[Surgical treatment of vaginal agenesia]

Abstract

Background: Vaginal agenesia appears among 1 in 5,000-10,000 newborn girls, i.e. 3-6 patients per year in Norway.

Material and methods: From 1975 to 1998, 14 women (mean age 20 years) were operated for vaginal agenesia by McIndoe's method at Haukeland University Hospital. Twelve patients were examined 13 years later by questionnaire, gynaecological examination, ultrasound examination of the urinary tract, and blood and urinary test concerning kidney function and diabetes mellitus.

Results: Five patients had been re-operated within nine months because of contracture. In all patients (except one), the constructed vagina had good elasticity, width and depth. The donor area at the medial thigh was unaesthetic in four patients. No abnormalities were found in the urinary tract by ultrasound. One patients had a familial syndrome with Müllerian aplasia, progressive renal disease and mild diabetes mellitus. All patients found the operation important, despite memories of a painful postoperative period.

Interpretation: This study shows functional and psychological satisfactory results of construction of vagina in women with vaginal agenesia.