Novel non-operative treatment of uterovaginal prolapse in a preterm neonate

Abstract

Uterovaginal prolapse (UVP) is a rare condition that occurs in neonates. The case report presented here details an extremely rare, and potentially unique, occurrence of UVP in a premature infant whose prolapse was found to be secondary to an anatomical cause. The preterm newborn developed UVP three weeks after birth. Further investigation identified a bicornuate uterus and an ovarian mucus cyst that was likely secondary to the effect of maternal hormones upon the infant. A conservative and novel management method, using a feeding nipple/sterilized gauze soaked with petroleum jelly, and continuous monitoring, helped resolve the UVP. As a result of this case and our experience in diagnosing and treating UVP, we created a flowchart (included herein) for the diagnosis of UVP in newborns, including those who are premature.