Laparoscopically Assisted Neovaginoplasty in Vaginal Agenesis: A Long-Term Outcome Study in 240 Patients

Study ObjectiveTo assess the long-term outcome of an optimized minimally invasive neovaginoplasty technique in vaginal agenesis.DesignCombined retrospective and prospective study.SettingUniversity hospital.Participants240 patients with congenital vaginal agenesis.InterventionsPatients with an indication for neovagina creation underwent laparoscopically assisted neovaginoplasty involving vaginoabdominal blunt perforation and intracorporeal traction using tension threads and an abdominally positioned extracorporeal traction device.Main Outcome MeasuresLong-term anatomic success, functional success compared with similar-aged controls, long-term complications, and incidence of human papilloma virus (HPV) infections.ResultsDuring median follow-up for 16 (range 11-141) months, mean functional neovaginal length remained stable at 9.5 cm in all patients, including those who had no sexual intercourse and had stopped wearing the vaginal dummy. Median dummy wearing time was 8.6 months. Time to epithelialization depended on the time of onset and frequency of sexual intercourse. At long-term follow-up, median total Female Sexual Function Index score was 30.0, comparable with similar-aged controls. No common long-term complications occurred. Four patients required cauterization of granulation tissue. 7/240 (2.9%) patients were HPV-positive with low- to high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions, 3 patients reverting to HPV-negative status at long-term follow-up.ConclusionsOur technique creates a neovagina of adequate size and secretory capacity for normal coitus, requiring no prolonged dilation postoperatively, even in the absence of sexual intercourse. The procedure is fast, effective and minimally traumatic, has a very low long-term complication rate and provides very satisfactory long-term functional results.     

Surgical Video Tutorial: Treatment of Congenital Vaginal Agenesis: Laparoscopic Modified Davydov in 8 Steps

ObjectiveTo describe the different steps of the Davydov surgical technique for creating a neovagina, emphasizing visualization of the rectovesical cleavage and peritoneal-vaginal anastomosis by laparoscopic and vaginal approaches.DesignProduction of a step-by-step surgical video tutorial with narrative video footage.SettingUterovaginal agenesis is a rare congenital defect, observed in 1 case per 4000 to 5000 newborn female infants [1]. Vaginal agenesis treatment can be performed by different nonsurgical and surgical techniques that are based on neocavity creation. The Davydov intervention uses the pelvic peritoneum as “covering” tissue for a neocavity and avoids the use of allogenic or autologous transplants, traction devices, or specialized surgical equipment. It is a minimally invasive technique that provides long-term functionality and anatomically satisfying results [2].InterventionsWe treated an 18-year-old patient with Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome who underwent the Davydov procedure after dissatisfaction with the Franck self-expansion method. We created a neovagina using peritoneal flaps that were obtained after rectovesical cleavage by laparoscopic approach and were then fastened to the introitus by vaginal approach. Finally, the vaginal vault was reconstructed laparoscopically, and an intravaginal dilator was left in place. The result after 1 year showed the transition from a narrow vaginal dimple 2 cm in length to a neovagina 10 cm in length, permeable, well epithelialized, and correctly healed without associated stenosis. Sexual intercourse is satisfying for both partners.ConclusionThe Davydov technique is less invasive than other surgical techniques and allows good outcomes [3,4] without the invasive use of sigmoidal grafts, cutaneous flaps, or prostheses. It should be proposed to patients experiencing failure with the Franck nonsurgical method.     

Laparoscopic promontofixation for the treatment of recurrent sigmoid neovaginal prolapse: case report and systematic review of the literature

Prolapse of a sigmoid neovagina, created in patients with congenital vaginal aplasia, is rare. In correcting this condition, preservation of coital function and restoration of the vaginal axis should be of primary interest. A 34-year-old woman with vaginal agenesis underwent vaginoplasty using sigmoid colon. Almost 6 years after the initial operation, she started complaining of a bearing-down sensation and an increase in vaginal discharge. She underwent 2 open surgeries and one vaginal surgery to treat the prolapse with no success. She came to our service and at vaginal examination the neovagina protruded approximately 5 cm beyond the hymen. The prolapse was treated successfully using a laparoscopic approach to suspend the neovagina to the sacral promontory (laparoscopic promontofixation). Prolapse of an artificially created vagina is a rare occurrence, without a standard treatment. Laparoscopy may be an alternative approach to restore the neovagina without compromising its function.     

New Laparoscopic Vaginoplasty Procedure With a Modified Peritoneal Pull-Down Technique in Four Patients With Mayer−Rokitansky−Küster−Hauser Syndrome

BackgroundVarious vaginal reconstructive procedures have been described for patients with Mayer?Rokitansky?Küster?Hauser (MRKH) syndrome. We describe the success of a novel laparoscopic vaginoplasty procedure using an anteroposterior peritoneal pull-down technique.CaseFour patients with MRKH syndrome underwent a modified laparoscopic Davydov procedure using an anteroposterior peritoneal pull-down technique with a transverse laparoscopic incision below the strand. Anatomical success was achieved in all patients, allowing easy introduction of 2 fingers, an epithelialized neovagina, and a mean length of 8.0 cm (range 7.0-9.0cm). All 3 patients who attempted sexual intercourse were successful, and neovagina size was adequately maintained at the long-term follow-up in the remaining patient.Summary and ConclusionThis novel procedure presents as a feasible and an effective approach for vaginal reconstruction in patients with MRKH syndrome.     

Management of vaginal agenesis: review of 10 years practice at a tertiary referral centre

Vaginal agenesis is an uncommon congenital anomaly, and is often associated with agenesis of the uterus and fallopian tubes. Recent reports suggest that non-surgical methods to create a neovagina offer advantages when assisted reproductive treatments are used in the adult life of these women. We have reviewed the management of 39 women with congenital vaginal agenesis to assess the outcomes of neovaginal creation. In 25 women with total Müllerian agenesis, creation of a neovagina using progressive perineal dilatation alone was very successful in women motivated by a sexual relationship.     

Laparoscopic creation of a neovagina in patients with Rokitansky syndrome: analysis of 52 cases

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the surgical feasibility and the long-term anatomic and functional results of a new procedure that uses the endoscopic approach to treat uterovaginal agenesis, known as Rokintansky syndrome. DESIGN: Evaluation of surgical feasibility and recording of clinical data over a 12-month follow-up. SETTING: Tertiary referral center for the treatment of female genital malformations. PATIENT(S): Fifty-two patients with vaginal agenesis. Intervention(s): The laparoscopic version of the Vecchietti method was used to create a neovagina. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Anatomic success was defined as a neovagina >/=6 cm long, allowing easy introduction of two fingers, within 6 months after corrective surgery. Functional success was considered achieved if the patient reported satisfactory sexual intercourse starting from 6 months after surgery. RESULT(S): The surgical procedure was performed with no major complications and with 100% anatomic success; functional success was obtained in 98.1% of the study population. CONCLUSION(S): In patients with Rokitansky syndrome, the laparoscopic approach for creating a neovagina by the Vecchietti method is simple, safe, and effective.     

Vaginoplasty with Interceed absorbable adhesion barrier for complete squamous epithelialization in vaginal agenesis

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to present our experiences of an innovative surgical approach for vaginal agenesis with the use of Interceed absorbable adhesion barrier (Ethicon) to achieve a satisfactory neovagina. STUDY DESIGN: The current study involved 10 subjects who were diagnosed with vaginal agenesis. After the creation of a vaginal tunnel, a mold that had been wrapped with Interceed was placed in the neovagina. RESULTS: No operative and postoperative complications were encountered. The duration of the operation was < or =30 minutes, and blood loss was minimal. The postoperative hospital stay was only 2 days. Epithelialization of the neovagina was achieved 1 to 4 months after the operation, and all patients were satisfied with the outcome. The neovagina that was created with this procedure was not much different from the normal adult vagina as far as histologic and physiologic conditions are concerned. CONCLUSION: This innovative surgical procedure may be a potential alternative approach for the therapy of vaginal agenesis with the use of the absorbable adhesion barrier Interceed with excellent results.     

Creation of a neovagina according to Wharton-Sheares-George in patients with Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome

OBJECTIVE: To introduce a simple and quick surgical alternative for creating a neovagina in patients with Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome that offers good anatomic and functional results. DESIGN: Historical report. SETTING: Tertiary center for gynecologic endocrinology. PATIENT(S): Three patients with MRKH syndrome. INTERVENTION(S): The creation of a neovagina according to Wharton-Sheares-George in patients with MRKH syndrome. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Axis, length, and width of neovagina. RESULT(S): The George modification of the Wharton-Sheares neovaginoplasty was successfully performed in three patients. The results were excellent (normal axis and adequate length and width of neovagina), and there were no major complications. CONCLUSION(S): The George modification of the Sheares technique represents a simple, safe, and effective surgical option for creating a neovagina. The procedure is not highly complex and is therefore easy to learn and perform; no special surgical equipment is needed. Anatomic and functional results are very satisfying. Short-term hospitalization, accelerated recovery, and a rapid return to everyday life are important benefits for these young patients. These benefits also result in lower surgery-related expenses and therefore reduce the strain on the hospital's budget compared with other therapeutic options. The creation of a neovagina according to Wharton-Sheares-George might provide a satisfactory alternative for the surgical management of vaginal aplasia in patients with MRKH syndrome.     

Long-term results after neovagina creation in Mayer-Rokitanski-Kuster-Hauser syndrome by Vecchietti's operation

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the long-term results after Vecchietti's operation. STUDY DESIGN: Twenty Mayer-Rokitanski-Kuster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome patients underwent creation of a neovagina using Vecchietti's operation by laparotomy (17 cases) and laparoscopy (3 cases). RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 21 years (16-34). After 66 months (24-156) of follow-up, the mean length x diameter of the neovagina was 8.2 cm x 2.8 cm. The neovaginal epithelium was macroscopically similar to normal vaginal mucosa, except for one patient who had subsequently undergone insertion of skin graft. Post-operative sexual behavior revealed sexual desire and pleasure (100%), lubrication (94%), clitoral orgasm (87%) and vaginal-mediated orgasm (69%). Finally, 16 patients out of 18 (89%) were completely satisfied with the results of the operation. CONCLUSION: Vecchietti's operation may be suggested as one of the choice of treatments to correct vaginal aplasia in young MRKH syndrome patients.     

Creation of a neovagina following Williams vaginoplasty and the Creatsas modification in 111 patients with Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluation of the Creatsas modification of Williams vaginoplasty for the creation of neovagina in patients with Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome (MRKH syndrome). DESIGN: Record of perioperative and postoperative results and complications. Follow-up evaluations of patients yearly after the operation. SETTING: Division of Pediatric-Adolescent Gynecology and Gynecologic Corrective Surgery, University of Athens (tertiary referral center). PATIENT(S): One hundred eleven patients with MRKH syndrome. INTERVENTION(S): Surgical creation of neovagina using the Williams vaginoplasty technique (group A: 10 patients) or the Creatsas modification of the previous method (group B: 101 patients). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Length and width of the neovagina, and the quality of sexual life postoperatively. RESULT(S): A functioning vagina of 10 to 12 cm depth and 5 cm width was created in eight of the patients in group A (80%) and in 98 of those in group B (97.02%). A vagina of 7 to 9 cm depth and 2 to 3 cm width was created in the rest of the patients in both groups. In group A, two wound openings were reported (20%); in two of the patients hemorrhage occurred during the first intercourse, compared to none in group B. A satisfactory sexual life was reported from 94.4% of the patients and an adequate one from 4.16% of them. CONCLUSION(S): The Creatsas modification of Williams vaginoplasty is a simple and effective technique for the creation of a functioning neovagina in young women with vaginal aplasia.     

FREE COMMUNICATION

Several conservative and surgical methods have been proposed for patients with Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome. The technique described by Vecchietti is a combination of both dilatation and surgery. We describe a minimally invasive modification of this approach including dissection of the vesico-rectal septum and present long-term patient outcome. Eight patients who underwent surgery at our department between 1996 and 2005 for MRKH syndrome were included in the present analysis. Post-operative follow-up and a semi-structured telephone interview were performed to obtain information on neovaginal functionality, immediate and long-term post-operative outcome, sexual function and physiological and psychological well-being evaluated on a 10-point scale and by the Sintonen 15D questionnaire. After a median post-operative (median operation time: 88 min, range: 63–116 min) follow-up period of 40.3 months (range: 18–84 months) without major complications and a median post-operative stay of 13.8 days (range: 6–15 days), a functional neovagina was created in seven of eight patients. Median vaginal length at the time of discharge from the hospital ranged between 7 and 10 cm (median: 9.6 cm) and reached 11.5 cm (range: 5–15 cm) at the time of evaluation. Except for one patient who neither had regular sexual intercourse nor used the vaginal dilator, sexual intercourse was quoted as satisfactory in six cases (one patient still used the dilator only). Patients reported an improvement of quality of life (mean: 8.1, range: 5–10) and self-confidence (8.1, range: 5–10) and general well-being evaluated by the Sintonen 15D questionnaire (average score of 1.8, SD = 0.06). The laparoscopic-assisted Vecchietti procedure with dissection of the vesico-rectal septum is a safe and effective method for creation of a neovagina in MRKH patients.     

Laparoscopic Sacrocolpopexy With a Mesh for Sigmoid Neovaginal Prolapse: A Case Report

BackgroundCreating a functional neovagina is a practical therapeutic intervention for women with congenital vaginal agenesis and sexual needs. Although the incidence of neovaginal prolapse (NP) is low, it is inconvenient for patients and is a challenging problem for gynecologists.CaseA 32-year-old woman who had undergone transabdominal sigmoid vaginoplasty 10 years previously at another hospital visited our clinic for evaluation and treatment of NP. Gynecological examination showed exstrophy of the vaginal apex, 4 cm beyond the hymen. Laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy was performed using a mesh. The mesh was sutured at the anterior wall and apex of the neovagina and suspended in the anterior sacral region without blood vessels.Summary and ConclusionLaparoscopic sacrocolpopexy might be an effective and safe treatment for NP.     

Vaginoplastia mediante interposición de membrana amniótica

Objective

To study the results and complications of the technique performed by Dr. G. Sancho Leza for the creation of a neovagina using amnion in patients with vaginal agenesis.

Material and method

A retrospective study of 16 women who were diagnosed with vaginal agenesis in our service from 1989 to 2005 was performed.

Results

The neovagina created with this procedure allowed sexual activity in all women. Two women required reintervention due to stenosis. There were no graft rejections or serious postoperative complications.

Conclusions

Vaginoplasty using amnion produces good results and fewer complications than other procedures using different materials.     

Vaginoplasty by inverted perineal and labia minora flaps-a retrospective study.

Absence of the vagina occurs most frequently in the Rokitansky-Küster-Mayer (RKM) syndrome. Since Küster has reviewed the literature in 1910 many techniques have been described to create a neovagina. We describe a technique in which both a part of the labia minora and of the perineal skin are used as flaps to cover the neovagina and report on the long-term outcome in a series of 16 patients with RKM syndrome treated with this technique. No intra-operative or immediate postoperative complications were recorded. The average depth of the neovagina was 8 cm, at the end of the operation and 1 year later. After 3 months the neovagina was completely lined with vaginal epithelium. In six out of 16 patients scar formation and polypoid formation was observed at the apex of the neovagina. This could be successfully handled by excision and coagulation in all six cases. Ten patients reported a satisfactory sexual life. The technique is simple and easy to perform. The anatomical result and sexual gratification was outstanding in two-thirds of the patients. We conclude that flaps derived from the genital region offer the most physiological tissue for construction of a neovagina.     

Comparison of the modified McIndoe and modified laparoscopic Vecchietti techniques for the creation of a neovagina in Rokitansky syndrome

The aim of this retrospective clinical study was to compare the effectiveness and long-term anatomic and functional results of the modified laparoscopic Vecchietti and modified McIndoe techniques used to treat Rokitansky syndrome. Neovaginas were created either with the modified laparoscopic Vecchietti technique or with the modified McIndoe technique in 21 patients with Rokitansky syndrome aged between 17 and 40 years (mean 23 years) who wished to begin sexual intercourse. Anatomic success was defined as a neovagina longer than 6 cm and the easy introduction of two fingers. Functional success was achieved if the patient reported satisfactory sexual intercourse starting from 6 months after surgery. The performance of both techniques was efficacious. However, the postoperative hospital stay and operation times of the modified laparoscopic Vecchietti technique were shorter than those of the modified McIndoe technique and the modified laparoscopic Vecchietti technique was less painful than the modified McIndoe technique.     

Vaginal Reconstruction Using the Bladder and/or Rectal Walls in Patients with Radiation-Induced Fistulas

Objective. In irreparable or recurrent vesicovaginal fistulas and cloacal defects following high-dose irradiation therapy for gynecological malignancies, urinary diversion is the last resort to achieve a socially acceptable solution. In a select group of young and tumor-free patients, additional vaginal reconstruction may be indicated. Multiple operative procedures are available, but the results are often disappointing in the previously irradiated area.Materials and methods. In six such patients with large radiogenic vesicovaginal defects (n = 5) or a cloacal fistula (n = 1), a continent reservoir using the transverse colon with an umbilical stoma was performed. At the end of the operation, the bladder was incorporated into a neovagina by incising the urethra, anterior vaginal wall, and the posterior bladder wall with electrocautery from the urethral meatus to the dome of the fistula.Results. No postoperative complications related to the vaginal reconstruction occurred. After a mean follow-up of 4.7 years, all patients had a capacious vagina and a wide introitus; the neovagina measured a mean of 18 cm in length. Five patients with a partner reported a normal sexual life. No dyspareunia or discomfort from bladder or urethral mucosa during intercourse was reported.Conclusions. Following continent urinary diversion due to irreparable vesicovaginal fistulas, a neovagina can be created by simple dissection of the posterior bladder and anterior vaginal wall. When a colostomy is present, the neovagina can additionally be augmented with a bowel flap of the Hartmann stump or by incising the rectovaginal septum. The technique affords good functional and cosmetic results.     

Creation of neovagina using oxidized cellulose (surgicel) as a surgical treatment of vaginal agenesis

Objective Our goal was to analyze the safety and efficacy of the use of oxidized cellulose in the creation of neovagina. Methods A total of 10 women with vaginal agenesis attending gynaecology clinic of AIIMS between July 2003 to March 2005 underwent vaginal reconstructive surgery using oxidized cellulose were recruited in this retrospective study. The age of patients ranged from 17 to 22 years (mean age 19 years). Using a transverse incision at introitus, a 10 × 4 cm space was created and a vaginal mould covered with oxidized cellulose was put in the neovagina. Results The age ranged from 16 to 22 years (mean 19.5 years). Out of 10 patients, who had undergone vaginoplasty, all were sexually active; 8 had satisfactory intercourse, 1 chronic mild dyspareunia due to partial stenosis and 1 was lost to follow up. 2 out of 10 had inflammatory reaction and 1 had psychological problems. Conclusion Vaginal reconstruction using oxidized cellulose appears to be a safe and effective procedure with minimum complications, morbidity and discomfort with high success rates.     

Novel Neovaginoplasty Using Rudimentary Uterine Horn Serosa and Pelvic Peritoneum as a Graft in Müllerian Anomalies with Vaginal Agenesis

Study Objective

To study the outcome of a novel method of laparoscopic neovaginal reconstruction using rudimentary uterine horn serosa and the pelvic peritoneum as a graft.