejo Popular William Soler, 2017-2018 / Behavior of vaginal infection in pregnant women, William Soler People's Council, 2017-2018 / Comportamento da infecção vaginal em mulheres grávidas, William Soler People's Council, 2017-2018

RESUMEN Introducción: la infección vaginal es una enfermedad con gran incidencia, constituye una de las complicaciones más frecuentes asociadas a la gestación, se trata de una infección común del tracto genital inferior en las mujeres que de no ser tratada oportunamente puede traer consecuencia para la salud de la madre y su producto. Objetivos: caracterizar el comportamiento de la infección vaginal en las gestantes del consejo popular William Soler de 2017-2018. Método: se realizó un estudio descriptivo transversal sobre el comportamiento de la infección vaginal en embarazadas del consejo William Soler del Policlínico 13 de Marzo, en el período 2017 - 2018. El universo estuvo constituido por 203 gestantes diagnosticadas con sepsis vaginal y la muestra representativa por 127. Los datos se recolectaron mediante un cuestionario y fueron procesados a través de una base de datos creada en Excel utilizando el paquetes estadístico profesional SPSS 22.0 para Windows, se utilizó el método del conteo simple, se reflejaron los datos en números absolutos y porcentaje. Resultados: la infección vaginal predominó en las gestantes de nivel secundario y pre-universitarias, fundamentalmente en las menores de 19 años, seguidas de las de 20-25 años de edad, el agentes causales más frecuentes fue la monilia, predominó en un 61,4% una adecuada técnica de aseo, el mayor número de diagnósticos fue en el primer y tercer trimestre y las complicaciones surgidas fueron pocas entre ellas la sepsis neonatal con 8,6%, sepsis puerperal 7,8%. Conclusiones: la infección vaginal en el embarazo es más frecuente en menores de 25 años con nivel secundario y pre-universitario. La causa más frecuente es la moniliasis, predominó la técnica adecuada de aseo, el diagnóstico de infección vaginal es más frecuente en el I y III trimestre del embarazo. Se produjeron pocas complicaciones con predominio de la sepsis neonatal y puerperal.

ABSTRACT Introduction: vaginal infection is a disease with a high incidence, it is ONE of the most frequent complications associated with pregnancy, it is a common infection of the lower genital tract in women that, if not treated in a timely manner, can have consequences for the health of the mother and her product. Objectives: to characterize the behavior of vaginal infection in pregnant women of the William Soler popular council of 2017-2018. Method: a descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out on the behavior of vaginal infection in pregnant women of the William Soler Council of the Polyclinic March 13, in the period 2017 - 2018. The universe consisted of 203 pregnant women diagnosed with vaginal sepsis and the representative sample by 127. The data was collected through a questionnaire and processed through a database created in Excel using the professional statistical packages SPSS 22.0 for Windows, the simple counting method was used, the data were reflected in absolute numbers and percentage. Results: the vaginal infection prevailed in the pregnant women of secondary and pre-university level, fundamentally in the minors of 19 years, followed of those of 20-25 years of age, the most frequent causative agents was the monilia, prevailed in a 61, 4% an adequate cleaning technique, the highest number of diagnoses was in the first and third trimester and the complications arisen were few among them neonatal sepsis with 8.6%, puerperal sepsis 7.8%. Conclusions: vaginal infection in pregnancy is more frequent in children under 25 with secondary and pre-university level. The most frequent cause is moniliasis, the proper cleaning technique prevailed, the diagnosis of vaginal infection is more frequent in the I and III trimester of pregnancy. There were few complications with predominance of neonatal and puerperal sepsis.

RESUMO Introdução: a infecção vaginal é uma doença de alta incidência, é uma das complicações mais frequentes associadas à gravidez, é uma infecção comum do trato genital inferior em mulheres que, se não tratada em tempo hábil, pode ter consequências para a saúde da A mãe e seu produto. Objetivos: caracterizar o comportamento da infecção vaginal em gestantes do conselho popular William Soler de 2017-2018. Método: foi realizado um estudo descritivo transversal sobre o comportamento da infecção vaginal em gestantes do Conselho William Soler da Policlínica de 13 de março de 2017 a 2018. O universo foi composto por 203 gestantes com diagnóstico de sepse vaginal e a amostra representativa de 127. Os dados foram coletados por meio de um questionário e processados ​​por meio de um banco de dados criado em Excel, utilizando os pacotes estatísticos profissionais SPSS 22.0 for Windows, foi utilizado o método de contagem simples, os dados foram refletidos em números absolutos e percentuais. Resultados: a infecção vaginal predominou nas gestantes de nível secundário e pré-universitário, fundamentalmente nos menores de 19 anos, seguidas das de 20 a 25 anos, o agente causador mais frequente foi a monília, com 61, 4% como técnica de limpeza adequada, o maior número de diagnósticos ocorreu no primeiro e terceiro trimestre e as complicações surgidas foram poucas, entre elas sepse neonatal com 8,6%, sepse puerperal 7,8%. Conclusões: a infecção vaginal na gravidez é mais frequente em menores de 25 anos, com ensino médio e pré-universitário. A causa mais frequente é a monilíase, prevaleceu a técnica de limpeza adequada, o diagnóstico de infecção vaginal é mais frequente no trimestre I e III da gravidez. Houve poucas complicações com predominância de sepse neonatal e puerperal.

Urethro-vaginal reflux during micturition: An underestimated cause of urinary incontinence in adult women.

AIMS: To evaluate if urethrovaginal reflux (UVR) is an underestimated cause of insensible or postmicturition incontinence in adult women. METHODS: An observational and retrospective study was carried out on the computerized records of a neuro-urology department. Female patients who had insensible or postmicturition incontinence were investigated. Retrograde and voiding urethrocystography (UCG), urodynamic evaluation, urethral pressure profilometry, and anamnestic and clinical examination had to be available. RESULTS: Among the 79 adult female patients with insensible or postmicturition incontinence in whom the whole set of required evaluations was achieved, 16 had a UVR (mean age 47 ± 15 years). There were no urethral diverticula, urethrocele, vesicovaginal, or urethrovaginal fistula on their UCG. All of them also had a cystoscopy and a CT urography which did not establish any abnormality. CONCLUSIONS: UVR is not an exclusive pathology of children. This mechanism seems to be an underestimated cause of urinary incontinence in adult women. Retrograde and voiding UCG appears to be the gold standard to confirm the intravaginal reflux.

Safety and efficacy of Vecchietti vaginoplasty in vaginal agenesis: cohort study. Medellín, Colombia 2007-2012 / Segurança e eficácia da vaginoplastia de Vecchietti na agenesia vaginal: coorte de 2007 a 2012 / Seguridad y eficacia de la vaginoplastia de vecchietti en agenesia vaginal: estudio de cohorte, en medellín, colombia, 2007 a 2012

RESUMEN Objetivo: describir la técnica de vaginoplastia de Vecchietti (TVV) en pacientes diagnosticadas con agenesia vaginal secundaria y hacer una aproxima- ción a la seguridad y eficacia de esta técnica. Materiales y métodos: cohorte histórica de pacientes con agenesia vaginal secundaria al síndrome de Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser y al síndrome de insensibilidad androgénica, a quienes se les realizó vaginoplastia por técnica de Vecchietti en el Hospital Universitario San Vicente Fundación, institución de referencia, de alta complejidad, en el periodo 2007 a 2012. Se excluyeron quienes tenían una vagina funcional para relaciones coitales. Muestreo consecutivo. Se midieron variables socio- demográficas, clínicas, de seguridad y de eficacia. Se utilizó estadística descriptiva. Resultados: el principal motivo de consulta fue la amenorrea primaria (69,2 %). Las malformaciones asociadas fueron agenesia renal derecha (15,4 %) y malformaciones esqueléticas (15,4 %). Se presentó una perforación intraoperatoria de la vejiga y tres complicaciones menores (23,1 %) en el posoperatorio. En el 84,6 % de ellas se obtuvo una vagina funcional a un año de seguimiento. Conclusiones: la TVV es una técnica quirúrgica simple que ha permitido obtener resultados funcionales satisfactorios con complicaciones menores. Se requieren estudios con grupo control para tener una mejor evaluación de la eficacia de las diferentes técnicas de construcción de la neovagina.

ABSTRACT Objective: To describe the Vecchietti vaginoplasty technique (VVT) in patients diagnosed with sec- ondary vaginal agenesis and to analyze the safety and efficacy of this technique. Materials and methods: Historical cohort of patients with vaginal agenesis secondary to Mayer- Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser and androgen insensitivity syndromes, subjected to vaginoplasty using the Vecchietti technique at San Vicente Fundación University Hospital, a high complexity referral institution located in the city of Medellín, during the time period between 2007 and 2012. Patients with functional a vagina for intercourse were excluded. Sampling was consecutive. Sociodemographic, clinical, safety and efficacy variables were measured. Descriptive statistics were used. Results: The main complaint was primary amenorrhea (69.2%). Associated malformations included right renal agenesis (15.4%) and skeletal malformations (15.4%). There was one intra-operative bladder perforation and, postoperatively, there were three (23.1%) minor complications. At 1-year follow-up, a functional vagina had been obtained in 84.6% of cases. Conclusion: Vecchietti vaginoplasty is a simple surgical technique resulting in satisfactory functional outcomes with only minor complications. Further studies with control groups are required in order to better assess the efficacy of the various techniques used for neovagina creation.

RESUMO Objetivo: descrever a técnica da vaginoplastia de Vecchietti (TVV) em pacientes diagnosticadas com agenesia vaginal secundária e fazer uma abordagem a respeito da segurança e eficácia desta técnica. Materiais e métodos: coorte histórica de pacientes com agenesia vaginal secundária à síndrome de Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser e à síndrome de insensibilidade androgênica, que foram submetidas a uma vaginoplastia pela técnica de Vecchietti no Hospital Universitário San Vicente Fundación, estabelecimento de referência, de alta complexidade, no período 2007-2012. Foram excluídas aquelas pacientes que tinham uma vagina funcional para relações coitais. Amostragem consecutiva. Foram mensuradas diversas variáveis sociodemográficas, clínicas, de segurança e de eficácia, utilizando o método de estatística descritiva. Resultados: o principal motivo de consulta foi a amenorreia primária (69,2%). As malformações correlatas foram agenesia renal direita (15,4%) e malformações esqueléticas (15,4%). Verificouse uma perfuração intraoperatória da bexiga e três complicações menores (23,1%) no pós-operatório. Em 84,6% delas conseguiu se uma vagina funcional durante o primeiro ano de acompanhamento. Conclusão: a TVV é uma técnica cirúrgica simples que permitiu obter resultados funcionais satisfatórios com complicações menores. É preciso levantar estudos com grupo-controle para fazer uma melhor avaliação da eficácia das diferentes técnicas de construção da neovagina.

Vaginal tubulo-squamous polyp: a clinicopathological analysis of four cases / 中华病理学杂志

Objective@#To investigate clinicopathological characteristics of vaginal tubulo-squamous polyp (TSP).@*Methods@#Clinical and pathological data of 4 cases of vaginal TSP diagnosed at Women′s Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University from 2007 to 2018 were analyzed by hematoxylin-eosin and EnVision two-step immunohistochemical staining technique.@*Results@#The age of the 4 patients ranged from 62 to 71 years, with a mean of 66 years. Histologically, the polyps consisted of an admixture of squamous epithelium and tubules within a fibrous stroma. Immunohistochemically, the cells lining the tubules showed positive staining of prostatic acid phosphatase (PSAP) and/or prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in all 4 cases. Available follow-up in 3 patients for 4 to 6 months (mean of 5.3 months) showed no tumor recurrence.@*Conclusion@#TSP is an under-recognized benign vaginal polypoid disease that may develop from paraurethral Skene glands.

Gynecological complaints and their associated factors among women in a family health-care clinic.

AIM: The aim of this study was to describe the most common gynecological complaints and possible associated factors among women of reproductive age attended at a family health-care clinic. METHODOLOGY: A transversal study conducted with a sample of an outpatient population consisting of women of reproductive age. Pregnant women and minors were excluded. The final sample consisted of women between 18 and 49 years of age. The participants answered a questionnaire in which the complaints of the last 4 weeks were registered. They were examined, had the vaginal pH assessed, and secretion was tested using a 10% potassium hydroxide solution to verify the presence of amine odor (whiff test). RESULTS: Most participants were black or of mixed races. Considering the frequency of complaints, there were no significant differences between white and nonwhite women. There was an association between vaginal pH and discharge complaints as well as unpleasant odor, positive test of amines, smoking, and performing vaginal douches. CONCLUSIONS: Vaginal complaints were common among participants; the practice of vaginal douches was also frequent and was associated with higher pH values. The use of hormonal contraceptives was associated with lower pH values. There was no significant association between condom use and gynecological complaints, vaginal pH, or the whiff test.

Sentinel lymph node mapping with indocyanine green in vaginal cancer.

OBJECTIVE: Sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping is being adapted to gynecologic cancer. Higher SLN mapping rates were reported with indocyanine green (ICG) compared to other dyes. The aim of this film is to share our experience of SLN mapping with ICG in vaginal cancer. METHODS: A 40 year-old woman was diagnosed with squamous cell vaginal cancer. About 1.5 cm-sized tumor was located on the posterior vaginal fornix. Preoperatively she was assumed to be stage I vaginal cancer. Beginning of surgery, we performed SLN mapping by ICG injection into 3- and 9-o'clock positions of the vaginal tumor. Concentrated in 1.25 mg/mL, 1 mL of ICG solution was injected into deep stroma and another 1 mL submucosally in both sides. Bilateral SLN identification and lymphadenectomy were done. Afterward, laparoscopic Type C1 Querleu-Morrow radical hysterectomy with vaginectomy was done. A fluorescence endoscope produced by KARL STORZ (Tuttlingen, Germany) was used for ICG detection. RESULTS: To our knowledge, this is the first film report performing SLN mapping with ICG in vaginal cancer. The mapping was successful and we were able to recognize SLN of vaginal cancer. SLNs were located in the bilateral obturator fossa. According to the pathologic diagnosis, the mass size was 15 mm and invasion depth was 1 mm. Subvaginal tissue involvement and pelvic wall extension were absent. Resection margin of the vagina was free from carcinoma. No lymph node metastasis was reported including the bilateral SLNs. CONCLUSION: For vaginal cancer, SLN mapping can be applied by injecting ICG into the bilateral sides of the vaginal tumor.

Rejuvenation Using Platelet-rich Plasma and Lipofilling for Vaginal Atrophy and Lichen Sclerosus.

Vaginal atrophy is a common condition among peri- and post-menopausal women. Symptoms of vaginal dryness, pruritus, irritation, loss of subcutaneous fat, sparse pubic hair and dyspareunia occur due to decreased estrogen level. Estrogen-based treatments are effective. But many patients are reluctant to be treated due to health concerns. As alternatives, we explored the efficacy of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and lipofilling. A 67-year-old female patient with vaginal atrophy was referred to our department. Treatment using estrogen cream had failed to improve patient's symptoms. Diminished volume and aged look of genitalia were also major concerns. We treated her using lipofilling mixed with PRP. A total of 40 cc of autologous fat mixed with PRP was transferred to labia majora. Lipofilling with PRP relieved the clinical symptoms. Missing fullness and tone was corrected and the augmented volume was well maintained. White patchy lesions of lichen sclerosus on labia minora also improved. Lipofilling with PRP relieved symptoms, restored contour of the labia majora and achieved remission of lichen sclerosus on labia minora. As vulvar lesions were repaired and the aged appearance of genitalia was rejuvenated, both functional and cosmetic outcomes were satisfactory. Lipofilling with PRP can be effective for vaginal atrophy and lichen sclerosus.

Probiotics in the Prevention and Treatment of Postmenopausal Vaginal Infections: Review Article.

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) and complicated vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) are frequently occurring vaginal infections in postmenopausal women, caused by an imbalance in vaginal microflora. Postmenopausal women suffer from decreased ovarian hormones estrogen and progesterone. A normal, healthy vaginal microflora mainly comprises Lactobacillus species (spp.), which act beneficially as a bacterial barrier in the vagina, interfering with uropathogens. During premenopausal period, estrogen promotes vaginal colonization by lactobacilli that metabolizing glycogen and producing lactic acid, and maintains intravaginal health by lowering the intravaginal pH level. A lower vaginal pH inhibits uropathogen growth, preventing vaginal infections. Decreased estrogen secretion in postmenopausal women depletes lactobacilli and increases intravaginal pH, resulting in increased vaginal colonization by harmful microorganisms (e.g., Enterobacter, Escherichia coli, Candida, and Gardnerella). Probiotics positively effects on vaginal microflora composition by promoting the proliferation of beneficial microorganisms, alters the intravaginal microbiota composition, prevents vaginal infections in postmenopausal. Probiotics also reduce the symptoms of vaginal infections (e.g., vaginal discharge, odor, etc.), and are thus helpful for the treatment and prevention of BV and VVC. In this review article, we provide information on the intravaginal mechanism of postmenopausal vaginal infections, and describes the effectiveness of probiotics in the treatment and prevention of BV and VVC.

Presence and resistance of Streptococcus agalactiae in vaginal specimens of pregnant and adult non-pregnant women and association with other aerobic bacteria.

Aim To determine the prevalence rate and resistance profile of Streptococcus agalactiae (S. agalactiae) in vaginal swabs of pregnant and adult non-pregnant women in the Tuzla region, Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H), as well as its association with other aerobic bacteria. Methods This prospective study included 200 women, 100 pregnant and 100 adult non-pregnant. The research was conducted at the Institute of Microbiology, University Clinical Center Tuzla from October to December 2015. Standard aerobic microbiological techniques were used for isolation and identification of S. agalactiae and other aerobic bacteria. Antimicrobial susceptibility was determined by the disk diffusion and microdilution method(VITEK 2/AES instrument). Results Among 200 vaginal swabs, 17 (8.50%) were positive for S. agalactiae, e. g., 7% (7/100) of pregnant and 10% (10/100) of adult non-pregnant women. In the pregnant group, 71.4% (5/7) of S. agalactiae isolates were susceptible to clindamycin and 85.7%(6/7) to erythromycin. In the adult non-pregnant group, only resistance to clindamycin was observed in one patient (1/10; 10%). S. agalactiae as single pathogen was isolated in 57.14% (4/7) of pregnant and 60% (6/10) of adult non-pregnant S. agalactiae positive women. In mixed microbial cultures S. agalactiae was most frequently associated with Enterococcus faecalis and Escherichia coli. Conclusion The rate of S. agalactiae positive women in the population of pregnant and adult non-pregnant women of Tuzla Canton, B&H is comparable with other European countries. Large studies are needed to develop a common national strategy for the prevention of S. agalactiae infection in B&H, especially during pregnancy.

Treatment of vaginal stenosis with fasciocutaneous Singapore flap.

INTRODUCTION: Vaginal stenosis is an unfortunate complication that can occur after pelvic radiation therapy for gynecologic or colorectal malignancies. Treatment is challenging and can require significant reconstructive surgery. The objective of this video is to present a case of vaginal stenosis after radiation and describe vaginal reconstruction with a fasciocutaneous Singapore flap. METHODS: We describe the case of a 42-year-old woman with a history of stage 3 colorectal cancer who underwent partial colectomy, chemotherapy, and pelvic radiation. She subsequently developed a rectovaginal fistula requiring repair with a right-sided gracilis flap. When her stenosis recurred, she underwent vaginal reconstruction with a medial thigh flap. RESULTS: The Singapore flap is a pudendal thigh flap centered on the labial crural fold with a base at the perineal body. As the cutaneous innervation is spared, this flap is sensate. This technique is one option for patients with complex vaginal stenosis who have failed conservative management. However, it is imperative the patient perform vaginal dilation postoperatively and maintain close follow-up with her surgeon, as vaginal stenosis can recur. CONCLUSIONS: Postradiation vaginal stenosis is a complex condition to treat; however, vaginal reconstruction with a thigh flap can provide excellent cosmetic and functional results.

Value of MRI in diagnosis of oblique vaginal septum syndrome / 中华全科医师杂志

Objective To assess the application of MRI in diagnosis of oblique vaginal septum syndrome (OVSS).Methods Clinical and imaging data of 41 patients with OVSS confirmed by surgery from March 2011 to November 2016 were retrospectively analyzed.Results The average age of patients was 20.5 year (10-46 years).The primary clinical symptoms were menorrhalgia (16 cases) and menorrhagia (13 cases).There were 12 cases of type Ⅰ,23 cases of type Ⅱ,5 cases of type Ⅲ and 1 case of type Ⅳamong 41 cases of OVSS.The resections for OVSS were performed in 35 cases.Forty two cases were diagnosed as OVSS by MRI scan,and 41 were confirmed by surgery,the accuracy of MRI diagnosis was 97.6％ (41/42).MRI showed uterus didelphys,hydrocolpos or hematocolpos with varying degrees,and revealed ipsilateral renal agenesis in all 41 cases.Conclusion MRI scan can accurately diagnose oblique vaginal septum syndrome and provide comprehensive information for clinical treatment.

Sentinel lymph node mapping with indocyanine green in vaginal cancer / 부인종양

OBJECTIVE: Sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping is being adapted to gynecologic cancer. Higher SLN mapping rates were reported with indocyanine green (ICG) compared to other dyes. The aim of this film is to share our experience of SLN mapping with ICG in vaginal cancer. METHODS: A 40 year-old woman was diagnosed with squamous cell vaginal cancer. About 1.5 cm-sized tumor was located on the posterior vaginal fornix. Preoperatively she was assumed to be stage I vaginal cancer. Beginning of surgery, we performed SLN mapping by ICG injection into 3- and 9-o'clock positions of the vaginal tumor. Concentrated in 1.25 mg/mL, 1 mL of ICG solution was injected into deep stroma and another 1 mL submucosally in both sides. Bilateral SLN identification and lymphadenectomy were done. Afterward, laparoscopic Type C1 Querleu-Morrow radical hysterectomy with vaginectomy was done. A fluorescence endoscope produced by KARL STORZ (Tuttlingen, Germany) was used for ICG detection. RESULTS: To our knowledge, this is the first film report performing SLN mapping with ICG in vaginal cancer. The mapping was successful and we were able to recognize SLN of vaginal cancer. SLNs were located in the bilateral obturator fossa. According to the pathologic diagnosis, the mass size was 15 mm and invasion depth was 1 mm. Subvaginal tissue involvement and pelvic wall extension were absent. Resection margin of the vagina was free from carcinoma. No lymph node metastasis was reported including the bilateral SLNs. CONCLUSION: For vaginal cancer, SLN mapping can be applied by injecting ICG into the bilateral sides of the vaginal tumor.