Water-Related Vaginal Injury: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

BACKGROUND: Vaginal injury can result from entry of water into the vagina under high pressure. Previously reported cases describe water-jet vaginal injuries in women participating in water-related activities, including: water skiing, personal watercraft use, waterslides, water hose and fountains, with and without foreign body in situ.

CASE: We describe the case of a severe vaginal laceration and hemorrhage in a 44-year-old female from a high-pressure water-jet generated during a water-ski fall requiring operative repair. Timely management resulted in excellent patient outcome.

CONCLUSION: A literature review demonstrated that, although uncommon, watersport-related gynaecologic injuries can be life-threatening, and women who regularly engage in watersports can be counselled regarding potential preventative measures. Physicians encountering patients with these injuries should rule out intraperitoneal injury and consider benefits of antibiotics.