Background: Chronic vaginal discharge in young women is a very common gynecologic problem. It may be caused by vulvar skin disease, sexual abuse, vaginal neoplasm, or a foreign body. Case: A 19-year-old married woman was admitted to the department of gynecology with a complaint of an offensive vaginal discharge of 2 years' duration. Examination under anesthesia revealed what appeared to be a transverse vaginal septum high up in the vagina, with a small aperture, through which a foreign body was felt. Transverse incisions were made over the septum at the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock positions, and, after serial dilation with a metallic catheter, the aperture was widened, dissection of epithelial tissue around the foreign body was performed, and the foreign body (a torch [flashlight] cap and lens) was removed successfully. To prevent further narrowing and to ensure better reepithelization of the vaginal mucosa, an amnion-covered vaginal mold was inserted and removed on the 10th postoperative day. Results: At follow-up after 6 weeks, the patient's vaginal mucosa was healthy with no adhesions. Conclusions: The presence of a foreign body should be suspected when a young woman presents with persistent or recurrent foul-smelling discharge. (J GYNECOL SURG 30:386)
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