FxCO2 laser and PRP may improve UUI, sexual function, and overall bladder function

Urge urinary incontinence (UUI) is the involuntary leakage of urine featuring urgency, frequency, and nocturia. Its current management strategies include behavioral therapies, which can be time-consuming and costly, and medications, which can have side effects. 

Fractional micro-ablative CO2 laser (FxCO2) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) represent two novel approaches that may offer symptomatic relief for women with UUI. A recent study evaluated the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of FxCO2 vaginal laser treatment and PRP in women with refractory UUI. It also assessed urinary and sexual function as secondary outcome measures. 

This single-center prospective cohort study included participants with UUI and subjected them to three treatments of transvaginal FxCO2 laser and PRP, administered at 4–6-week intervals. It assessed the outcomes using the Australian Pelvic Floor Questionnaire (APFQ) at baseline (T1), 3-6 months (T2), and ≥12 months follow-up (T3). 

The study collected the 12-month follow-up data through face-to-face visits or follow-up telephone calls. 

It found-

• One hundred twenty-one participants underwent treatment with FxCO2 laser and PRP for UUI. 
• They showed a significant reduction in the average severity of all self-reported measures of primary and secondary outcomes from T1 to T2. 
• They maintained improvements in all bladder function outcomes at T3. 
• They did not experience any adverse events. 

This study indicates that FxCO2 laser with PRP is a safe, feasible, and effective treatment for UUI, bladder function, and sexual function. Furthermore, it can serve as an alternative therapy for severe and refractory UUI.

Source:  Behnia-Willison F, et al. Feasibility, Safety and Efficacy of Fractional Micro-Ablative CO2 Vaginal (FxCO2) Laser Treatment and Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) in Women with Urge Urinary Incontinence. J Gynecol 2021, 6(2): 000213.