Obstetric balloon for treatment of foreshortened vagina using the McIndoe technique

Obstet Gynecol. 2015 Jan;125(1):153-156. doi: 10.1097/AOG.0000000000000580.

Abstract

Background: When conservative options such as the use of vaginal dilators fail, the McIndoe technique may be used in the surgical treatment of a foreshortened vagina. The McIndoe procedure, an approach commonly used for the treatment of vaginal agenesis, requires a mold over which a skin graft is sutured and placed inside the vagina. In most surgical descriptions, this mold is made from non-sterile foam, condoms, or gloves. Because makeshift molds can no longer be used in operating rooms owing to strict regulations, alternative methods must be employed.

Instrument: The obstetric balloon is a good choice for use as a soft and adjustable vaginal mold for a modified McIndoe procedure because it is readily available as an approved device in hospitals that provide obstetric services.

Experience: This technique was successfully employed in a 54-year-old woman to treat foreshortened vagina.

Conclusion: An obstetric balloon can be used effectively as a mold for vaginal reconstruction with the McIndoe technique.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Video-Audio Media

MeSH terms

  • Dyspareunia / etiology
  • Dyspareunia / surgery*
  • Female
  • Gynecologic Surgical Procedures / instrumentation*
  • Gynecologic Surgical Procedures / methods
  • Humans
  • Hysterectomy, Vaginal / adverse effects
  • Middle Aged
  • Skin Transplantation*
  • Vagina / pathology
  • Vagina / surgery*