Hegar dilators
Hegar dilators are dilators used to treat vaginismus and induce cervical dilation, and for inflatable penile implant procedures, though for penile implants it has been shown that outcomes are better without dilation.[1][2] [3][4]
Description
Hegar dilators were developed and introduced by
Use in the treatment of vaginismus
Hegar dilators are used to treat vaginismus, also known as genito-pelvic pain disorder.[4][3] Patients with vaginismus use Hegar dilators of gradually increasing size, potentially followed by penetration by their partner.[10] They have also found application in the management of hymenal stenosis.[11][12]
Cervical procedure use
Hegar dilators are used to induce cervical dilation in order to gain entry to the interior of the uterus.
During the process of dilation, the cervix may have to be stabilized with a tenaculum, and then the dilators are slowly entered into the cervical canal with a lubricant, starting with a thin, low Hegar number rod and progressing gradually to larger numbers.[13] The dilators can also be used to sound the uterus.
Laminaria rods have also been used to open up the cervix but work slowly as they increase size by absorbing water.
Non-gynecological uses
Typical non-gynecological uses include dilating a stenotic percutaneous gastrostomy stoma, anal dilation and urethral dilation in the case of stricture or stenosis.
Penile implant procedure use
Hegar dilators (commonly, sizes 11 and 12) have been used during the insertion of two intracorporal cylinders into the corpus cavernosum penis during penile implant procedures, but it has been shown that outcomes are better without this dilation, which destroys erectile tissue.[1][2] These cylinders are inflated and deflated by a pump that moves sterile saline under pressure between a holding reservoir and the cylinders, inflating or deflating an erection of the penis.[14]
References
- ^ . Retrieved 14 January 2024.
- ^ . Retrieved 14 January 2024.
- ^ a b The Urologic and Cutaneous Review, Volume 52. Urologic & Cutaneous Press. 1948. p. 129.
- ^ ISBN 9781468440706.
- ^ M Tschoudowski: De la dilatation du canal cervical (d’après Hegar). (1879) Arch Tocol 6: 737–755
- ^ "Medgyn Hegar Single Ended Cervical Dilator".
- ^ "Premium Instruments, 10 Pcs Hegar Uterine Dilators Gynecology Double Ended Surgical Instruments". Amazon.com. Retrieved 2021-12-22.
- ^ "Cooper Surgical, Hegar Cervical Dilators".
- ^ "Medsor Impex, Hegar dilator set (8 pcs)".
- PMID 6102843.
- PMID 25444056.
- ^ Katz, Ditza (2020). "Dilators, Lidocaine, vaginismus treatment | Women's Therapy Center". Retrieved 2021-01-21.
- ^ Hellman LM, Pritchard JA. Williams Obstetrics, 14th edition. Appleton Century Croft, 1971. p. 1089f.
- PMID 22413049.