What investigation is indicated for a 5-year-old girl with sore vagina and offensive discharge?

In the context of a 5-year-old girl presenting with a sore vagina and offensive discharge, vaginoscopy is the most appropriate investigation to further assess the situation. This procedure allows for direct visualization of the vaginal and vulvar anatomy, which is crucial in determining the cause of the symptoms.

Vaginoscopy can help identify any foreign bodies, signs of trauma, infections, or anatomical abnormalities that might be contributing to the discomfort and discharge. Given the age of the child and the specific symptoms, this examination provides targeted information that can guide effective management.

While a physical examination can provide initial insights, it may not be sufficient to thoroughly investigate the underlying cause of the symptoms in such a delicate area. Other investigations, such as ultrasound or urine analysis, may not be directly relevant or as informative in this context. Ultrasound is typically used for imaging internal structures, but in this case, the primary concern is related to external symptoms that can be assessed visually. Similarly, urine analysis would not address the vaginal symptoms directly. Therefore, vaginoscopy stands out as the most informative and relevant investigative option for this clinical scenario.