Application of vaginoscopy in the diagnosis and treatment of occult vaginal high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the application value of vaginoscopy in the diagnosis and treatment of vaginal squamous intraepithelial lesions post hysterectomy. Methods: From May 2017 to June 2020, patients with high-risk (HR)-HPV infection and (or) cytological abnormalities after hysterectomy in Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University were examined by colposcopy, and those who were not satisfied with exposure under colposcopy were further examined by vaginoscopy. The role of vaginoscopy in the detection and treatment of occult vaginal squamous intraepithelial lesions was analyzed. Results: A total of 153 patients with HR-HPV infection and (or) cytological abnormalities, and inadequate colposcopy were enrolled in this study. The average age was (49.8±8.1) years. All cases were successfully performed vaginoscopy with no vaginal perforation, no bladder and intestinal injury. During vaginoscopy, 11 (7.2%, 11/153) cases with unclear high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) boundary under colposcopy were found with clear HSIL boundary, and new HSIL was found in 23 (15.0%, 23/153) cases. According to colposcopy, there were 89 cases of normal or inflammation, 45 cases of vaginal low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL) and 19 cases of vaginal HSIL. According to vaginoscopy, there were 56 cases of normal or chronic inflammation, 55 cases of vaginal LSIL, 40 cases of vaginal HSIL (including 2 cases of vaginal HSIL could not exclude cancer) and 2 cases of vaginal carcinoma. There were significant difference between colposcopy and vaginoscopy (P<0.01). The missed diagnosis rate of vaginal apex blind curettage under colposcopy was 54.8%. For the 40 cases with vaginal HSIL under vaginoscopy, 15 cases were completely curettaged with vaginal endoscopic claw forceps, and 22 cases were vaporized by Versapoint. Among the 37 cases of vaginal HSIL treated by vaginoscopy, 34 cases were followed up for 6 months with 31 cases of vaginal HSIL cured. The cure rate was 91.2% (31/34), the positive rate of HR-HPV decreased from 100.0% (34/34) to 79.4% (27/34). Conclusion: For patients with inadequate exposure of vaginal apex during colposcopy posthysterectomy, vaginoscopy is helpful to detect the occult lesions in the vaginal apex, and it could also be used for the treatment of vaginal squamous intraepithelial lesions.