Non-obstetric vaginal trauma

Ian S. C. Jones, Alan O’Connor

Medical Director, Department of Emergency Medicine, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia.
Medical Director, Women’s and Newborn Services, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.

DOI: 10.4236/ojog.2013.31005                

Abstract

Objective: To describe the mechanism, injury pattern and management of women who present to the Emergency Department with non-obstetric vaginal trauma. Methods: A retrospective, single institution case series was carried out. Data was sourced from medical records of women who presented to the Emergency Department and Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital between 2007 and 2011. Records of possible injuries to the vagina were assessed to determine incidence, age, site, type of injury, mechanism of injury and whether urinary retention required treatment. Results: Vaginal non-obstetric trauma was found in 11 of 519 cases resulting in lacerations or tears. Injuries were due to consensual coitus, other forms of sexual activity and self harm. Acute urinary retention did not occur in any case but two cases required resuscitation. Site of injury was most common high in the vagina. Conclusion: Non-obstetric vaginal injuries are uncommon (incidence 2.1%). All cases require assessment for vulvar, vaginal, urethral, anal and bony pelvis injuries. This may require examination under anaesthesia. Social worker and psychological support is important to reduce the incidence of long-term psychological problems.

Keywords

Non-Obstetric; Vaginal, Trauma; Diagnosis; Management

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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