A new reconstructive technique for posterior vaginal wall defects, a case report

J Sex Med. 2013 Oct;10(10):2579-81. doi: 10.1111/jsm.12056. Epub 2013 Jan 24.

Abstract

Introduction: Post-partum vaginal laxity is a problem encountered by many women. More uncommon is a resulting vaginal defect. In most cases of laxity, a period of extensive physiotherapy can strengthen the pelvic muscles enough for symptoms to be minimized. However, this is not the case once there is a tissue defect.

Aim: To present a new reconstructive method for patients with posterior vaginal wall defects.

Methods: We present a case of a 38-year-old female who, 12 years prior to presentation, had a vaginal delivery. Due to complications during the delivery, she sustained pelvic trauma and developed a posterior vaginal wall defect. She had a sizable soft tissue defect, causing sexual, urinary, and confidence problems. Fat was harvested from the patient's abdomen and injected into the defect after more conservative treatment options were exhausted.

Results: The defect was corrected successfully using the minimally invasive Coleman fat grafting technique.

Discussion/conclusion: This is to our knowledge the first case in the literature where a posterior vaginal defect has been corrected using Coleman fat grafting, and we believe that this treatment method may be of benefit to more patients.

Keywords: Coleman; Fat Grafting; Post Partum Vaginal Laxity; Vaginal Reconstruction.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Abdominal Fat / transplantation*
  • Adult
  • Biomechanical Phenomena
  • Delivery, Obstetric / adverse effects*
  • Elasticity
  • Female
  • Gynecologic Surgical Procedures*
  • Humans
  • Plastic Surgery Procedures*
  • Recovery of Function
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Urinary Incontinence / etiology
  • Urinary Incontinence / physiopathology
  • Urinary Incontinence / surgery
  • Vagina / injuries
  • Vagina / physiopathology
  • Vagina / surgery*