Excision of vaginal septum
Excision of vaginal septum is a surgical procedure performed to remove the septum (partition) within the vagina. The vaginal septum is a congenital defect, i.e., an anomaly that develops during fetal development, where a membrane or partition is formed within the vagina, partially or completely dividing it into two separate channels.
When is it indicated?
Symptoms related to the septum: If the septum causes pain during intercourse, problems with tampon insertion, or difficulties during gynecological examinations. Menstrual problems: The septum may cause problems with menstrual flow, including painful menstruation or retention of menstrual blood (hematocolpos), which can lead to pain or other complications. Impact on fertility and pregnancy: In some cases, the septum may affect the ability to conceive or maintain a pregnancy, and may increase the risk of miscarriage or complications during pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancy: In cases, the septum may increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy. Labor problems: The septum may interfere with the normal delivery process, which may require surgical intervention.
How is it performed?
Preparation of the patient: The procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia, which means that the patient will be completely unconscious during the procedure. The patient is prepared for surgery, which includes standard preparation procedures such as blood tests, discontinuation of certain medications, and fasting, of which she will be timely informed by the surgical team. Accessing the septum: The patient is placed in a gynecological position. The surgeon accesses the septum through the vagina, which means there is no need for skin incisions. Removal of the septum: The surgeon uses surgical instruments to precisely remove the septum. The goal is to remove the septum while preserving as much normal vaginal tissue and function as possible. Closing the incision: After removing the septum, the surgeon carefully closes all surgical incisions within the vagina, usually using dissolvable stitches. Recovery after surgery: After the procedure, the patient will wake up in the recovery room, where she is monitored until she recovers from anesthesia. She may feel discomfort or pain in the area of the surgery, for which analgesic therapy may be needed. The patient is usually advised to abstain from intercourse and the use of tampons for a certain recovery period to ensure proper healing. Further procedures: The patient will have scheduled follow-up appointments to ensure that the area is healing properly and that there are no complications.
