McIndoe procedure for congenital vaginal agenesis: complications and results

In the period 1972-1992, 26 women had surgery for congenital vaginal agenesis, with a modified McIndoe's technique, in Aarhus University Hospital. Their medical records were reviewed and 23 of the patients were evaluated clinically. Complications comprised lack of skin graft take, bleeding, urethrovaginal fistula, perforation of the rectum, rectovaginal fistula and vaginal stricture. All complications were treated and the final results were satisfactory, i.e. complete graft take, satisfactory dimensions of the vagina and no strictures or fistulas giving symptoms. Of 23 patients reviewed, 18 reported satisfactory sexual relationships and vaginal intercourse was anatomically possible in a further 3 patients. We conclude that the McIndoe procedure is simple and, though the course of treatment is often protracted, serious complications are few and the final results are good.