Vaginohysteroscopy for the diagnosis and treatment of vaginal lesions

Abstract

Background: The vaginoscopic approach for hysteroscopy allows detailed endoscopic evaluation of the vaginal walls, fornices, and exocervix.

Objectives: To review the feasibility and efficacy of vaginohysteroscopy in the diagnosis and treatment of vaginal lesions.

Search strategy: A systematic review was performed of PubMed/Medline, Embase, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Database to identify papers published in English. The search terms were "hysteroscopy," "vaginoscopy," "vagino-hysteroscopy," and "vaginal lesion." The last review was performed on January 31, 2015.

Selection criteria: Studies in which the diagnosis and treatment of vaginal lesions used the vaginoscopic approach and hysteroscopic instrumentation were reviewed.

Data collection and analysis: Data were extracted from the identified studies and then analyzed.

Main results: Thirteen studies were reviewed. Eleven described one case; one reported observations from two patients, and one study reported a case series. All vaginohysteroscopies reported were performed successfully and without significant complications.

Conclusions: Vaginohysteroscopy is an easy way to gain access to the cervical canal and an important tool with which to diagnose and treat vaginal lesions.

Keywords: Hysteroscopy; Vaginal lesion; Vaginohysteroscopy; Vaginoscopy.