Vaginal foreign body in childhood: A multidisciplinary approach

A 5-year-old girl referred to our division for evaluation of persisting foul-smelling brown vaginal discharge with pruritus for over 2 years, not corresponding to antibiotic therapy. Transabdominal ultrasound identified a heterogeneous mass intensely fixed in the upper third of vaginal wall. Vaginography revealed a filling defect in the upper part of vagina, confirming the diagnosis of an intravaginal foreign body. The foreign body was grasped and removed by traction; it turned out to be a thin double-wrapped piece of sponge. Psychological assessment of the girl was undertaken, in order to illuminate the potential of an underlying emotional and behavioural problem and revealed the existence of psychological disturbances mostly affecting social competence and adaptiveness.