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Three-Dimensional-Printed Vaginal Molds for Use After McIndoe Neovagina Creation
Cassandra K Kisby1, Patrina O Agosta, Amy Alexander
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University Hospital, Durham, North Carolina; Ascension Providence Hospital, Southfield, and the School of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan; and the Department of Radiology, Anatomic Modeling Unit, and the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.
Background:
Surgical vaginoplasty is a highly successful treatment for congenital absence of the vagina. One key to long-term success is the use of an appropriate vaginal mold in the immediate postoperative period. We present the use of a three-dimensional (3D)-printed vaginal mold, customizable to the anatomy of individual patients.
Technique:
Vaginal molds were designed using a 3D modeling software program. The design included narrowing around the urethra, holes for egress of secretions, and a knob for insertion and removal. Dental resin was 3D-printed into various-sized vaginal molds, and postprocessing was performed.
Experience:
We present the use of the 3D-printed mold for a patient with a history of cloacal exstrophy and a unique pelvic shape. Two prior neovagina surgeries in this patient had been unsuccessful due to ineffective handheld dilator use; the patient experienced success with the 3D-printed intravaginal mold.
Conclusion:
The use of the 3D-printed vaginal mold is an alternative to the limited commercially available models today and allows for customization to user anatomy. With 3D printers becoming more widely accessible, we believe this method could become universally accepted, with hopes of contributing to increased patient satisfaction and decreased complications.
