A new type fractional CO2 laser in treatment of postpartum vaginal relaxation: report of 120 cases

Abstract

Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy and feasibility of a new type fractional CO2 laser in the treatment of postpartum vaginal relaxation. Methods A total of 120 patients who were diagnosed with postpartum vaginal relaxation in our postpartum pelvic rehabilitation clinic of the obstetrics and gynecology department were included during November 2016 to November 2018. A new type fractional CO2 laser (10~15 min, once per month, 4 times as a course) was used for intravaginal treatment. Objective and subjective indicators before and 1 month after a course of treatment were observed and analyzed. Objective indicators include the degree of vaginal relaxation, vaginal health index (VHIS), and subjective indicators were from the Female Sexual Function Scale (FSFI). Satisfaction survey of treatment was carried out at the end of treatment for all of them. Results In the objective evaluation, the degree of vaginal relaxation was significantly improved; The VHIS score was 10.87±2.18, 15.67±1.87, 19.13±2.81, 20.11±1.98 and 20.34±1.69, respectively before, after 1st, 2nd and 3rd treatments and 1 month after treatment, and the score was obviously improved (P 0.05). At the end of treatment, sound satisfaction was obtained in the satisfaction survey of treatment. Conclusion The new type fractional CO2 laser treatment provides a minimally invasive treatment for vaginal relaxation and can obtain effective improvement in the symptoms. It can be done in the clinic due to its strong feasibility and no needs for anesthesia and analgesia. The patients show good tolerance and compliance.

Keywords

• postpartum vaginal relaxation
• new fractional co2 laser
• vaginal health index
• female sexual function scale