Efficacy evaluation concerning radiofrequency treatment of vulvovaginal laxity

Abstract

D.M. Kalimatova, Yu.E. Dobrokhotova Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation Aim: to study the effiacy and safety of the vulvovaginal laxity treatment using non-ablative radiofrequency — dynamic quadripolar radiofrequency (DQRF™). Patients and Methods: the study included 79 female patients of reproductive age (35 to 42 y.o.) who were diagnosed with second-degree uterine prolapse according to the POP-Q system after a preliminary examination. The female patients were divided into 2 groups. Main group included 47 female patients who underwent the continuous DQRF™ to the internal genital organs four times with an interval of 7 days using the EVA™ device with intravaginal and external attachments. Comparison group included 32 female patients who performed a set of Kegel exercises for 4 months to correct vulvovaginal laxity. DQRF™ efficacy is due to thermal and oscillatory effects on tissues. Under the DQRF™, the temperature of the vaginal mucosa rises evenly to 40–42 °C, fibroblasts are activated and new connective tissue fibers are formed. The radio waves effect on microcirculation promotes the collateral formation and increases tissue blood flow, providing the metabolism acceleration in the cells of the mucous membrane, including fibroblasts. Results: 4 months after the treatment in the group 1, the trend of changes in the studied indicators turned out to be more statistically significant versus the group 2: patients less commonly noted the foreign body sensation, pollakiuria, dyspareunia, constipations. The incidence and severity of vaginal symptoms, manifestations of pelvic floor dysfunction (PFDI-20) in patients decreased, and the condition of the pelvic diaphragm (PFIQ-7) with the quality of sexual life (PISQ-12) improved. The treatment effect persisted for a year. Therapy was not accompanied by the adverse events: burns in the area of radiation, pain and/or discomfort. Conclusion: the method of non-ablative radiofrequency treatment of vulvovaginal laxity is clinically effective and safe. Keywords: vulvovaginal laxity, pelvic organ prolapse, non-ablative radiofrequency, pelvic floor dysfunction, dyspareunia. For citation: Kalimatova D.M., Dobrokhotova Yu.E. Efficacy evaluation concerning radiofrequency treatment of vulvovaginal laxity. Russian Journal of Woman and Child Health. 2023;6(4):347–351 (in Russ.). DOI: 10.32364/2618-8430-2023-6-4-4.