Preoperative dilatation to facilitate repair of the high transverse vaginal septum

A difficult resection and anastomosis of the high transverse vaginal septum at puberty may result in long-term vaginal stenosis. In this report, we describe an alternative approach to the patient with a transverse vaginal septum to include the following: (1) US-directed needle aspiration with broad spectrum antibiotic prophylaxis to decompress the hematocolpos and relieve the acute pain; (2) continuous suppression of ovulation to prevent acute recurrence of the hematocolpos; and, most importantly, (3) vaginal dilatation before resection of the obstructing membrane to lengthen the lower vagina and ensure postoperative compliance with dilatation before vaginal anastomosis is attempted. Using this approach, we have obtained excellent results in three patients. Further study is necessary to validate this surgical modification.