The Value of Histology in Predicting the Effectiveness of Vulvar Vestibulectomy in Provoked Vestibulodynia

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine whether histology can predict response to vestibulectomy in the management of provoked vestibulodynia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Inflammatory cell, mast cell, and nerve fiber counts were determined in prospectively collected vulvar vestibulectomy specimens from 30 women treated surgically for provoked vestibulodynia. RESULTS: Twenty-three subjects (77%) had a complete early response to surgery. At 3 years of follow-up, this had increased to 28 (93%), with a 29th showing some improvement. No subject had gotten worse after surgery or in the 3 years of follow-up. When comparing patients with an early complete response with those patients who still had sympt..