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Female urethral reconstruction with amnion grafts
F T Brandt1, C D Albuquerque, F R Lorenzato
1Division of Urogynecology, Universidade Federal de Pernam, Parnamirim-Recife-Pe, CEP, Brazil. fcbrandt@elogica.com.br
Background:
About 1-5% of female babies are born with Müllerian duct abnormalities such as Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome, urogenital sinus, and cloacal malformation. In some intersex cases the urethra and vagina both empty into a urogenital sinus. One major issue in single-stage surgical reconstruction of large urethral defects is tissue availability.
Aim:
To investigate the usefulness of amnion grafts in female urethral reconstruction.
Methods:
This is a prospective cohort study describing the use of amnion grafts for urethral reconstruction in 8 patients with ambiguous genitalia associated with low or mid-portion urethrovaginal confluence or vaginal agenesis with low external urethral meatus implantation.
Results:
The procedure was felt to be easy, quick and effective for appropriate restoration of both the function and the cosmetics of the lower urogenital tract.
Conclusions:
Amnion grafts add a valuable option to the surgical armamentarium and offers potential advantages for urogenital reconstructive surgery.