International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics

Clinical articles

Safety, feasibility, and acceptability of visual inspection with acetic acid and immediate treatment with cryotherapy in rural Laos

Corresponding Author

Keokedthong Phongsavan

[email protected]

Department of Women's and Children's Health, Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Karolinska University Hospital and Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden

Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sethathirath Hospital, Vientiane, Laos

Corresponding author at: Department of Women's and Children's Health, Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Karolinska University Hospital, 171 76 Stockholm, Sweden. Tel.: + 46 8 51776357; fax: + 46 8 51775575.Search for more papers by this author

Alongkone Phengsavanh,

Alongkone Phengsavanh

Faculty of Postgraduate Studies, University of Health Sciences, Vientiane, Laos

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Rolf Wahlström,

Rolf Wahlström

Department of Public Health Sciences, Division of Global Health (IHCAR), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden

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Lena Marions,

Lena Marions

Department of Women's and Children's Health, Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Karolinska University Hospital and Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden

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Keokedthong Phongsavan,

Corresponding Author

Keokedthong Phongsavan

[email protected]

Department of Women's and Children's Health, Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Karolinska University Hospital and Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden

Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sethathirath Hospital, Vientiane, Laos

Alongkone Phengsavanh,

Alongkone Phengsavanh

Faculty of Postgraduate Studies, University of Health Sciences, Vientiane, Laos

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Rolf Wahlström,

Rolf Wahlström

Department of Public Health Sciences, Division of Global Health (IHCAR), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden

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Lena Marions,

Lena Marions

Department of Women's and Children's Health, Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Karolinska University Hospital and Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden

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First published: 12 July 2011

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijgo.2011.03.009

Citations: 29

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Abstract

Objective

To assess the safety, acceptability, and feasibility of visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) followed by immediate treatment with cryotherapy as a single-visit approach for the prevention of cervical cancer among women in rural Laos.

Methods

In 2009, women from 2 provinces in Laos were recruited for cervical cancer screening using VIA. If the inspection of the cervix showed a well-defined acetowhite lesion close to the os, immediate cryotherapy was offered.

Results

Of the 1926 women who were included, 134 (7.0%) tested positive on VIA. Of these, 113 (84.3%) underwent immediate cryotherapy and none declined treatment. One year after immediate cryotherapy, 77 (68.1%) women returned for a follow-up assessment and 68 (88.3%) were now VIA-negative. There was no report of a major complication during or after treatment. The acceptance of both VIA and cryotherapy was high.

Conclusion

Visual inspection with acetic acid is a simple test that requires minimal infrastructure and expenditure. Integration of VIA with cryotherapy at the primary care level may constitute a feasible program for the prevention of cervical cancer in Laos.

References

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September 2011

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Safety, feasibility, and acceptability of visual inspection with acetic acid and immediate treatment with cryotherapy in rural Laos

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Safety, feasibility, and acceptability of visual inspection with acetic acid and immediate treatment with cryotherapy in rural Laos

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