Background: Large vulvar hematomas in the pediatric population resulting from straddle-type injuries often require surgical incision and drainage. We report an innovative use of a Word catheter to facilitate recovery following hematoma evacuation.
Case: A 14-year-old female presented with a 6-cm right labial hematoma and was initially treated with ice packs and analgesia. The hematoma did not resolve over the following weeks, and she subsequently underwent incision, drainage, and placement of a Word catheter. It was removed painlessly on postoperative day 8, and follow-up revealed no signs of reaccumulation, infection, or scar tissue formation.
Summary and conclusion: Placement of a Word catheter following evacuation of vulvar hematomas is a comfortable alternative to traditional drains to prevent reaccumulation and facilitate recovery.