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Practical Radiation Oncology Nov 2019Guidelines for the care of women undergoing pelvic radiation therapy (RT) recommend vaginal dilator therapy (VDT) to prevent radiation-induced vaginal stenosis (VS);... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
Guidelines for the care of women undergoing pelvic radiation therapy (RT) recommend vaginal dilator therapy (VDT) to prevent radiation-induced vaginal stenosis (VS); however, no standard protocol exists. This review seeks to update our current state of knowledge concerning VS and VDT in radiation oncology.
METHODS AND MATERIALS
A comprehensive literature review (1972-2017) was conducted using search terms "vaginal stenosis," "radiation," and "vaginal dilator." Information was organized by key concepts including VS definition, time course, pathophysiology, risk factors, and interventions.
RESULTS
VS is a well-described consequence of pelvic RT, with early manifestations and late changes evolving over several years. Strong risk factors for VS include RT dose and volume of vagina irradiated. Resultant vaginal changes can interfere with sexual function and correlational studies support the use of preventive VDT. The complexity of factors that drive noncompliance with VDT is well recognized. There are no prospective data to guide optimal duration of VDT, and the consistency with which radiation oncologists monitor VS and manage its consequences is unknown.
CONCLUSIONS
This review provides information concerning VS definition, pathophysiology, and risk factors and identifies domains of VDT practice that are understudied. Prospective efforts to monitor and measure outcomes of patients who are prescribed VDT are needed to guide practice.
Topics: Constriction, Pathologic; Dilatation; Female; Humans; Radiation Oncology; Vagina
PubMed: 31302301
DOI: 10.1016/j.prro.2019.07.001 -
Urology Sep 2022We reviewed neovaginal colonization and inflammatory patterns, and factors that may impact this. A systematic review of the neovaginal microbiome was conducted in... (Review)
Review
We reviewed neovaginal colonization and inflammatory patterns, and factors that may impact this. A systematic review of the neovaginal microbiome was conducted in concordance with PRISMA guidelines through October 2021. Thirteen articles were included, totaling 458 patients. Neovaginal constructions were most commonly performed with penile and scrotal skin grafts, sigmoid segments, and peritoneal grafts. The neovaginal microflora identified were generally polymicrobial and shared similarities with the native tissue. Nine studies identified Lactobacillus: 5 of 6 for penile skin, 1 of 3 for sigmoid, 1 of 1 for peritoneum, and 2 of 3 for other graft types, suggesting that the neovagina may support Lactobacillus either innately, via rectal migration or oral probiotic supplementation. A polymicrobial, bacterial vaginosis-like environment was found in 9 studies. Inflammatory markers were also described: 2 of 6 for penile skin, 2 of 3 for sigmoid, 0 of 1 for peritoneum, and 1 of 3 for other graft types. Scant data were available on the impact of postsurgical duration, oral hormones, dilating, sexual practices, or douching on the neovaginal microbiome. Understanding and optimizing the polymicrobial neovaginal microenvironment may improve surgical outcomes, specifically inflammatory, pain, and infectious. Future research should focus on standardizing testing, classification systems, and treating neovaginal dysbiosis.
Topics: Female; Hormones; Humans; Male; Microbiota; Penis; Sex Reassignment Surgery; Vagina
PubMed: 35276200
DOI: 10.1016/j.urology.2022.02.021 -
Pathology, Research and Practice Jun 2016Müllerianosis is the term used to designate lesions composed of an admixture of two or three types of müllerian-derivation glands in heterotopic location. In this...
Müllerianosis is the term used to designate lesions composed of an admixture of two or three types of müllerian-derivation glands in heterotopic location. In this report, we describe a case of incidental vaginal müllerianosis in a 59-year-old woman who underwent rectosigmoidectomy for rectal adenocarcinoma. In the vaginal cuff removed for neoplastic invasion, a separate multilocular mass measuring 1.5cm was found. The microscopic examination of the vaginal wall revealed endosalpingeal, endocervical and endometrial dilated or cystic glands with predominance of the endosalpingeal epithelium. Müllerian epithelium showed positivity for cytokeratins 7 and 8/18, high molecular weight cytokeratin, estrogen receptor alpha, and androgen receptor. The periglandular stroma was condensed and reactive for smooth-muscle actin, h-caldesmon, and CD10. To the best of our knowledge, a case of vaginal müllerianosis has not been previously reported. This lesion should be differentiated form vaginal adenosis and primary well-differentiated vaginal adenocarcinoma. The vagina should be added to the list of locations in which müllerianosis can be observed.
Topics: Adenocarcinoma; Cervix Uteri; Choristoma; Endometrium; Fallopian Tubes; Female; Humans; Incidental Findings; Keratins; Middle Aged; Rectal Neoplasms; Vaginal Diseases
PubMed: 26970930
DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2016.02.023 -
Sexual Medicine Reviews Apr 2021Vaginal dilators are often prescribed to facilitate an adaptive brain-body connection to decrease anxiety and pain that can be experienced in anticipation of sexual... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Vaginal dilators are often prescribed to facilitate an adaptive brain-body connection to decrease anxiety and pain that can be experienced in anticipation of sexual intercourse among populations of women with sexual pain syndromes. Postmenopausal women, cancer survivors, and women with a wide variety of pelvic floor disorders who experience genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder (GPPPD) are often advised to incorporate vaginal dilators into their pelvic floor rehabilitation program and treatment regimens to enable penetrative intercourse with less pain. However, little is known about the behaviors of dilator users, what treatment protocols are most effective, how patients are currently using their dilators, and how effective are clinicians in helping their patients achieve success with their dilation therapy.
METHODS
A recent PubMed literature search was performed using the key words vaginal dilator, vaginal dilator therapy, sexual quality of life, vaginal stenosis, vaginal dilation, vaginismus. A total of 29 English articles were reviewed and summarized. Articles were excluded for the following reasons: not in English and unrelated to dilator therapy.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE
This article will summarize the current research on vaginal dilators and discuss needs for future research to maximize patients' compliance and success with this treatment. Much of the summary data regarding user behavior will come from the early survey data with Milli, a novel, patient-controlled electronic dilator that slowly expands 1 mm at a time from its smallest diameter, 15 mm to a maximum diameter of 40 mm. Milli is currently being used by more than 1,000 women, and 3-month follow-up data were recorded on 335 of those patients.
RESULTS
Dilators exist in multiple forms (plastic, latex, and medical grade material), may come individually or in sets, and many have special features such as vibration or the ability to be heated or cooled before use. Little is known about patients' use of dilators and the Milli's 3-month survey serves as an insight to patient dilator behavior. The most common medical goals for patients undergoing dilation treatment were return to penetrative intercourse and pain reduction during coitus. Patients were dilated on average 2.72 days/week; 56.8% of patients had suffered from sexual pain for 2 or more years and 36.3% had previously used static dilators. More than 70% of Milli users purchased Milli and are using Milli without the direct guidance of a clinician. The most common emotions patients used to describe their treatment were not only "anxious," "frustrated," but also "empowered" and "optimistic." The most common dilatory session duration was 6-10 minutes, mostly in the evening/bedtime (68.3%), located in the bedroom (96.8%). Adjunctive treatment included the following: vaginal moisturizers, local estrogen products, coital lubricants, and genital pelvic floor physical therapy. During the dilation sessions, women most often watched TV/videos, practiced mindfulness, or listened to soothing music. Factors that showed trends toward improved patient outcomes were length of dilation treatment (greater than 3 months) and use of meditation and soothing music. Factors not associated with improvement trends were as follows: when/where patients dilated and patient demographics including age, race, or religious preferences.
CONCLUSION
Patients who purchase dilators have often suffered with their condition for a long time and had difficulty finding a competent health-care clinician well versed in sexual pain syndromes that can help them. When patients did find a clinician, there were no clinically proven standardized protocols or formalized guidelines to give to patients about how to best use their dilators. Larger long-term interventions investigating a standardized dilation protocol are planned in future studies to better elucidate the effective and optimal dilation treatment plans. Liu M, Juravic M, Mazza G, et al. Vaginal Dilators: Issues and Answers. Sex Med Rev 2021;9:212-220.
Topics: Constriction, Pathologic; Dilatation; Female; Humans; Quality of Life; Vagina; Vaginismus
PubMed: 32014450
DOI: 10.1016/j.sxmr.2019.11.005 -
International Journal of Women's Health 2017Treatment of gynecological cancer commonly involves pelvic radiation therapy (RT) and/or brachytherapy. A commonly observed side effect of such treatment is... (Review)
Review
Treatment of gynecological cancer commonly involves pelvic radiation therapy (RT) and/or brachytherapy. A commonly observed side effect of such treatment is radiation-induced vaginal stenosis (VS). This review analyzed the incidence, pathogenesis, clinical manifestation(s) and assessment and grading of radiation-induced VS. In addition, risk factors, prevention and treatment options and follow-up schedules are also discussed. The limited available literature on many of these aspects suggests that additional studies are required to more precisely determine the best management strategy of this prevalent group after RT.
PubMed: 28496367
DOI: 10.2147/IJWH.S106796 -
Journal of Pediatric Urology Apr 2021Vaginal agenesis is a rare congenital disorder of female genital tract. Vaginal reconstruction using bowel segment is usually offered last when dilatation and/or prior...
Vaginal agenesis is a rare congenital disorder of female genital tract. Vaginal reconstruction using bowel segment is usually offered last when dilatation and/or prior vaginal reconstruction attempts using graft or flap has failed. Traditionally accomplished using open surgical approach, we describe here our initial experience of robotic-assisted ileo-vaginoplasty. The index patient presents to us with inadequate vaginal depth after failed buccal mucosal graft vaginoplasty. With the patient in low lithotomy position, port placement and docking of the robot was done. Isolation of ileal segment, closure at its proximal end and end-to-end bowel anastomosis was accomplished successfully. However, in view of dense adhesions the subsequent pull-down of the ileal segment into the perineum could not be done safely. The procedure was completed using combined abdomino-perineal open approach. A vaginal stent (in the ileal segment) and a catheter (in the introitus) were placed post-operatively. Post-operative recovery was uneventful. At 2-weeks, 3 months and a subsequent 1 year follow-up Cystoscopy and examination under anesthesia revealed an adequate vaginal depth with patient reporting successful vaginal dilatation. Robotic reconstruction of vagina using bowel segment in select patient, is safe and feasible, but possible with formidable surgical experience.
Topics: Congenital Abnormalities; Female; Gynecologic Surgical Procedures; Humans; Robotic Surgical Procedures; Surgical Flaps; Vagina
PubMed: 33602611
DOI: 10.1016/j.jpurol.2021.01.023 -
Journal of Pediatric and Adolescent... Dec 2014The nonobstructive group of anatomic variants involving the reproductive tract includes vaginal agenesis as well as the congenital anomalies of the vagina and uterus,... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The nonobstructive group of anatomic variants involving the reproductive tract includes vaginal agenesis as well as the congenital anomalies of the vagina and uterus, occurring without pain during the pubertal years.
OBJECTIVE
The objective is to discuss the non-obstructive morphologic variations in anatomy of the uterus and vagina.
DESIGN
Systematic review using the GRADE system.
RESULTS
These congenital anomalies are not associated with abnormalities of the external genitalia and therefore may be missed on routine physical examination. When these anomalies do cause symptoms they may be as minor as difficulty with menstrual hygiene or more significant such as primary amenorrhea, dyspareunia, recurrent pregnancy loss, and reproductive complications.
CONCLUSIONS
Women with non-obstructive reproductive tract anomalies present at various ages due to the asymptomatic nature or late symptom onset of certain conditions. An MRI is the gold standard in evaluation of such conditions to aid in confirming the müllerian variant. Each condition requires careful counseling because obstetric and gynecologic risks and consequences may differ. Treatment is individualized in cases of uterovaginal agenesis with both nonsurgical and surgical options available for neovagina creation. In cases of uterine or vaginal septae, the treatment timing may vary depending on patient history. Finally, in cases of non-obstructive communicating uterine horns, the risk of ectopic pregnancy is high in the remnant horn. Should a pregnancy occur in this small underdeveloped horn, therefore, excision is recommended.
Topics: Adult; Amenorrhea; Congenital Abnormalities; Dilatation; Dyspareunia; Female; Humans; Infertility, Female; Mullerian Ducts; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications; Surgically-Created Structures; Urogenital Abnormalities; Uterus; Vagina
PubMed: 25438707
DOI: 10.1016/j.jpag.2014.07.001 -
Seminars in Perinatology Oct 2015Stillbirth is a common adverse outcome of pregnancy. Management should be individualized based on gestational age, maternal condition, prior uterine surgery,... (Review)
Review
Stillbirth is a common adverse outcome of pregnancy. Management should be individualized based on gestational age, maternal condition, prior uterine surgery, availability of skilled professionals, and maternal desires. This article discusses available data on management by gestational age and prior uterine surgery. Expectant management is a viable option for women and families who desire it and do not have any contraindications. In the second trimester, misoprostol induction and dilatation and evacuation are effective in the evacuation of the uterus. In the third trimester, induction of labor with prostaglandins, mechanical dilators, and augmentation with oxytocin is appropriate. Care should be taken with women with prior cesarean delivery; prostaglandins ideally should be avoided. Delivery by cesarean section should be performed selectively, i.e., when there is a maternal indication.
Topics: Abortion, Induced; Adult; Cesarean Section; Contraindications; Directive Counseling; Female; Gestational Age; Humans; Misoprostol; Mothers; Oxytocics; Oxytocin; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Trimester, Second; Pregnancy Trimester, Third; Prostaglandins; Stillbirth; Time Factors; Urinary Catheterization; Vaginal Birth after Cesarean
PubMed: 26341069
DOI: 10.1053/j.semperi.2015.07.016 -
Ecancermedicalscience 2023To investigate the compliance and clinical efficacy of vaginal dilators (VDs) as an educational intervention in patients receiving pelvic radiation therapy (RT) for...
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the compliance and clinical efficacy of vaginal dilators (VDs) as an educational intervention in patients receiving pelvic radiation therapy (RT) for endometrial and cervical malignancies.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
This is a single institution, retrospective chart review. Patients undergoing pelvic RT for endometrial or cervical cancer at our center were educated about the use of a VD starting 1 month after completion of RT. The patients were assessed after 3 months of prescribing VD. The demographic details and physical examination findings were extracted from medical records.
RESULTS
We identified 54 female patients at our institution during the 6-month duration. The median mean age of patients was 54 ± 9.9 years. Twenty-four (44.4%) had endometrial cancers and 30 (55.6%) were diagnosed with cervical cancers. All patients received external beam RT, 38 (70.4%) received a dose of 45 Gy, and 16 (29.6%) patients received 50.4 Gy. Brachytherapy was also received by all patients, 28 (51.9%) received 5 Gy × 2 fractions, 4 (7.4%) received 7 Gy × 3 fractions and 22 (40.7%) received 8 Gy × 3 fractions. The compliance with VD use was 36 (66.6%) patients. Twenty-two (40.7%) used 2-3 times a week, 8 (14.8%) used <2 times per week and 6 (11.9%) used only once a month, and 18 (33.3%) did not use the VD post-treatment. Per vaginal (PV) examination findings of the patient's vagina with normal mucosa were evaluated in 32 (59.3%) and adhesions were found in 20 (37.0%) and 2 (3.7%) were unable to examine due to dense adhesions. During examination 12 (22.2%) had bleeding PV, however, the majority of the patients, 42 (77.8%) experienced no bleeding PV. Out of the 36 patients who used a VD, it was found to be efficacious in 29 (80.6%) of patients. Upon stratification of efficacy with a frequency of VD, 72.4% ( = 21) efficacy was seen in patients using frequent VD as prescribed 2-3 times per week.
CONCLUSION
The compliance and efficacy of VD use after radiation to pelvic in cervical and endometrial cancers at 3 months follow-up were found to be 66.6% and 80.6%, respectively. This shows that VD therapy is an effective interventional tool and patients should receive specialist education about vaginal stenosis as toxicity at the outset of treatment.
PubMed: 37377680
DOI: 10.3332/ecancer.2023.1545 -
Cancer Radiotherapie : Journal de La... Dec 2021Oncosexuality has recently become a new supportive care mission. Sexual morbidity is, routinely, underestimated and must be questioned. We report here the most frequent...
Oncosexuality has recently become a new supportive care mission. Sexual morbidity is, routinely, underestimated and must be questioned. We report here the most frequent disorders for men and for women, how to prevent them and how to treat them.
Topics: Constriction, Pathologic; Dilatation; Dyspareunia; Erectile Dysfunction; Female; Humans; Libido; Male; Pelvic Neoplasms; Prostatic Neoplasms; Radiation Injuries; Radiotherapy; Sex Factors; Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological; Vagina
PubMed: 34711486
DOI: 10.1016/j.canrad.2021.09.007