Dilator (medical instrument)

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A 16th-century lithotomy dilator, used to expand the urethra for extraction of urinary stones Lithotomy dilator with fenestrated blades, 16th century type. Wellcome L0011385.jpg
A 16th-century lithotomy dilator, used to expand the urethra for extraction of urinary stones

A dilator (or dilatator) is a surgical instrument or medical implement used to induce dilation, that is, to expand an opening or passage such as the cervix (see cervical dilator), urethra, esophagus, or vaginal introitus. [1]

Contents

Types of dilators include vaginal dilators, rectal dilators, and urethral sounds.

See also

References

  1. Socha, Maciej W.; Flis, Wojciech; Wartęga, Mateusz; Kunicka, Aleksandra; Stankiewicz, Martyna (May 30, 2023). "A Review of the Mechanism of Action and Clinical Applications of Osmotic Dilators for Cervical Ripening in the Induction of Labor and in Gynecology Procedures". Medical Science Monitor. 29 e940127. doi:10.12659/MSM.940127. PMC   10314719 . PMID   37368878 via CrossRef.