Objective: To describe and assess the technique of partial colpectomy for the treatment of persistent vaginal neoplasia.
Setting: Gynaecological oncology unit of a London teaching hospital.
Subjects: 12 women with persistent vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia (VAIN) following hysterectomy for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) or for benign disease.
Technique: Partial colpectomy using a vaginal approach assisted by a Schuhardt incision to improve access.
Results: Assessment of patients between 9 and 99 (mean 55) months after partial colpectomy for VAIN showed no recurrence of disease in ten patients (83%).
Conclusion: This technique of partial colpectomy is an effective procedure, associated with minimal morbidity which should be considered as primary treatment for patients suffering from persistent vaginal disease after hysterectomy or other procedures.