Acquired gynetresia in eastern Nigeria

A retrospective analysis of 78 patients who presented with acquired vaginal stenosis between January 1980 and December 1989 at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital Enugu was carried out. Ritual circumcision was a leading cause of this condition, followed by birth injuries and postoperative injuries. Urinary symptoms such as dysuria and urinary retention, as well as coital difficulty presenting as dyspareunia and apareunia featured prominently amongst the patients. The modified Fenton's operation was used in treating a majority of the patients, with good results. Occasionally more extensive surgery such as the McIndoe operation was used when the lesion was more severe. Recurrence rate was low and 11 women became pregnant during the period of follow up. The problem is of public health dimensions, and community based education to eliminate the etiological factors is recommended.