Management of vulvar hematomas: use of a Word catheter.
BACKGROUND
Large vulvar hematomas in the pediatric population resulting from straddle-type injuries often require surgical incision and drainage. We report an innovative use of a Word catheter to facilitate recovery following hematoma evacuation.


METHODS
A 14-year-old female presented with a 6-cm right labial hematoma and was initially treated with ice packs and analgesia. The hematoma did not resolve over the following weeks, and she subsequently underwent incision, drainage, and placement of a Word catheter. It was removed painlessly on postoperative day 8, and follow-up revealed no signs of reaccumulation, infection, or scar tissue formation.


CONCLUSIONS
Placement of a Word catheter following evacuation of vulvar hematomas is a comfortable alternative to traditional drains to prevent reaccumulation and facilitate recovery.
Mok-Lin
Evelyn Y
EY
Division of Gynecology, Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital Boston, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA.
Laufer
Marc R
MR
D000058:Accidental Falls; D000293:Adolescent; D002404:Catheterization / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006406:Hematoma / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D014845:Vulvar Diseases / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*