Objective  To investigate the efficacy of photodynamic therapy in treating patients with grade 1 or 2 of vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia (VAIN).

  Methods  Eighteen patients with VAIN were treated with photodynamic therapy. After the treatment, all patients were followed up regularly for 3 months to 1 year. Gynecological examination results, liquid-based thin layer cell detection (TCT), human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, colposcopy results, efficacy and prognosis were recorded.

  Results  After treatment, the patients′colposcopy results improved. Eighteen patients completed regular follow-up, of which 13 patients were followed up for more than 6 months without recurrence. Within one year, gynecological examination and HPV examination became normal. Six months after operation, 13 patients had negative HPV and normal TCT results. Among 5 patients with positive HPV, 3 patients had normal TCT and 2 patients had focal grade 1 of VAIN in other parts of vagina (biopsy pathology). One year after operation, 3 HPV-positive patients had negative results, TCT results turned to normal, and 1 patient with grade 1 of VAIN showed local lesions disappeared. Postoperative colposcopy in 18 patients turned to normal.

  Conclusion  Photodynamic therapy is effective in treating patients with VAIN, and VAIN is associated with HPV infection, cervical intraepithelial neoplasia infection and abnormal TCT.