Adult height of patients with classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Data on factors that affect the final height of patients with classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) are limited. This study investigated the factors that can affect height outcome of patients with classical CAH. METHODS: A retrospective study of 44 patients (16 males, 28 females) with classical CAH who had attained the adult height without gonadotropin-releasing hormone analog therapy was conducted. Adult height standard deviation scores (AHSDS) and target height standard deviation scores (THSDS) were determined. The impact of type, gender, control of disease activity or occurrence of precocious puberty on height was analyzed. RESULTS: The difference between AHSDS and THSDS of the 44 patients was -0.7 +/- 1.0 and was greatest in simple-virilizing males (-1.1 standard deviation score [SDS]). However, no significant differences in height outcomes were identified between genders and types. The differences between AHSDS and THSDS of patients with good control of disease activity or normal puberty were -0.3 SDS and -0.4 SDS, respectively, which were better height outcomes than those of the other groups (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Classical CAH can lead to reduced adult height. Good control of disease activity and the prevention of the occurrence of precocious puberty is important to achieving normal adult height outcome.     

A Single-Center Study Comparison of Two Different Male-to-Female Penile Skin Inversion Vaginoplasty Techniques and Their 3.5-Year Outcomes

BackgroundVaginoplasty is a crucial part of genital gender-affirming surgery with the number of trans women undergoing this intervention steadily, however, up to date, there is still no standardized vaginoplasty technique.AimThis retrospective single-center study compares single-stage vs two-stage penile skin inversion vaginoplasty techniques and their long-term outcomes.MethodsMedical records of 63 consecutive patients who underwent single-stage vaginoplasty, as described by Dr Preecha Tiewtranon, and 62 consecutive patients who underwent 2-stage vaginoplasty were reviewed.ResultsThe mean postoperative hospital stay was 7 days for patients who underwent single-stage vaginoplasty vs 16 days for patients who underwent 2-stage vaginoplasty. Neovaginal depth proved constant in patients who underwent single-stage vaginoplasty, whereas a loss of more than 30% was observed in patients who underwent 2-stage vaginoplasty during the first postoperative year. Early complications were more common than late-onset complications in both groups. The most common complication in the single-stage group was wound dehiscence (4.8%). There were significantly more complications in 2-stage collective, among which wound dehiscence (33.9%), unsatisfactory cosmetic outcome (25.8%), and urethral stenosis (14.5%) were the most common. In the single-stage cohort, 4 (6.4%) patients needed one revision surgery, whereas 35 (56.5%) patients in the 2-stage cohort necessitated one or more reoperations with up to 10 quaternary revisions. All patients reported to have sensitivity to neoclitoris in the single-stage group, whereas 3 (4.8%) patients in the 2-stage group were deprived of it because of neoclitoral necrosis.Clinical ImplicationsOptimizing a vaginoplasty surgical technique and its postoperative protocol.Strengths & LimitationsThe present retrospective study with a mean follow-up of more than 3.5 years offers the first ever comparison of 2 different PSI vaginoplasty surgical techniques performed in the same center.ConclusionSignificantly lower complication and revision rates, shorter recovery time, and superior esthetic and functional outcomes were observed in the single-stage than in the two-stage penile skin inversion vaginoplasty surgical technique.Fakin RM, Giovanoli P. A Single-Center Study Comparison of Two Different Male-to-Female Penile Skin Inversion Vaginoplasty Techniques and Their 3.5-Year Outcomes. J Sex Med 2021;18:391–399.     

A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study of Malaysian Females With Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia: Their Body Image and Their Perspectives on Feminizing Surgery

ObjectiveTo explore the impact of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) on body image in Malaysian females with CAH and to understand the perspectives of these young women and their parents toward feminizing genitoplasty (FG).DesignMulti-center cross-sectional study.SettingTwo tertiary medical centers in Malaysia.ParticipantsA total of 59 patients with CAH who were raised as females and more than 10 years old, and their parents.MethodsThe CAH respondents completed the validated and translated Body Image Disturbance Questionnaires (BIDQ). All CAH respondents and their parents underwent semi-structured interviews to explore their views on FG.Main Outcome MeasuresBody image disturbance score and perspectives on FG. Results: The 59 CAH respondents consisted of 12 children, 29 adolescents, and 18 adults. The majority were of Malay ethnicity (64.4%) with classical CAH (98.3%) and had undergone FG (n = 55, 93.2%). For the BIDQ scores, the median score (interquartile range) for general body image was 1.29 (0.71), range 1.00-3.29, whereas the genital appearance score was 1.07 (0.39), range 1.00-4.29, revealing a greater concern for general body parts over genitalia. With regards to FG, it was perceived as necessary. Infancy and early childhood were perceived as the best timing for first FG by both respondents and parents, most preferring single-stage over 2-stage surgery.ConclusionsGeneral body appearance concerns were greater than for genital appearance, with more impact on the patients’ lives. Contrary to much international opinion, feminizing surgery was perceived as necessary and appropriate by CAH respondents and their families, and should be offered in infancy or early childhood. Future qualitative studies are recommended.     

Research on Quality of Life in Female Patients with Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia and Issues in Developing Nations

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is the commonest cause of ambiguous genitalia for female newborns and is one of the conditions under the umbrella term of “Disorders of Sex Development” (DSD). Management of these patients require multidisciplinary collaboration and is challenging because there are many aspects of care, such as the most appropriate timing and extent of feminizing surgery required and attention to psychosexual, psychological, and reproductive issues, which still require attention and reconsideration, even in developed nations. In developing nations, however, additional challenges prevail: poverty, lack of education, lack of easily accessible and affordable medical care, traditional beliefs on intersex, religious, and cultural issues, as well as poor community support. There is a paucity of long-term outcome studies on DSD and CAH to inform on best management to achieve optimal outcome. In a survey conducted on 16 patients with CAH and their parents in a Malaysian tertiary center, 31.3% of patients stated poor knowledge of their condition, and 37.5% did not realize that their medications were required for life. This review on the research done on quality of life (QOL) of female patients with CAH aims: to discuss factors affecting QOL of female patients with CAH, especially in the developing population; to summarize the extant literature on the quality of life outcomes of female patients with CAH; and to offer recommendations to improve QOL outcomes in clinical practice and research.     

Restoring normal anatomy in female patients with atypical genitalia

Female patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) have varying degrees of atypical genitalia secondary to prenatal and postnatal androgen exposure. Surgical treatment is focused on restoring normal genitalia anatomy by bringing the vagina to the normal position on the perineum, separating the distal vagina from the urethra, forming a normal introitus and preserving sexual function of the clitoris by accepting moderate degrees of hypertrophy as normal and strategically reducing clitoral size only in the most severely virilized patients. There remains a need for continued monitoring of patients as they go through puberty with the possibility of additional surgery for vaginal stenosis. Anatomically based surgery and refinement in surgical techniques with acceptance of moderate degrees of clitoral hypertrophy as normal should improve long-term outcomes.     

Does Depth Matter? Factors Affecting Choice of Vulvoplasty Over Vaginoplasty as Gender-Affirming Genital Surgery for Transgender Women

Background

Gender-affirming vaginoplasty aims to create the external female genitalia (vulva) as well as the internal vaginal canal; however, not all patients desire nor can safely undergo vaginal canal creation.

Intestinal Vaginoplasty Revisited: A Review of Surgical Techniques,Complications, and Sexual Function

IntroductionVaginal (re)construction is essential for the psychological well‐being of biological women with a dysfunctional vagina and male‐to‐female transgender women. However, the preferred method for vagina (re)construction with respect to functional as well as aesthetic outcomes is debated. Regarding intestinal vaginoplasty, despite the asserted advantages, the need for intestinal surgery and subsequent risk of diversion colitis are often‐mentioned concerns. The outcomes of vaginal reconstructive surgery need to be appraised in order to improve understanding of pros and cons.AimsTo review literature on surgical techniques and clinical outcomes of intestinal vaginoplasty.MethodsElectronic databases and reference lists of published articles were searched for primary studies on intestinal vaginoplasty. Studies were included if these included at least five patients and had a minimal follow‐up period of 1 year. No constraints were imposed with regard to patient age, indication for vaginoplasty, or applied surgical technique. Outcome measures were extracted and analyzed.Main Outcome MeasuresMain outcome measures were surgical procedure, clinical outcomes, and outcomes concerning sexual health and quality of life.ResultsTwenty‐one studies on intestinal vaginoplasty were included (including 894 patients in total). All studies had a retrospective design and were of low quality. Prevalence and severity of procedure‐related complications were low. The main postoperative complication was introital stenosis, necessitating surgical correction in 4.1% of sigmoid‐derived and 1.2% of ileum‐derived vaginoplasties. Neither diversion colitis nor cancer was reported. Sexual satisfaction rate was high, but standardized questionnaires were rarely used. Quality of life was not reported.ConclusionBased on evidence presently available, it seems that intestinal vaginoplasty is associated with low complication rates. To substantiate these findings and to obtain information about functional outcomes and quality of life, prospective studies using standardized measures and questionnaires are warranted. Bouman M‐B, van Zeijl MCT, Buncamper ME, Meijerink WJHJ, van Bodegraven AA, and Mullender MG. Intestinal vaginoplasty revisited: A review of surgical techniques, complications, and sexual function. J Sex Med 2014;11:1835–1847.     

Severity of Virilization Is Associated with Cosmetic Appearance and Sexual Function in Women with Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia: A Cross‐Sectional Study

IntroductionWomen with the classical form of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) are born with different degrees of virilization of the external genitalia. Feminizing surgery is often performed in childhood to change the appearance of the genitalia and to enable penile–vaginal intercourse later in life. There are suggestions that this affects sexual functioning.AimsThe aim is to study the anatomical, surgical, cosmetic, and psychosexual outcomes in women with CAH.MethodsForty women with CAH, aged over 15 years, from two referral centers for management of Disorders of Sex Development in the Netherlands were included. Physical and functional status were assessed by a gynecological interview and examination. Sexual functioning was assessed with the Female Sexual Function Index and Female Sexual Distress Scale—Revised scales and compared with a reference group.Mean Outcome MeasuresSurgery performed, anatomy, cosmetic score, sexual function and distress.ResultsThirty‐six of the 40 women had undergone feminizing surgery; 25 women (69%) underwent more than one operation. Resurgery was performed in seven of the 13 (54%) women who had had a single‐stage procedure. Anatomical assessment showed reasonable outcomes. Multiple linear regression showed that only level of confluence had a significant effect on cosmetic outcome, the impact depending on the number of surgeries performed. Cosmetic evaluations did not differ between the women and the gynecologists. Only 20 women had experience of intercourse. Eight women reported dyspareunia; seven women reported urinary incontinence. The women's perceived sexual functioning was less satisfactory than in the reference group, and they reported more sexual distress.ConclusionThe level of confluence was the major determinant for cosmetic outcome; the impact depended on the number of surgeries performed. Fifty‐four percent of the women required resurgery after a single‐stage procedure in childhood. Anatomical assessment showed reasonable outcomes. The women evaluated their sexual functioning and functional outcome less favorable than the reference group, and they experienced less often sexual intercourse. van der Zwan YG, Janssen EHCC, Callens N, Wolffenbuttel KP, Cohen‐Kettenis PT, van den Berg M, Drop SLS, Dessens AB, Beerendonk C. Severity of virilization is associated with cosmetic appearance and sexual function in women with congenital adrenal hyperplasia: A cross‐sectional study. J Sex Med 2013;10:866–875.     

Pudendal thigh flap in the treatment of acquired gynatresia from caustic pessaries

Objectives

To evaluate the use of vaginoplasty with the pudendal thigh flap in patients with gynatresia caused by herbal pessaries in a multidisciplinary context.

Methods

The study included patients with herbal-pessary-induced vaginitis and gynatresia. Surgical treatment consisted of vaginoplasty with the pudendal thigh flap; patients with associated fibroids had a myomectomy during the same setting. The severity of the stenosis and the outcome after surgery were assessed with rating scales devised for the present study.

Results

The study included 21 patients (mean age 36.05 ± 1.69 years, range 18-50 years). The most common reason for herbal pessary use was fibroids with infertility. Prior to presentation, most patients had already undergone a median of 2 procedures involving vaginal adhesiolysis and dilatations without improvement. In total, 17 (80.9%) patients underwent surgery. Of these, 6 (35.3%) presented with both fibroids and gynatresia. Before surgery, all patients had poor sexual function with apareunia. Postoperatively, 11 (64.7%) patients reported painless sexual intercourse.

Conclusion

Joint management by plastic surgeons and gynecologists using the pudendal thigh flap for vaginoplasty in caustic gynatresia resulted in a functional vagina. Simultaneous myomectomy and vaginoplasty in patients with fibroids and gynatresia was safe.     

The genital tract in female children with imperforate anus

A retrospective study was undertaken to determine the type and frequency of genital tract anomalies that occur in female children with imperforate anus. The functional outcome and optimal management of the genital tract anomalies were also studied. Primary vaginal anomalies occurred in 22 of 72 patients assessed, and uterine anomalies occurred in 18 of 51 patients assessed. For 17 patients, who were 13 years of age or older, information was available on genital tract function. Of these 17 patients, five had severe vaginal scarring. A previous vaginoplasty or cloacal abnormality was a predictor of poor vaginal function. It is suggested that vaginoplasty, in cases in which it is possible, be delayed until puberty.     

Long-Term Sensitivity and Patient-Reported Functionality of the Neoclitoris After Gender Reassignment Surgery

IntroductionA cornerstone of treating gender dysphoria for transgender women is gender reassignment surgery (GRS) encompassing vaginoplasty and clitoroplasty. The neoclitoris is harvested as a flap with a neurovascular pedicle from the proximal dorsal part of the glans penis. Few long-term follow-ups exist on postoperative sensation and patient-reported sexual functionality of the neoclitoris.AimTo examine the sensitivity of the neoclitoris and its relation to orgasm and sexual function at least 1 year after GRS.MethodsTwenty-two patients were included, with a mean follow-up of 37 months (range = 12–63) after initial surgery. Tactile and vibratory sensitivities were measured with Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments and the Bio-Thesiometer vibratory measurement device, respectively. A questionnaire was provided to the patients, as were interview questions about body image, orgasm, pain, and general satisfaction with the surgery.Main Outcome MeasuresTactile and vibratory sensitivities of the neoclitoris and questionnaire on satisfaction with orgasm, sexual function, and general satisfaction.ResultsThe average tactile threshold for the clitoris was 12.5 g/mm² and the average vibratory threshold was 0.3 μm. Most participants (86%) experienced orgasm after surgery, had no or little pain, and were satisfied with the surgery. No statistical correlation was found between better or worse objective pressure and vibratory thresholds and patient answers to questions about the clitoris in the Body Image Scale for Transsexuals questionnaire.ConclusionThe neoclitoris derived from the glans penis in GRS provides long-term clitoral sensation that is erogenous. Overall, the vast majority of patients who undergo male-to female GRS experience orgasm and are satisfied with the surgery.     

Outcome of Vaginoplasty in Male-to-Female Transgenders: A Systematic Review of Surgical Techniques

IntroductionGender reassignment surgery is the keystone of the treatment of transgender patients. For male-to-female transgenders, this involves the creation of a neovagina. Many surgical methods for vaginoplasty have been opted. The penile skin inversion technique is the method of choice for most gender surgeons. However, the optimal surgical technique for vaginoplasty in transgender women has not yet been identified, as outcomes of the different techniques have never been compared.AimWith this systematic review, we aim to give a detailed overview of the published outcomes of all currently available techniques for vaginoplasty in male-to-female transgenders.MethodsA PubMed and EMBASE search for relevant publications (1995–present), which provided data on the outcome of techniques for vaginoplasty in male-to-female transgender patients.Main Outcome MeasuresMain outcome measures are complications, neovaginal depth and width, sexual function, patient satisfaction, and improvement in quality of life (QoL).ResultsTwenty-six studies satisfied the inclusion criteria. The majority of these studies were retrospective case series of low to intermediate quality. Outcome of the penile skin inversion technique was reported in 1,461 patients, bowel vaginoplasty in 102 patients. Neovaginal stenosis was the most frequent complication in both techniques. Sexual function and patient satisfaction were overall acceptable, but many different outcome measures were used. QoL was only reported in one study. Comparison between techniques was difficult due to the lack of standardization.ConclusionsThe penile skin inversion technique is the most researched surgical procedure. Outcome of bowel vaginoplasty has been reported less frequently but does not seem to be inferior. The available literature is heterogeneous in patient groups, surgical procedure, outcome measurement tools, and follow-up. Standardized protocols and prospective study designs are mandatory for correct interpretation and comparability of data. Horbach SER, Bouman M-B, Smit JM, Özer M, Buncamper ME, and Mullender MG. Outcome of vaginoplasty in male-to-female transgenders: A systematic review of surgical techniques. J Sex Med 2015;12:1499–1512.     

Urinary Incontinence — An Unusual Indication for Early Vaginoplasty in Late Presenting Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia

BackgroundCongenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is an autosomal recessive condition leading to deficient cortisol with an incidence of 1/16,000. Patients with CAH typically present early with ambiguous genitalia or as an emergency with adrenal crisis.CaseWe report an atypical late presentation of a 4-year-old girl with pubertal-like symptoms and urinary incontinence, due to a persistent urogenital sinus (UGS). An early vaginoplasty was successfully performed allowing the patient to achieve continence.ConclusionLiterature describing the symptoms of CAH with UGS is scarce. The case is unusual in demonstrating pubertal-like symptoms and urinary incontinence due to the late presentation of a persistent UGS, highlighting the need for an open mind in assessment of children with urinary incontinence. Timing of surgery is controversial, and cases need to be considered on an individual basis.     

Female genital cosmetic and plastic surgery: a review

IntroductionThis review studies rationale and outcome of vulvovaginal aesthetic surgery.AimDiscuss procedures designed to alter genital appearance and function; investigate sexual, philosophical, and ethical issues; examine outcomes.Methods(i) Medline search of the existing literature utilizing terms labiaplasty, clitoral hood reduction, hymenoplasty (HP), vaginoplasty (VP), perineoplasty (PP), female genital surgery, sexual satisfaction/body image, and anterior/posterior colporrhaphy; (ii) references from bibliographies of papers found through the literature search and in the author's reading of available literature.Main Outcome Measures(i) Demographics and psychosexual dynamics of women requesting female genital plastic/cosmetic surgery; (ii) overall and sexual satisfaction of subjects undergoing these procedures.ResultsThe majority of studies regarding patient satisfaction and sexual function after vaginal aesthetic and functional plastic procedures report beneficial results, with overall patient satisfaction in the 90–95% range, sexual satisfaction over 80–85%. These data are supported by outcome data from nonelective vaginal support procedures. Complications appear minor and acceptable to patients. There are little data available regarding outcomes and satisfaction of HP, or function during the rigors of subsequent vaginal childbirth, although the literature contains no case reports of labiaplasty disruption during parturition.ConclusionWomen requesting labiaplasty and reduction of their clitoral hoods do so for both cosmetic and functional (chafing, interference with coitus, interference with athletic activities, etc.) reasons, while patients requesting VP and/or PP do so in order to increase friction and sexual satisfaction, occasionally for aesthetic reasons. Patients appear generally happy with outcomes. The majority of patients undergoing genital plastic surgery report overall satisfaction and subjective enhancement of sexual function and body image, but the literature is retrospective. Female genital plastic surgery procedures appear to fulfill the majority of patient's desires for cosmetic and functional improvement, as well as enhancement of the sexual experience. Little information is available regarding HP outcomes. Goodman MP. Female genital cosmetic and plastic surgery: A review.     

先天性阴道畸形阴道成形术66例临床分析

目的:探讨阴道成形术患者的临床特点及术式选择。方法:回顾性分析66例先天性阴道畸形行阴道成形术患者的临床资料。结果:47例先天性无阴道患者中,8例伴周期性或不规则下腹痛(17.0%);19例阴道闭锁患者中16例伴下腹痛(84.2%)。乙状结肠法术后性生活满意率最高(75%),但手术时间和出血量均较多;改良的小阴唇皮瓣法术后外阴形态及创面恢复良好,性生活满意率高(66.7%)。结论:对合并下腹痛的先天性阴道畸形患者进行腹腔探查是十分必要的;对于小阴唇丰满者改良的小阴唇皮瓣法值得推广。     

Pudendal Thigh Fasciocutaneous Flaps for Vaginal Reconstruction in Gynecologic Oncology

The pudendal thigh is a sensate fasciocutaneous flap supplied by the posterior labial artery. We report on the results of pudendal thigh flaps used for vaginal reconstruction in eight patients at the time of pelvic exenteration (6) and radical vaginectomy (2). Patients were interviewed and results were assessed 5 to 19 months after surgery. The flaps were raised in the thigh creases just lateral to the hair bearing area of the labia majora and included skin, subcutaneous tissues, deep fascia of the thigh, and the epimysium of the adductor muscles. Flap sizes varied from 9 × 4 cm to 15 × 6 cm. Bilateral flaps were used in seven patients. The flaps were technically easy to perform. Partial (apical) flap necrosis occurred in four patients. One patient developed complete necrosis of bilateral flaps, followed by an enterovaginal fistula. One patient whose flaps did not necrose developed a rectovaginal fistula at the site of rectal reanastomosis. The functional results are disappointing. The only patient having successful vaginal intercourse had a unilateral flap reconstruction following lower vaginectomy in a nonirradiated pelvis. No patient with bilateral flaps or prior pelvic irradiation has had successful coitus. Other long-term sequelae include vulvar pain (2), chronic vaginal discharge (2), hair growth (4), and protrusion of the flaps (2). These vulvovaginal symptoms discourage patients and their partners from genital contact. Breaching the integrity of the vulva to construct a neovagina that is likely to be unsuitable for sexual intercourse may deprive women of their only potential for normal genital sexual responsiveness. Techniques of vaginoplasty require continued assessment.     

Laparoscopically Assisted Uterovaginal Canalization and Vaginoplasty for Patients with Congenital Cervical and Vaginal Atresia: A Step-by-step Guide and Long-term Outcomes

Study ObjectiveTo study the long-term outcomes of laparoscopically assisted uterovaginal canalization and vaginoplasty in patients with congenital cervical and vaginal atresia and to introduce the surgery step by step.DesignA prospective observational study from January 2016 to September 2019.SettingA tertiary teaching hospital.PatientsTen women diagnosed with congenital cervical and vaginal atresia.InterventionsAll women underwent laparoscopically assisted uterovaginal canalization and vaginoplasty.Measurements and Main ResultsAll procedures went smoothly, with no case requiring conversion to laparotomy, and no intraoperative complications occurred. Postoperative febrile morbidity occurred in 1 patient (1/10, 10%). The median (interquartile range) follow-up time was 26.0 (21.3, 48.3) months. All patients resumed menstruation, including 9 patients (9/10, 90%) with regular monthly menstruation. Eight patients (8/10, 80%) experienced mild to moderate dysmenorrhea; the remaining 2 patients (2/10, 20%) had no dysmenorrhea. Cervical restenosis occurred in 1 patient (1/10, 10%) 12 months postoperatively, and cervical dilation was performed. So far, 8 months after the second surgery, no restenosis has been found. The mean postoperative vaginal length was 7.9 ± 1.3-cm at the time of the last follow-up. Only 1 patient attempted to conceive for 2 years, but she had not conceived yet.ConclusionLaparoscopically assisted uterovaginal canalization and vaginoplasty is an easy, safe, and promising management option for correcting congenital cervical and vaginal atresia.     

Assembling a Functional Clitoris and Vulva from a Pseudo-Penis: A Surgical Technique for an Adult Woman with Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia

Background

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is associated with a genital deformation that might cause a negative body image. The genital ambiguity is generally “corrected” surgically during early infancy. The advantage is a psychological benefit. The disadvantages are multiple surgical procedures and the loss of orgasm.

Vaginal reconstruction in gynecologic oncology

The improved prognosis for patients with gynecologic malignancies has resulted in an increased concern for their sexual function. Vaginal reconstruction plays an integral role in this rehabilitation. The care of these patients at the University of Michigan is reviewed and their treatment is described. Fifty-one patients were treated with split-thickness skin graft vaginoplasty. Seven repeat vaginoplasties were required, for a total of 58 procedures. Fifty patients were assessed postoperatively, and 47 (94%) ultimately had a satisfactory outcome. Three of the 50 patients had an unsatisfactory final outcome; two had recurrent malignancy and the third patient did not comply with the proposed dilator regimen. Four patients developed fistulas. The split-thickness skin graft provides an acceptable outcome when used for vaginal reconstruction in the patient with a gynecologic malignancy.