title: Obstetric balloon for treatment of foreshortened vagina using the McIndoe technique.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  When conservative options such as the use of vaginal dilators fail, the McIndoe technique may be used in the surgical treatment of a foreshortened vagina. The McIndoe procedure, an approach commonly used for the treatment of vaginal agenesis, requires a mold over which a skin graft is sutured and placed inside the vagina. In most surgical descriptions, this mold is made from non-sterile foam, condoms, or gloves. Because makeshift molds can no longer be used in operating rooms owing to strict regulations, alternative methods must be employed.
  
  
  METHODS
  The obstetric balloon is a good choice for use as a soft and adjustable vaginal mold for a modified McIndoe procedure because it is readily available as an approved device in hospitals that provide obstetric services.
  
  
  RESULTS
  This technique was successfully employed in a 54-year-old woman to treat foreshortened vagina.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  An obstetric balloon can be used effectively as a mold for vaginal reconstruction with the McIndoe technique.
authors.affiliation: Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Surgery, Tufts University School of Medicine, Baystate Medical Center, Springfield, Massachusetts.
authors.forename: Aubrey
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Rauktys
authors.forename: Pranay
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Parikh
authors.forename: Oz
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Harmanli
mesh_terms: D004414:Dyspareunia / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D013509:Gynecologic Surgical Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D007045:Hysterectomy, Vaginal / Q000009:adverse effects; D008875:Middle Aged; D016038:Skin Transplantation; D014621:Vagina / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*