Chronic vulvar fissure: approach with cross-linked hyaluronic acid

• Published in: International Urogynecology Journal Vol. 34; no. 7; pp. 1495 - 1499
• Main Authors: González-Isaza, Pablo, Sánchez-Prieto, Manuel, Sánchez-Borrego, Rafael
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Cham Springer International Publishing 01-07-2023; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Atrophy; Dermatitis; Gynecology; Hyaluronic acid; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Obstetrics; Original Article; Patients; Questionnaires; Skin; Urology; Vagina; Dyspareunia; Cross-linked hyaluronic acid; Posterior fourchette fissuring; Treatment; Chronic vulvar fissure; Vulvovaginal atrophy
• ISSN: 0937-3462; 1433-3023
• DOI: 10.1007/s00192-022-05401-4

Introduction and hypothesis
This report aims to prospectively describe the effectiveness and safety of injected cross-linked hyaluronic acid (HA) for the treatment of chronic vulvar fissures.
Methods
A descriptive prospective case series design including 15 patients affected by chronic vulvar fissures who were treated with cross-linked HA filler between December 2020 and July 2021. The validated 21-item Vulvovaginal Symptoms Questionnaire (VSQ) was used to evaluate the results from baseline up to 9 months after the HA infiltration.
Results
A total of 15 patients suffering from chronic vulvar fissures were treated with an injection of 19 mg/mL HA filler. We found a significant improvement in VSQ scores at the end of the treatment compared to baseline. Patients reported excellent tolerance of the procedure, and no complications were recorded.
Conclusions
Cross-linked HA infiltration of the vulvar vestibule and posterior vaginal wall appeared to be a promising approach for chronic vulvar fissures.