Preoperative treatment with oestradiol in women scheduled for vaginal operation for genital prolapse. A randomised, double-blind trial.
OBJECTIVE
To disclose a clinical and histopathological effect of local low-dose oestradiol treatment on the vagina.


METHODS
A randomised, double-blind trial.


METHODS
Two gynaecological departments at University Hospitals.


METHODS
Forty-eight postmenopausal women scheduled for surgery because of genital prolapse.


METHODS
25 micrograms oestradiol or placebo, administered as vaginal pessaries daily, 3 weeks prior to surgery.


METHODS
Cytological, histological and clinical changes of the vaginal mucosa.


RESULTS
The thickness of the vaginal wall increased as did the oestrogenic index. No clinical effect was seen apart from decreased incidence of recurrent cystitis postoperatively.


CONCLUSIONS
Preoperative oestrogen treatment has been shown to reduce the incidence of recurrent cystitis and may be needed for stimulation of vaginal mucosa; the short-term clinical effect is not convincing, however.
Felding
C
C
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Copenhagen, Glostrup County Hospital, Denmark.
Mikkelsen
A L
AL
Clausen
H V
HV
Loft
A
A
Larsen
L G
LG
D000282:Administration, Intravaginal; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001284:Atrophy; D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D003556:Cystitis / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004958:Estradiol / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010570:Pessaries; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control; D011300:Preoperative Care; D014596:Uterine Prolapse / Q000601:surgery*; D014621:Vagina / Q000473:pathology; D014626:Vaginal Smears
D004958:Estradiol