A clinical study conducted by Prof. Carlo Tremolada and Dr. G. A. Casarotti on urogenital atrophy treatment using the Lipogems method was presented at the AICPE National Congress in Florence. The study, initiated in 2015, involved 32 women who received a single Lipogems treatment, demonstrating significant efficacy in gynecological applications. A similar project is ongoing at Brown University's urogynecology department in Providence in collaboration with Istituto Image.
Urogenital atrophy is a benign degenerative process affecting vaginal tissues and urethra, caused by depleted estrogen production. The condition typically progresses over time, leading to complete tissue atrophy.
Vaginal Symptoms
Common symptoms include vaginal dryness, dyspareunia, burning sensation, itching, and reduced clitoral and vaginal sensitivity. Increased collagen turnover reduces vaginal structural support, promoting vaginal prolapse. Reduced glycogen production leads to elevated vaginal pH, decreased lactobacillary flora, and increased coliform bacteria causing infections.
Urethral Impact
The urethra contains high levels of estrogen receptors due to its embryonic origin. Hypoestrogensim results in dysuria, bladder tenesmus, urinary burning, and stress urinary incontinence.
Lipogems Treatment Outcomes
The study monitored patients at 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, and 36 months post-treatment. Initial findings showed significant symptom improvement by 6 months, with 25 patients reporting complete pain resolution at 12 months. Of 9 patients reaching the 36-month follow-up, only 2 reported mild residual symptoms.
Laboratory analysis demonstrated restoration of vaginal pH from 6.0 ± 0.2 to 4.1 ± 0.2 and reestablishment of lactobacillary flora at 12-36 months post-treatment.
Conclusion
The Lipogems treatment demonstrated significant efficacy in addressing urogenital atrophy symptoms in postmenopausal women. Benefits included pain reduction, improved urinary symptoms, and restoration of normal vaginal flora and pH. The treatment's regenerative properties showed lasting effects through the 36-month follow-up period.
