Interdisciplinary Approaches to Medicine (Jun 2023)
REVIEW OF THE USE OF INTRAVAGINAL HIFU THERAPY FOR THE TREATMENT OF VULVOVAGINAL ATROPHY, STRESS URINARY INCONTINENCE AND WIDE VAGINA SYNDROME
Abstract
This review article reviews the published results of the clinical use of intravaginal non-invasive HIFU therapy for the treatment of urogenital atrophy, stress urinary incontinence, and wide vagina syndrome. Vaginal distension and genitourinary syndromes of menopause create physical, psychological, and functional problems for women and their partners. Existing invasive treatments can lead to certain complications, so safer and more effective minimally invasive medicine is desirable. Our goal was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of microfocus ultrasound therapy as a form of non-invasive HIFU therapy administered in the vaginal canal in female patients. This review uses the results of a number of recent studies from Argentina, Poland, Japan and other countries using medical devices: Feminine HIFU, manufactured by Sveltia, Argentina, and Ultra Vera, manufactured by Hironic, Republic of Korea.The purpose of the study is to study the results of the clinical application of high-intensity focused ultrasound as a new treatment method in the field of gynecology.High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) is a new technology in gynecology that involves regenerative thermal effects on deeper layers of vaginal tissues that cannot be achieved with laser and radio frequency equipment. The results of studies with a total number of participants in more than 100 patients from several groups who underwent clinical examination support suggestions for a potential therapeutic effect as a preferred method of therapy or an addition to laser and other methods of treatment, supported by an evidence base.The value of the study is to provide effective treatment of pathologies due to the formation of new collagen fibers that create a structural framework in the fascial plate of the vagina and adjacent fascia, and the muscles of the small pelvis due to a certain mode of HIFU exposure. The results are promising and motivate further research.