UMEM Educational Pearls

Category: Pediatrics

Title: Pediatric Genital Foreign Bodies

Keywords: Pediatric, Genital, Foreign Body (PubMed Search)

Posted: 12/18/2009 by Reginald Brown, MD (Updated: 3/29/2024)
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  • 4-5% of Prepubertal Vaginal Complaints are the result of foreign body.
  • Vaginal bleeding is the most sensitive (93%), and specific (82%)
  • Discharge usually foul-smelling is only seen in 18% of patients
  • Undiagnosed symptoms may be chronic, (case reports lasting years).
  • Complications of delayed removal include infection, toxic shock syndrome, fistulas, adhesions and even infertility
  • Exam in knee chest position, and removal with irrigation or tissue forceps.
  • Failure to remove FB may require exam under anesthesia.

References

  1. Di Meglio. "Genital Foreign Bodies," Pediatrics in Review.  1998; (19) 34.
  2. Paradise, J. Willis, E.  Probability of Vaginal Foreign Body in Girls with Genital Complaints, MD; Am J Dis Child. 1985;139(5):472-476