Frank dilators

Abstract

Aim: To present the technique and the results of treatment of vaginal aplasia with the use of Frank’s Dilators and to critically report its potential advantages and limitations.Brief description of the reviewed data: Vaginal dilation involves the insertion of graduated dilators in the vaginal dimple and applying pressure. It is recognized as the first line method for creating a vagina in women with Mayer Rokitansky Kuster Hauser syndrome (MRKH) and Complete Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome (CAIS). An 80 % success rate is reported with improvement of sexual satisfaction and anxiety scores. There are only few complications reported in the literature making it a low risk and low cost method to create a vagina. Clinical implications: Vaginal dilation therapy should be offered to all women presenting with MRKH or CAIS prior to embarking on a surgical vaginoplasty. Adequate psychological support during the process is likely to improve success rates as well as the overall wellbeing of patients diagnosed with uterovaginal aplasia.Open issues for further research: More research is required on long term outcomes of vaginal dilation therapy as well as on the comparison between surgical and conservative methods to create a vagina.