Effectiveness of CO2 micro-ablative vaginal laser therapy in the treatment of recurrent cystitis

BACKGROUND: Cystitis is the most common clinical manifestation of urinary tract infection (UTI) in women. AIM: The current study intends to assess the effectiveness of CO2 micro-ablative vaginal laser therapy in the treatment of recurrent cystitis RC. METHODS: A total of 75 women were divided into 2 Groups: Group 1 included 34 women (22 were menopausal women and 12 were non-menopausal women) with bacterial cystitis who were positive to urine culture analysis. The Group 2 included 41 women (34 were menopausal women and 7 were nonmenopausal women) with interstitial cystitis who were negative for urine culture analysis. Patients received three treatment sessions with a dual-wavelength (10600 nm/1540 nm) laser system. A visual analog scale (VAS) evaluation, ranging from 0 to 10, was administered to assess baseline and post-laser treatment urinary symptoms associated with cystitis. Concerning IUS (stress urinary incontinence) and Urgency score measurements, a VAS ranging from 0 to 5 was used. The O'Leary-Sant Interstitial Cystitis Symptom Index (ICSI) was used as treatment outcome measures. RESULTS: In both groups, a significant reduction in the average number of cystitis episodes after treatment was observed and the VAS scale showed a significant reduction in pre- and post-treatment symptoms. VAS results for patients' satisfaction and expectations showed positive outcomes revealing that more than 90% of patients were satisfied following the treatment. CONCLUSIONS: CO2 vaginal laser may represent an advantageous therapeutic approach to treating recurrent cystitis.