Colpoplasty by laparoscopic modified Davydov's procedure

Objective To show laparoscopic surgery to treat vaginal shortening, with functional sequelae (sexual disorders), after radiotherapy and brachytherapy for vaginal carcinoma. Methods Davydov's procedure was initially described to treat vaginal aplasia (Davydov & Zhvitiashvili, 1974). This surgery was then improved for the upper part of the vagina, performed by laparoscopy (Leblanc, 2010; Adamyan, 1995) [2–3]. We used surgical technique, based on Davydov's procedure, by laparoscopy, to cover the upper neovagina, with two large peritoneal flaps, one anterior with the pre-vesical peritoneum and a second one posterior with the peritoneum of Douglas pouch. This surgery can be performed with no use of intestinal gesture, skin grafting, flap or any foreign material. Leblanc et al. (2016) [4] reported promising results about eight patients with this technique. Results A 36-years old patient had been treated by chemotherapy, radiotherapy and brachytherapy for a vagina cancer with a para-rectal extension. After four years of remission, she was worried about an important vaginal atrophy related to a significant vaginal shortening (about 5 cm), causing major dyspareunia. This situation had caused sexual disorders with a real impact on the quality of life. All non-invasive techniques (dilatators, lubricants…) had led to failures. A colpoplasty by laparoscopic modified Davydov's procedure was performed. The post-operative follow-up was simple without complication. The vaginal mandrel was removed after 12 days. The clinical examination after 4 months demonstrates that size and elasticity of the neovaginal cavity was rewarding. Conclusion This surgical technique requires training and experienced team, but seems to be promising way to restore a normal vaginal length.