• Alessa Cunha Machado, Lívia Maria da Paz Portela Judice, RiccettoCássio Luis ZanettiniCLZ0000-0002-2428-3071Sociedade Brasileira de Urologia, Departamento de Disfunção Miccional, Disciplina de Urologia Feminina - Rio de Janeiro (RJ), Brazil.Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Departm, and Luis Gustavo Morato Toledo.
• Hospital da Mulher Nise da Silveira - Maceió (AL), Brazil.
• Rev Assoc Med Bras (1992). 2023 Jan 1; 69 (suppl 1): e2023S129e2023S129.

ObjectiveThis study aimed to analyze the evidence and controversies about the use of vaginal energy-based devices (laser and radiofrequency) for treatment of genitourinary syndrome of menopause, recurrent urinary tract infection, urinary incontinence, and genital prolapse through a literature review.MethodsA search of literature databases (PubMed, Medline) was performed for publications in December 2022. Keywords included genitourinary syndrome of menopause, vaginal laxity, vaginal/vulvovaginal atrophy, urinary tract infection, urgency incontinence, frequency, urgency, stress urinary incontinence, genital prolapses AND energy-based devices, AND vaginal laser, AND vaginal radiofrequency, AND CO2 laser, AND Er:YAG laser. Publications in English from the last 7 years were reviewed and selected by the authors.ResultsThe literature regarding vaginal energy-based devices in the treatment of urogynecological conditions is primarily limited to prospective case series with small numbers and short-term follow-up. Most of these studies showed favorable results, improvement of symptoms with low risk, or no mention of serious adverse events. Consensus statement documents from major medical societies suggest caution in recommending these therapies in clinical practice until more relevant data from well-designed studies become available.ConclusionThe potential of the vaginal laser and radiofrequency as a therapeutic arsenal for the evaluated urogynecological conditions is great, but qualified research must be done to prove their efficacy and long-term safety, define application protocols, and recommend the use of these technologies in clinical practice.

14 keywords...

hide…