Cosmetic and anatomic outcomes after feminizing surgery for ambiguous genitalia

Reports on anatomic and cosmetic outcomes after genital surgery for children with ambiguous genitalia are mixed, with recent reports using standardized assessments suggesting poor outcomes and that multiple operations may be required.

All children with ambiguous genitalia and who had feminizing surgery at the Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne, Australia, were identified. Standardized genital assessment was undertaken at their clinical review after informed consent. Underlying diagnosis, number and type of procedures performed, and the expertise of the surgeon were recorded from their medical notes.

Of 32 patients examined aged 13 to 33 years, 47% had congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Ten patients had initial surgery performed elsewhere. Overall, there were good anatomic and cosmetic outcomes for those initially treated at our institute by a specialized surgeon, although some required additional intervention in adolescence or adulthood. Initial surgery before or after 2 years of age did not significantly affect outcomes. Those patients who had only 1 operation (by a surgeon with special interest in intersex) had better cosmetic and anatomic outcomes than those patients who had multiple operations.

Cosmetic and anatomic outcomes of surgery for ambiguous genitalia were generally good when undertaken by pediatric surgeons with specific expertise in intersex surgery.