Impact of human papillomavirus infection on the neovaginal and vulval tissues of women who underwent surgical treatment for Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser syndrome

Abstract

To evaluate the impact of human papillomavirus (HPV) infections on the neovaginal and vulval tissues of women who underwent surgical treatment for Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome. Multicenter observational study. University and community hospitals. Thirty-three women who had previously undergone neovagina reconstruction due to MRKH and who were referred to our centers for the evaluation and treatment of HPV neovaginal/vulval-related lesions. HPV infections were confirmed by polymerase chain reaction analysis or hybrid capture 2 tests; the patients underwent vaginoscopy, pap smear, and biopsy of the lesion and were treated by laser vaporization. Follow-up was conducted for 5 years. HPV-related neovaginal/vulval lesions, HPV testing, follow-up, recurrence rate. Seventeen patients showed vulval lesions, and 16 patients neovaginal lesions. HPV testing results were positive for low-risk HPVs in 27 patients and high-risk HPVs in six patients. All the vulval lesions were condylomata, whereas 10 neovaginal lesions were condylomata, three were vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia (VAIN) degree 1, two were VAIN degree 2, and one was an adenocarcinoma. Eight patients were lost to follow-up. Twenty patients tested positive for an HPV infection, and seven patients (28%) had a recurrence of the lesion in the follow-up time. Patients who underwent neovagina reconstruction have sexual relationships and are HPV exposed. These patients should be evaluated after surgery for HPV infections to prevent HPV-related diseases and cancers.