Extracellular Matrix-Based and Electrospun Scaffolding Systems for Vaginal Reconstruction

Evidence from laboratory and animal studies provides groundwork for understanding mechanisms and potential before human studies continue.

• Level A · Stronger Clinical Evidence
• Level B · Emerging clinical evidence with positive signals
• Level C · Early human research exploring benefits
• Level D · Scientific groundwork from lab and animal studies
• Emerging · Emerging topic under active research

Abstract (original English)

Congenital vaginal anomalies and pelvic organ prolapse affect different age groups of women and both have significant negative impacts on patients' psychological well-being and quality of life. While surgical and non-surgical treatments are available for vaginal defects, their efficacy is limited, and they often result in long-term complications. Therefore, alternative treatment options are urgently needed. Fortunately, tissue-engineered scaffolds are promising new treatment modalities that provide an extracellular matrix (ECM)-like environment for vaginal cells to adhere, secrete ECM, and be remodeled by host cells. To this end, ECM-based scaffolds or the constructs that resemble ECM, generated by self-assembly, decellularization, or electrospinning techniques, have gained attention from both clinicians and researchers. These biomimetic scaffolds are highly similar to the native vaginal ECM and have great potential for clinical translation. This review article aims to discuss recent applications, challenges, and future perspectives of these scaffolds in vaginal reconstruction or repair strategies.

Evidence level

Evidence from laboratory and animal studies provides groundwork for understanding mechanisms and potential before human studies continue.

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