Ultrasound-guided staging and reversal of female genital mutilation

FGM/C is common, effecting over 200 million women worldwide and has substantial associated morbidity. We seek improving the reversal procedure using ultrasound imaging.

The use of peri- and intraoperative ultrasound imaging for reconstructive surgery following FGM/C for staging and surgical planning, with focus on the clitoral structures and blood flow.

This is a case series of patients with FGM/C who were evaluated and underwent reconstructive surgical management at a single institution between 2018 and 2022. Ultrasound examination with Doppler imaging was performed. The electronic medical record was queried for data regarding patient characteristics, examination and ultrasound findings, and surgical and postoperative course.

Seven patients are described in this case series who sustained the FGM/C with classifications ranging from Ia to IIIb. The primary complaints were dyspareunia or apareunia. Six of seven (86%) reported anorgasmia. Four of seven (57%) had prior vaginal deliveries, and one of seven (14%) was delivered only by cesarean sections, two of seven (29%) have not been able to have intercourse. Ultrasound examination was utilized to facilitate recognition of the anatomic structures during the reconstruction, and Doppler was used to evaluate the clitoral blood flow. Doppler was useful to delineate clitoral tissues from a closely involved periclitoral inclusion cyst, aiding in surgical excision while minimizing clitoral vascular or nerve injury. Postoperative anatomical restoration, sexual function, and alleviation of dyspareunia were excellent. None of the patients reported decreased sexual pleasure postoperatively.

Ultrasound imaging with Doppler can be utilized to facilitate personalized approaches to optimize both anatomical and functional results in cases of genital reconstruction.