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Use of bowel for vaginal reconstruction
1Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.
The Journal of Urology
|August 1, 1994
Summary
Bowel segments effectively reconstruct various congenital vaginal abnormalities, offering a viable solution for vaginal absence or shortening. This surgical approach has led to satisfactory sexual function in adult patients.
Area of Science:
- Reconstructive surgery
- Gynecologic surgery
- Pediatric surgery
Background:
- Congenital vaginal abnormalities encompass a spectrum of conditions requiring surgical intervention.
- Bowel vaginoplasty is a recognized technique for creating or augmenting the vagina.
Observation:
- This study reviewed 65 patients undergoing bowel vaginoplasty between 1964 and 1993, with the majority treated after 1981.
- Patient ages ranged from 9 months to 26 years.
- Indications included cloacal malformations, congenital absence of the vagina, and intersex conditions.
Findings:
- Bowel segments (rectum, sigmoid colon, small bowel) were used to either lengthen a short vagina or create a neovagina.
- 36 patients required a substitute vagina, while 29 had their existing vagina extended.
- Ten adult patients reported satisfactory sexual intercourse post-surgery.
Implications:
- Bowel vaginoplasty is a successful method for addressing complex congenital vaginal anomalies.
- The technique facilitates the development of functional vaginas, improving quality of life and sexual health.
- Further research can optimize surgical techniques and long-term outcomes for these patients.