Laser-induced synlabia, cryptomenorrhea, and urine retention: A case report and literature review

• Main Authors: Thoraya Fadul-Elahi, Nusrat Batool Janjua
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2017-01-01
• Series: Urology Annals
• Subjects: Hematocolpos; labial fusion; laser; urinary retention
• Online Access: http://www.urologyannals.com/article.asp?issn=0974-7796;year=2017;volume=9;issue=4;spage=380;epage=383;aulast=Fadul-Elahi

Cosmetic laser use has many pros and cons. The worldwide use of laser for body hair removal has led to many medical complications. Unsupervised use of the laser for hair removal in vulva may result in many problems and can merely damage the vulva, although rarely, affecting the body image. This rare and novel case report is a 21 year old virgin who presented with acute urinary retention and cryptomenorrhea due to complete synlabia secondary to unsupervised vulval laser hair removal. The urinary retention was relieved by suprapubic catheterization initially. During examination under anesthesia, the fused labia were separated by a surgical incision with drainage of hematocolpos and then, a Foley's urethral catheter was inserted. She had an uneventful recovery. We report this case to emphasize on the supervised use of laser by trained and qualified personnel for hair removal in vulva to minimize its complications.