Fractional and Microablative CO2 LASER and Radiofrequency in the Treatment of Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause: A Descriptive Study.

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the vagina clinically, cytologically, and histologically before and after treating genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) with fractional microablative carbon dioxide LASER (CO2L), radiofrequency (RF), and estrogen vaginal cream (CT). Methods: Women with moderate-to-severe symptoms of GSM, denoted by a GSM Visual analog scale (VAS) score of >4, were eligible for this study. The patients were randomized into treatment groups. In the energy groups, three vulvovaginal applications were administered monthly. The CT group used 0.5 mg vaginal estriol cream for 14 consecutive days, followed by twice a week for 4 months. The follow-up visits occurred 120 days after the beginning of the treatments. The same parameters obtained at the first visit were re-evaluated: GSM VAS score, Incontinence Quality of Life Questionnaire (I-QOL), gynecological examination determining Vaginal Health Index (VHI), vaginal smear for Vaginal Maturation Value (VMV), and vaginal biopsy. Results: Seventy-one women were included, 48 completed the study and provided adequate samples for analysis (CO2L [21 patients], RF [15 patients], and CT [12 patients]). GSM symptoms, I-QOL, and VHI significantly improved after all proposed treatments, with no significant differences between them. VMV did not change after any treatment; however, only 22.9% of the patients presented with cytological atrophy before treatment. Histological vaginal atrophy was identified in 6 (12.5%) pretreated vaginal samples. After the intervention, all histological parameters were normalized, no tissue damage was observed, and no major clinical complications were observed. Conclusion: CO2L and RF seem to be good alternatives to CT for GSM treatment, with no tissue damage.

Comparison of promestriene with vaginal fractional CO2 laser and radiofrequency treatments of genitourinary syndrome of menopause.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of fractional CO2 laser and microablative fractional radiofrequency treatment with promestriene topical estrogen on sexual function and genitourinary syndrome of menopause symptoms. METHODS: This was a prospective randomized open-label clinical trial conducted with 62 postmenopausal women assigned to three intervention groups: a) topical promestriene for 90 days (n = 17); b) fractional CO2 laser treatment (n = 24); and c) microablative fractional radiofrequency treatment (n = 21). Each of the latter two groups underwent three treatment sessions at 4-week intervals. At baseline and at the end of the study, all participants had a gynecological examination that included vaginal pH measurement, and the completion of the Vaginal Symptom Score, the Vaginal Health Index, and the Female Sexual Function Index. For the energy treatment groups, adverse effects were evaluated after each session. Group homogeneity was assessed at baseline, and results were evaluated over time (from baseline to the end of treatment) and between groups over time. RESULTS: All baseline parameters were similar among studied groups. At the end of the study, all 3 treatments had produced similar effects: a reduction of vaginal pH, and an improvement of vulvovaginal symptoms (Vaginal Symptom Score and Vaginal Health Index scores) as well as sexual function (higher total Female Sexual Function Index scores, and in the desire, arousal, lubrication and pain domain scores), with no differences observed between groups. Side-effects were slight for both energy treatment groups, mainly represented by vaginal discharge. CONCLUSION: The present study suggests that the two energy treatments were efficient along with promestriene at improving postmenopausal genitourinary and sexuality symptoms. Clinical trial identification numberNCT04717245.

Recommended measurement instruments for genitourinary symptoms associated with menopause: the COMMA (Core outcomes in menopause) consortium.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study is to identify appropriate definitions and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) for each of the eight core outcomes previously selected for genitourinary symptoms associated with menopause: pain with sex, vulvovaginal dryness, vulvovaginal discomfort or irritation, discomfort or pain when urinating, change in most bothersome symptom, distress, bother or interference of genitourinary symptoms, satisfaction with treatment, and side effects. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review to identify possible definitions and PROMs, including their measurement properties. Identified definitions and relevant PROMs with acceptable measurement properties were entered into an international consensus process involving 28 participants from 10 countries to achieve final recommendations for each core outcome. RESULTS: A total of 87 publications reporting on 34 PROMs were identified from 21,207 publications screened. Of these 34 PROMs, 29 were not considered to sufficiently map onto the core outcomes, and 26 of these also had insufficient measurement properties. Therefore, only five PROMs corresponding to two core outcomes were considered for recommendation. We recommend the PROMIS Scale v2.0 - Sexual Function and Satisfaction: Vaginal Discomfort with Sexual Activity to measure the outcome of "pain with sexual activity" and the Day-to-Day Impact of Vaginal Aging (DIVA) Questionnaire to measure "distress, bother or interference" from genitourinary symptoms. Six definitions of "side effects" were identified and considered. We recommend that all trials report adverse events in study participants, which is a requirement of Good Clinical Practice. CONCLUSIONS: Suitable PROMs and definitions were identified to measure three of eight core outcomes. Because of the lack of existing measures, which align with the core outcomes and have evidence of high-quality measurement properties, future work will focus on developing or validating PROMs for the remaining five core outcomes.

Insights into the vulvar component of the genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM).

Genitourinary syndrome of menopause is a comprehensive term that groups genital, urinary and sexual signs and symptoms mainly due sex hormone deficiency and aging, with a crucial impact on quality of life of midlife women. While this broad definition captures the common underlying physiopathology and the frequent overlap of symptomatology, improving knowledge about different components of genitourinary syndrome of menopause may be relevant for individualized treatment, with possible implications for efficacy, compliance and satisfaction. This narrative review focuses on the vulvar component of genitourinary syndrome of menopause, highlighting anatomical and functional peculiarities of the vulva that are responsible for some of the self-reported symptoms, as well as specific signs at physical examination. Increasing evidence points towards a pivotal role of vulvar vestibular health in the occurrence of sexual pain, one of the most common and distressing symptoms of genitourinary syndrome of menopause, which should be evaluated with validated scales taking a biopsychosocial perspective. This is an essential step in the recognition of different phenotypes of genitourinary syndrome of menopause and in the assessment of the most effective diagnostic and therapeutic algorithm. Menopausal vulvar health deserves more research into tailored non-hormonal and hormonal treatment options.

Physical energies for the management of genitourinary syndrome of menopause: An overview of a systematic review and network meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Energy-based devices (laser and radiofrequency) have been used to treat genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM). OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of physical energy use in managing GSM symptoms. SEARCH STRATEGY: Five databases were searched from inception to December 2022. Language restrictions were not imposed. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included all Cochrane and non-Cochrane systematic reviews with or without meta-analyses that described postmenopausal women with symptoms of GSM treated with physical energy. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We performed a network meta-analysis using frequentist methods to calculate standardized mean differences (SMDs) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Methodological and reporting quality were assessed using the Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR 2). MAIN RESULTS: Nine reviews were included in the overview, six of which were meta-analyses. Four randomized controlled trials, representing 218 participants and nine different study arms, met the criteria for inclusion in our component network meta-analysis. Confidence in review findings was low in six reviews and critically low in three. Our network meta-analysis results showed that premarin (SMD 2.60, 95% CI 7.76-3.43), conjugated estrogens (SMD 2.13, 95% CI 1.34-2.91), carbon dioxide laser (SMD 1.71, 95% CI 1.10-2.31), promestriene (SMD 1.41, 95% CI 0.59-2.24), and vaginal lubricant (SMD 1.37, 95% CI 0.54-2.20) were more effective than sham for reducing sexual dysfunction, with a consequent increase in Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). Two studies showed a high risk of bias, owing to a lack of blinding. CONCLUSION: Several gaps in the use of physical energy for managing GSM still need to be addressed. The small number of blind clinical trials made the results fragile.

Vaginal CO2 laser therapy for genitourinary syndrome in breast cancer survivors-VagLaser study protocol: a randomized blinded, placebo-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Vaginal CO2 laser therapy is a new treatment option for genitourinary syndrome of menopause. Its potential is particularly interesting in breast cancer survivors, where existing treatment options often are insufficient as hormonal treatment is problematic in these women. The objective of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of vaginal laser treatment for alleviation of genitourinary syndrome of menopause in breast cancer survivors treated with adjuvant endocrine therapy. The secondary objective is to explore the importance of repeated vaginal laser treatment and the long-term effects in this patient population. METHODS: VagLaser consist of three sub-studies; a dose response study, a randomized, participant blinded, placebo-controlled study and a follow-up study. All studies include breast cancer survivors in adjuvant endocrine therapy, and are conducted at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Randers Regional Hospital, Denmark. The first participant was recruited on 16th of February 2023. Primary outcome is vaginal dryness. Secondary subjective outcomes are vaginal pain, itching, soreness, urinary symptoms and sexual function. Secondary objective outcomes are change in vaginal histology (punch biopsy), change in vaginal and urine microbiota, and change in vaginal pH. DISCUSSION: More randomized controlled trials, with longer follow-up to explore the optimal treatment regimen and the number of repeat vaginal laser treatments for alleviation the symptoms of genitourinary syndrome of menopause in breast cancer survivors treated with endocrine adjuvant therapy, are needed. This study will be the first to investigate change in vaginal and urine microbiota during vaginal laser therapy in breast cancer survivors. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT06007027 (registered 22 August, 2023). PROTOCOL VERSION: Version 1, Date 13.11.2023.

The effect of CO2 laser therapy on vaginal microcirculatory parameters in an animal model for genitourinary syndrome of menopause.

BACKGROUND: Vaginal laser therapy for the treatment of genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) has been introduced to the market with limited (pre)clinical and experimental evidence supporting its efficacy. It is suggested that vaginal laser therapy increases epithelial thickness and improves vascularization, but the underlying biological working mechanism has not been substantiated yet. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of CO2 laser therapy on vaginal atrophy using noninvasive incident dark field (IDF) imaging in a large animal model for GSM. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: An animal study was conducted between 2018 and 2019 and included 25 Dohne Merino ewes, of which 20 underwent bilateral ovariectomy (OVX) to induce iatrogenic menopause, and 5 did not. The total study duration was 10 months. INTERVENTIONS: Five months after OVX, ovariectomized ewes received monthly applications of CO2 laser (n = 7), vaginal estrogen (n = 7), or no treatment (n = 6) for 3 months. IDF imaging was performed monthly in all animals. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The primary outcome was the proportion of image sequences containing capillary loops (angioarchitecture). Secondary outcomes included focal depth (epithelial thickness), and quantitative measures of vessel density and perfusion. Treatment effects were evaluated using ANCOVA and binary logistic regression. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: Compared to OVX-only, ewes treated with estrogen demonstrated a higher capillary loops proportion (4% vs. 75%, p < 0.01), and higher focal depth (60 (IQR 60-80) vs. 80 (IQR 80-80) p < 0.05). CO2 laser therapy did not change microcirculatory parameters. As the ewes' vaginal epithelium is thinner than that of humans, it may demand different laser settings. CONCLUSIONS: In a large animal model for GSM, CO2 laser therapy does not affect microcirculatory outcomes related to GSM, whereas vaginal estrogen treatment does. Until more homogeneous and objective evidence about its efficacy is available, CO2 laser therapy should not be adopted into widespread practice for treating GSM.

An online survey on coping methods for genitourinary syndrome of menopause, including vulvovaginal atrophy, among Japanese women and their satisfaction levels.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to explore the current situation and existing issues regarding the management of vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA) or the genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM). A nationwide web-based questionnaire survey was conducted among 1,031 Japanese women aged 40 years or older. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eligible women were asked to complete a questionnaire about how they dealt with their symptoms and how satisfied they were with their coping methods. RESULTS: Of those highly conscious of their GSM symptoms (n = 208; 20.2%), 158 had sought medical consultation (15.3%), with only 15 currently continuing to seek consultation (11.5%). Of the specialties consulted, gynecology was the most frequently consulted (55%). Furthermore, those unwilling to seek medical consultation despite their symptoms accounted for the greatest proportion (n = 359; 34.8%), with 42 (23.9%) having never sought consultation. Topical agents, e.g., steroid hormone ointments/creams, were the most frequent treatments provided by the clinics (n = 71; 40.3%), followed by oral and vaginal estrogens (n = 27; 15.5%), suggesting that estrogen therapy was not the first choice of treatment at the clinics. While 65% of patients treated at the clinics reported satisfaction with the treatments, this was inconsistent with the fact that many were reported to have remained untreated and very few continued with treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Survey results suggest that GSM, including VVA, remains underdiagnosed and undertreated in Japan. Medical professionals should deepen their understanding of GSM and raise their level of care to select the appropriate treatment for the condition.

Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause.

Introduced in 2014, genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) describes a variety of unpleasant genital, sexual and urinary symptoms that can either be isolated or coexisting and are not related to other medical conditions. GSM is a chronic and progressive condition that requires early recognition and appropriate management to preserve urogenital health. Despite the importance of early detection and treatment, the condition is consistently underdiagnosed and undertreated. Herein, we emphasize how to diagnose GSM in postmenopausal, hypoestrogenic, and hypoandrogenic women and summarize evidence-based treatments focusing on prescription treatments and adjunctive therapies.

Minimal requirement in urogynecological knowledge for obstetrics and gynecology specialists.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the current knowledge and practice patterns of obstetrics and gynecology (obs/gyn) physicians regarding the diagnosis, evaluation, and management of pelvic floor disorders (PFD) including stress urinary incontinence (SUI), pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). The knowledge related to urodynamic study (UDS) is also evaluated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 25-item questionnaire was developed and sent for the physician members who participated in the annual congress of Taiwan Association of Obstetrics and Gynecology (TAOG). Response to the questionnaire was voluntary and anonymous. The questionnaires were collected prior to the ending of the congress. RESULTS: 2000 copies of the questionnaire were sent and 1443 TAOG members responded. 86 poor respondents and 45 copies from urogynecologists were excluded. 1312 copies of the completed questionnaires were analyzed. 77.7% of the respondents were male physicians and 50.6% were over 55 years old. Up to 53.7% of the physicians had completed their residency training for over twenty years. Generally, around half of the respondents didn't reach well a level of well understanding regarding the various PFD. Most of the physicians would like to have further knowledge in urogynecological field for their daily practice. Regular delivery of updated information about various urogynecological diseases is mandatory. CONCLUSION: With the aging population worldwide, the need for management of PFD is increasing. The obs/gyn physician plays an important role in the primary evaluation and management of PFD. This study offered important information related to the current investigation, management, practice patterns and future expectation from obs/gyn physicians as references for the future continuing medical education programs.

Genitourinary symptoms in women with breast cancer: what do oncology health professionals think and do about them?

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to improve understanding of health professional knowledge and management of genitourinary symptoms (GUS) in women with early breast cancer (EBC). METHODS: A survey was sent to 872 health professionals caring for women with EBC. Questions addressed most common GUS seen, experience treating GUS, and attitudes to treatment options. RESULTS: 144 surveys were completed. Respondent characteristics: median age 50 years; 76% female; 42% medical oncologists; 24% nurses; 20% breast surgeons; 8% radiation oncologists. Most (68%) reported prescribing endocrine therapies for EBC, 99% were aware endocrine therapies can cause GUS, and 55% reported "often" or "always" asking patients on endocrine therapy if they have GUS. Respondents thought vaginal dryness was the most bothersome symptom for their patients (66%), followed by dyspareunia (11%). 81% of respondents reported seeing women stop endocrine therapy prematurely due to GUS. Respondents reported receiving "none" (19%) or "a little" (46%) training or education in managing GUS and only 16% reported feeling "very confident" managing GUS. The proportions of respondents reporting "often" and "very often" recommending the following vaginal treatments were: lubricants (81%); moisturisers (68%); oestrogens (21%); and laser (3%). Vaginal oestrogens were considered "safe" or "probably safe" by 77% and 90% of respondents for women with hormone receptor positive and negative EBC, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Despite health professionals frequently encountering GUS in women with EBC and seeing patients stop endocrine therapies prematurely, only 16% felt confident managing these symptoms. Education and training for health professionals are needed to better address this common problem.

Genitourinary Emergencies in Older Adults.

Older adults are frequently seen in the emergency department for genitourinary complaints, necessitating that emergency physicians are adept at managing a myriad of genitourinary emergencies. Geriatric patients may present with acute kidney injury, hematuria, or a urinary infection and aspects of how managing these presentations differs from their younger counterparts is emphasized. Older adults may also present with acute urinary retention or urinary incontinence as a result of genitourinary pathology or other systemic etiologies. Finally, genital complaints as they pertain to older adults are briefly highlighted with emphasis on emergent management and appropriate referrals.

Patient Satisfaction With Telemedicine Appointments in an Academic Andrology-focused Urology Practice During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate patient satisfaction with telemedicine appointments as an alternative to in-person appointments at an Andrology-focused academic urology practice during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. METHODS: Between March and June 2020, all appointments at the practice of a single Andrology-focused academic urologist were conducted by telephone. Consecutive patients were contacted by telephone following their appointment to complete a telephone questionnaire. Baseline demographic information was obtained, and perceptions regarding telephone appointments were assessed using a Likert scale. RESULTS: Ninety-six patients completed the telephone questionnaire. Median age was 48.5 years (interquartile range 37.3-62.8 years) with 55 of 96 (57.3%) of the appointments Andrology-focused. Mean distance of residence from the hospital was 8.4 km (interquartile range 4.7-25.2 km). Only 9 of 96 (9.3%) of the patients felt that the telephone format did not adequately address their needs. However, 26 of 96 (27.1%) of patients said they would prefer an in-person appointment. On multivariable analysis adjusting for age, gender, presenting complaint, type of appointment, education level, and employment status, no factors were associated with feeling that the telephone appointment adequately addressed needs or preference for an in-person appointment in the future. CONCLUSION: Patients were generally satisfied with telephone appointments as an alternative to in-person appointments during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Nonetheless, a substantial portion of patients said they would prefer in-person appointments in the future.

Efficacy and safety of current therapies for genitourinary syndrome of menopause: A Bayesian network analysis of 29 randomized trials and 8311 patients.

Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) seriously affects the quality of life of women in this stage and patients with breast cancer, but optimal treatment options as well as risks associated with the complication remain controversial. We aimed at exploring the safest and most effective treatment for genitourinary syndrome of menopause. The study was performed following a pre-established protocol registered on PROSPERO (CRD42020180807). We searched through PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Web of Science and ScienceDirect electronic databases, clinicaltrials.gov and OVID for relevant data on Genitourinary syndrome of menopause provided by March 2020. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) on women presenting with some or all the signs and symptoms for genitourinary syndrome of menopause were extracted and analyzed based on the Bayesian theory. The key variables were additionally evaluated using the network sub-analyses, standard pairwise comparisons, regression analysis and subgroup and sensitivity analyses. The pooled estimates were quantified as odd ratios or mean differences where appropriate, at 95 % confidence intervals. In the end, 29 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating 5 different treatment regimens for genitourinary syndrome of menopause, involving 8311 patients, were included in the study. Laser therapy had excellent effect on vaginal dryness, dysparunia, urinary incontinence, proportion of parabasal cells, pH and VHI. Vaginal estrogen also had significant effects on these aspects, although its effect was inferior to that of laser therapy. Ospemifene therapy was however superior to laser and vaginal estrogen therapies in ameliorating sexual function, however, it presents a high risk of developing adverse events and endometrial hyperplasia. Moisturizer/lubricant was effective on dysparunia, proportion of parabasal cells and vaginal pH. In regression analysis, age was an essential factor affecting vaginal dryness and pH treatment effect. Compared with other currently available interventional treatments for genitourinary syndrome of menopause, laser therapy, followed by vaginal estrogen, confers superior clinical outcomes for most aspects associated with the disease. In addition, they pose relatively low risks of developing adverse events. Ospemifene and DHEA therapies on their part significantly improve sexual function of women with GSM. A strong relationship between treatment effect and age provides insights for future studies on clinical treatment.

Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause: Current Treatment Options in Breast Cancer Survivors - Systematic Review.

Breast cancer survivors (BCS) usually receive treatments which lead to persistent oestrogen suppression, which may cause atrophic vaginitis in a large proportion of these women. The most effective treatments for vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA) are based on local oestrogen therapy. However, these treatments are restricted in BCS due to the controversy over their use in women who had hormone-dependent tumours. Therefore, it is common to find untreated symptoms that affect sexual function and quality of life in BCS, thereby leading to the discontinuation of anti-oestrogenic treatments. This systematic review aims to discuss the current treatment options available for the genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) in BCS. A comprehensive literature search was conducted electronically using Embase and PubMed to retrieve studies assessing treatment options for GSM or VVA in BCS up to April 2020. Studies evaluating treatments in different BCS cohorts were excluded. A total of 29 studies were finally included in the review. Non-hormonal treatments are the first-line treatment for VVA, but when these are not effective for symptom relief, other options can be considered, such as local oestrogen, erbium laser or CO2 laser and local androgens. The present data suggest that these therapies are effective for VVA in BCS; however, safety remains controversial and a major concern with all of these treatments.

A Call to Change the Narrative on Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause.

Genitourinary syndrome of menopause affects up to 54% of postmenopausal women. Historically, women have been led to believe that symptoms such as vaginal dryness, dyspareunia, and vaginal itching were manifestations that they would just have to live with, but now, more than ever before, treatment options are available. More importantly, nurses are in a position to change the narrative of genitourinary syndrome of menopause by normalizing the conversation about menopause and its sequelae of genitourinary symptoms.

At-Home Transvaginal Device Following Fractional Carbon Dioxide Laser Treatment for Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause.

BACKGROUND: Device-based therapeutic approaches have been developed to treat women’s genitourinary post-menopausal symptoms. Fractional carbon dioxide laser resurfacing (FxCO2) has been demonstrated to be safe and effective in the treatment of GSM symptoms, however the results begin to wane by 12-months post-treatment. OBJECTIVE: This study aims at assessing the application of an at-home transvaginal red and infrared light device as a maintenance treatment commencing 12 months following FxCO2 laser treatment for genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM). STUDY DESIGN: Subjects completing 12-month follow-up after three fractional CO2 laser vulvovaginal treatments received an at-home device and monitored for GSM symptoms with long-term follow-up to 12 months (2 years post-laser). METHODS: 10 post-menopausal subjects completing 12-months follow-up after three FxCO2 vulvovaginal treatments for GSM were treated with an at-home red and infrared LED device. Treatment consisted of intravaginal application three times per week, and subjects were followed to 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. Subjects completed the vaginal assessment scale subject satisfaction, and QUID to assess for vulvovaginal and stress urinary incontinence (SUI) symptoms. RESULTS: Vulvovaginal symptoms measured by VAS were mean 89% improved at 12-month follow-up after FxCO2 and maintained at 73% improved over baseline (2 years post-laser) following an additional 12 months of at-home transvaginal light therapy (P<0.05). VAS symptoms gradually increased over the 12 months maintenance period by a mean of 17% (P<0.05). Mean subject satisfaction was 0 at baseline, 1.86 at 1 year following FxCO2, and 1.00 after an additional 1 year of at-home light therapy. SUI symptoms as measured by QUID were mean 81% improved at 12-month follow-up after FxCO2and maintained at 38% improved over baseline (2 years post-laser) following an additional 12-months of at-home light therapy (P<0.05). SUI symptoms gradually increased by a mean of 43% over the 12-month maintenance period (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: At-home transvaginal red and near infrared light therapy commencing at 12 months post-FxCO2 vulvovaginal treatment in a post-menopausal population maintained statistically significant improvements in vulvovaginal and SUI symptoms over the additional12-month period (2 years post-laser); however, a gradual return of symptoms suggests that laser re-treatment or combination withhormone therapy may be necessary to maintain optimal outcomes.J Drugs Dermatol. 2020;19(11):1076-1079. doi:10.36849/JDD.2020.1012.

Applications of neural networks in urology: a systematic review.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Over the last decade, major advancements in artificial intelligence technology have emerged and revolutionized the extent to which physicians are able to personalize treatment modalities and care for their patients. Artificial intelligence technology aimed at mimicking/simulating human mental processes, such as deep learning artificial neural networks (ANNs), are composed of a collection of individual units known as 'artificial neurons'. These 'neurons', when arranged and interconnected in complex architectural layers, are capable of analyzing the most complex patterns. The aim of this systematic review is to give a comprehensive summary of the contemporary applications of deep learning ANNs in urological medicine. RECENT FINDINGS: Fifty-five articles were included in this systematic review and each article was assigned an 'intermediate' score based on its overall quality. Of these 55 articles, nine studies were prospective, but no nonrandomized control trials were identified. SUMMARY: In urological medicine, the application of novel artificial intelligence technologies, particularly ANNs, have been considered to be a promising step in improving physicians' diagnostic capabilities, especially with regards to predicting the aggressiveness and recurrence of various disorders. For benign urological disorders, for example, the use of highly predictive and reliable algorithms could be helpful for the improving diagnoses of male infertility, urinary tract infections, and pediatric malformations. In addition, articles with anecdotal experiences shed light on the potential of artificial intelligence-assisted surgeries, such as with the aid of virtual reality or augmented reality.