Balloon Vaginoplasty: A Revolutionary Approach for Treating Vaginal Aplasia

Vaginal aplasia is a rare anomaly that carries psychologic, physical and sexual problems to the female and her partner. Whereas a number of vaginoplasty methods have been developed, refined, and modified, no state-of-the-art surgical approach has been established. This is due to a number of factors including regional differences, surgeon experience and preference for a method, and patient choice. The goal of vaginoplasty is to develop a space between the bladder and the rectum suitable for satisfactory intercourse for both partners. This review will discuss in details the common available procedures of vaginoplasty with stress on the evident pros and cons of each technique. Thereafter, it will discuss the new era of balloon vaginoplasty whether done laparoscopically or via the retropubic space. Every procedure will be discussed meticulously with excellent illustrations. Some tables to compare different techniques will be provided. In short, a step by step educational approach will be delivered to the readers to start practicing such simplified procedures in their own hospitals.