The Use of Transdermal Carboxytherapy in the Postoperative Evolution of Gynecological Oncological Surgeries of the Vulva
Martha Gabriela Serrano Ramos, Gustavo H Leibaschoff* and Javier Enrique Serrano Ramos
ABSTRACT
Introduction: A vulvectomy, a surgical procedure often performed to treat vulvar cancer, involves the removal of tissue from the vulva. While this surgery can be life-saving, it also carries the potential for various side effects that can affect patients both physically and emotionally. Significant sequela in women with a history of vulvar cancer, exacerbated by surgical and radiotherapy treatments that compromise the anatomy and function of the lower genital tract. Hormonal therapeutic options are often limited in this population due to oncologic risks, emphasizing the need for safe and effective alternatives. In this context, transdermal carbon dioxide (CO₂)-releasing gels have demonstrated beneficial effects on microcirculation, tissue oxygenation, and cellular regeneration, offering an innovative non-hormonal strategy for managing vulvovaginal symptoms in cancer survivors.
Objective: To evaluate the progression of vulvoperineal symptoms in patients with a history of vulvar cancer undergoing regenerative therapy.
Materials: Five patients underwent a surgical procedure and radiotherapy. They performed regenerative treatment using a combination of transdermal gels that release CO₂.
Methods: Regenerative treatment was applied, and 15 symptoms were evaluated at baseline, after 6 weeks, and 3 months.
Results: The mean total symptom burden decreased from 14.4 at baseline to 10.0 at 6 weeks, and to 0.8 at 3 months (94.4% reduction). Although paired comparisons did not reach statistical significance (p=0.0625), effect size measures (ARR and RRR) indicated clinically meaningful improvement in most symptoms.
Conclusion: The regenerative protocol produced marked and sustained clinical improvement in signs and symptoms in patients with a history of vulvar cancer. Studies with larger sample sizes are warranted to confirm statistical significance.
