EFFECTIVENESS OF CO2 MICRO-ABLATIVE VAGINAL LASER THERAPY IN THE TREATMENT OF RECURRENT CYSTITIS
Italian Archives of Urology and Andrology 2026
My latest paper, "Efficacy of Microablative CO2 Vaginal Laser Therapy in the Treatment of Recurrent Cystitis," was recently published. I report the main aspects...
OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY
- To evaluate the efficacy of microablative CO2 vaginal laser therapy in the treatment of recurrent cystitis (RC) in women.
STUDY DESIGN
- 75 patients divided into two groups:
- 34 with bacterial cystitis (positive urine culture)
- 41 with interstitial cystitis (negative urine culture)
- 3 treatment sessions with dual-wavelength vaginal laser (10600 nm / 1540 nm).
- Clinical assessment using VAS for urinary symptoms and ICSI questionnaire (O'Leary-Sant) for interstitial cystitis.
MAIN RESULTS
- Significant reduction in cystitis episodes after treatment.
- Significant improvement in urinary symptoms (VAS).
- Reduction in urinary urgency and stress urinary incontinence.
- High patient satisfaction (>90%).
MAIN PATHOGENETIC MECHANISMS RECALLED IN THE STUDY
- Estrogen deficiency → urogenital atrophy and loss of the protective vaginal barrier.
- Vaginal microbiota dysbiosis → reduction in Lactobacillus and increase in pathogens (e.g., Escherichia coli).
- Vaginal/periurethral colonization with bacterial ascent to the bladder.
- Urothelial alterations and bladder inflammation in chronic/interstitial cystitis.
- Neuroinflammatory component (activation of nociceptive receptors such as TRPV1) associated with urgency and pain.
CONCLUSION
- Microablative CO₂ vaginal laser has proven to be a promising and effective therapy for reducing episodes and symptoms of recurrent cystitis, with a high degree of patient satisfaction, making it an alternative or complementary treatment strategy.
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