IUGA Meeting 2023 - Best Abstract Presentations (Basic Science and Physician in Training)

Best Abstract for Basic Science

The Best Abstract for Basic Science was awarded to Prof Tsia Shu Lo and his team- Chou,Y; Yang,C; Lin,Y; Harun, L from Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Medical Centre, Taiwan on ‘The Mechanical Property and Tissue Reaction of Degradable Hybrid Polycaprolactone Mesh/ Drug -Eluting Polycaprolactone Nanofibers Prolapse Mats.’

This study examines the mechanical properties of 3D printed meshes determined by the tensile strength and structure of the drug-loaded sheath-core nanofibers using scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and laser scanning confocal microscopy and profiles of the pharmaceuticals/ biomolecules from the nanofibers using high-performance liquid chromatography and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay as well as In-Vivo test with rats to examine tensile strength and histological examination.

The results suggested that 3D printed meshes are comparable with commercial non-degradable polycaprolactone knitted macroporous ultra-lightweight mesh. In Vivo, the test demonstrates the release of a high concentration of connective tissue growth, which may provide an advantage in POP therapies.

Best Abstract for Physician in Training

Dr. Roy Lauterbach, and his co-authors Justman, N; Lowenstein, from Canada, presented ‘The safety and efficacy of Er-YAG Erbium laser for treatment of vaginal looseness and sexual dysfunction: a randomized controlled trial’ and won the Best Abstract for the Physician in the Training category.

This prospective double-blinded RCT on 106 women, divided into either Er-YAG Erbium laser treatment vs. sham laser treatment, showed that mean Female Sexual Function Index, Vaginal Health Index, and Vaginal Laxity Questionnaire scores were significantly higher in the laser than the sham group at 1 month and 3-months post-treatment, however, no significant difference was seen at 6- and 12-months.

This study suggests that vaginal Er-YAG laser treatment is safe and well tolerated by the patient and confers short-term alternative treatment options for women suffering from vaginal looseness and declining sexual sensation.