Use of the Lumitex MD Lightmat® Surgical Illuminator for pediatric genital trauma cases: a retrospective case series.

STUDY

OBJECTIVES

To review the literature regarding repair of pediatric female genital trauma. To review our experience with the use of a lighted retractor at the time of repair of genital trauma in an operating room setting.

STUDY

DESIGN

Retrospective case series.

SETTING

Texas Children's Hospital.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients with genital trauma requiring repair in an operating room setting where the Lumitex MD Lightmat Surgical Illuminator (LM) was utilized.

INTERVENTIONS: Use of the LM in pediatric gynecology patients.

RESULTS

Of the 16 cases where the LM lighted retractor was utilized, 12 were found to be performed secondary to genital trauma, resulting from straddle injury or coital trauma. Four patients were identified as having either congenital reproductive tract anomalies or foreign body. Patients ranged in age from 1-21 years with a mean age of 9 ± 4.91 years at the time of their vaginal repair. The mean operative time was 82 ± 47 minutes, with cases ranging from 37-182 minutes, with a median blood loss of 7 mL and an average hospital stay of 1.2 days. There were no surgical complications.

CONCLUSION

Neurosurgeons and otolaryngologists have been optimizing safe visualization of small areas during surgery for years with the use of the LM. In cases of pediatric deep genital trauma, the LM can be used safely for easy visualization, allowing for direct visualization in cases of deep genital trauma.