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Nonsurgical separation of complete labial fusion using a Hegar dilator in postmenopausal women

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Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis

Labial fusion is a rare condition in postmenopausal women. The cause is unknown but is associated with low estrogen levels and chronic vulval inflammation. The aim of this video is to demonstrate the nonsurgical separation of labia using blunt dissection with a Hegar dilator in postmenopausal women with complete labia fusion.

Methods

Two postmenopausal women with urinary incontinence and voiding difficulty secondary to complete fusion of labia minora failed estrogen treatment and underwent labial separation using serial Hegar dilators to restore normal introital anatomy. Medical treatment with estrogen and digital massage was administered after surgery to avoid recurrence.

Results

Nonsurgical separation of labia is appropriate in postmenopausal women with complete labia minora fusion when medical treatment fails.

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Consent

Informed consent from both patients was obtained before filming and for permission to publish the information in a scientific journal.

Conflicts of interest

None.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, Australia

    Francisco Kaplan, Julio Alvarez & Peter Dwyer

Authors
  1. Francisco Kaplan
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  2. Julio Alvarez
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  3. Peter Dwyer
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Francisco Kaplan.

Electronic supplementary material

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Informed consent from both patients was obtained before filming and for permission to publish the information in a scientific journal. (MP4 6945 kb)

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Kaplan, F., Alvarez, J. & Dwyer, P. Nonsurgical separation of complete labial fusion using a Hegar dilator in postmenopausal women. Int Urogynecol J 26, 297–298 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-014-2535-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-014-2535-2

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