(Neo) Vaginoplasty in Female Pelvic Congenital Anomalies

  • Reference work entry
  • First Online:
Female Genitourinary and Pelvic Floor Reconstruction

Abstract

Congenital pelvic malformations are rare conditions characterized by specific common features resulting from an abnormal embryological development of the urogenital and anorectal apparatus. Anomalies in pelvic morphology caused by these malformations lead to complex management and surgical planning. Vaginal absence or hypoplasia is commonly found in females with these conditions. Vaginoplasty and neovaginoplasty are the surgical mainstays for functional, aesthetic, and reproductive restoration in these cases. These procedures aim to achieve an adequately sized and located vagina, as well as normal appearing external female genitalia.

A variety of vaginoplasty techniques exist with similar outcomes. Surgeon experience, complexity of vaginal defects and convergence between the vagina and the urethra are factors that impact surgical decision-making.

Management of congenital pelvic malformations in the context of disorders of sexual differentiation is often complex and sometimes controversial, and must be undertaken by trained specialists including a multidisciplinary team (e.g., endocrinologists, neonatologists, urogynecologists, etc.). These conditions may lead to long-term reproductive, psychological, and sexual health consequences.

This chapter covers the relatively common congenital pelvic malformations that require vaginoplasty. The individual pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management options, both conservative and surgical, will be presented. The common surgical techniques of (neo)vaginoplasty will be discussed.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Subscribe and save

Springer+ Basic
EUR 32.99 /Month
  • Get 10 units per month
  • Download Article/Chapter or Ebook
  • 1 Unit = 1 Article or 1 Chapter
  • Cancel anytime
Subscribe now

Buy Now

Chapter
EUR 29.95
Price includes VAT (Germany)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
EUR 641.99
Price includes VAT (Germany)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Hardcover Book
EUR 962.99
Price includes VAT (Germany)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free ship** worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Laterza RM, et al. Female pelvic congenital malformations. Part I: Embryology, anatomy and surgical treatment. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. 2011;159(1):26–34. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejogrb.2011.06.042.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  2. Healey A. Embryology of the female reproductive tract. In G. Mann et al (Eds.), Imaging of Gynecological Disorders in Infants and Children, Medical Radiology. (Pp. 21–30). https://doi.org/10.1007/174_2010_128, Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2012

  3. Breech LL, Laufer MR. Müllerian anomalies. Obstet Gynecol Clin N Am. 2009;36(1):47–68. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ogc.2009.02.002.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  4. Junqueira BLP, et al. Müllerian duct anomalies and mimics in children and adolescents: correlative intraoperative assessment with clinical imaging. Radiographics. 2009;29(4):1085–103. https://doi.org/10.1148/rg.294085737.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  5. Golan A, et al. Congenital anomalies of the Müllerian system. Fertil Steril. 1989;51(5):747–55. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0015-0282(16)60660-x.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  6. Dietrich JE, et al. Obstructive reproductive tract anomalies. J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol. 2014;27(6):396–402. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpag.2014.09.001.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  7. Li S, et al. Association of renal agenesis and Müllerian duct anomalies. J Comput Assist Tomogr. 2000;24(6):829–34. https://doi.org/10.1097/00004728-200011000-00001.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  8. Committee on Adolescent Health Care. ACOG Committee Opinion No. 728: Müllerian agenesis: diagnosis, management, and treatment. Obstet Gynecol. 2018;131(1):e35–42. https://doi.org/10.1097/AOG.0000000000002458.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  9. Edmonds DK. Congenital malformations of the genital tract and their management. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol. 2003;17(1):19–40. https://doi.org/10.1053/ybeog.2003.0356.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  10. Preibsch H, et al. Clinical value of magnetic resonance imaging in patients with Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome: diagnosis of associated malformations, uterine rudiments and intrauterine endometrium. Eur Radiol. 2014;24(7):1621–7. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-014-3156-3.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  11. Vanderbrink BA, et al. Does preoperative genitography in congenital adrenal hyperplasia cases affect surgical approach to feminizing genitoplasty? J Urol. 2010;184(4 Suppl):1793–8. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.juro.2010.05.082.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  12. El-Sherbiny M. Disorders of sexual differentiation: II. Diagnosis and treatment. Arab J Urol. 2013;11(1):27–32. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aju.2012.11.008.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  13. Ribeiro SC, et al. Müllerian duct anomalies: review of current management. Sao Paulo Med J Rev Paul Med. 2009;127(2):92–6. https://doi.org/10.1590/s1516-31802009000200007.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  14. Rackow BW, Arici A. Reproductive performance of women with müllerian anomalies. Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol. 2007;19(3):229–37. https://doi.org/10.1097/GCO.0b013e32814b0649.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  15. Guarino N, et al. Vaginoplasty for disorders of sex development. Front Endocrinol. 2013;4(29):11. https://doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2013.00029.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  16. Counseller VS. Congenital absence and traumatic obliteration of the vagina and its treatment with inlaying thiersch grafts. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1938;36:632–8.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  17. Templeman CL, Lam AM, Hertweck SP. Surgical management of vaginal agenesis. Obstet Gynecol Surv. 1999;54(9):583–91.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  18. Frank RT. The formation of an artificial vagina without operation. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1938;35(6):1053–5.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  19. Londra L, et al. Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser syndrome: a review. Int J Women’s Health. 2015;7:865–70. https://doi.org/10.2147/IJWH.S75637.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  20. Patterson CJ, et al. Exploring the psychological impact of Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome on young women: an interpretative phenomenological analysis. J Health Psychol. 2016;21(7):1228–40. https://doi.org/10.1177/1359105314551077.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  21. Laufer MR. Structural abnormalities of the female reproductive tract. In: Emans SJ, Laufer MR, editors. Pediatric and adolescent gynecology. 6th ed. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2012. p. 177–237.

    Google Scholar 

  22. Adeyemi-Fowode OA, Dietrich JE. Assessing the experience of vaginal dilator use and potential barriers to ongoing use among a Focus Group of Women with Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome. J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol. 2017;30(4):491–4. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpag.2017.02.002.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  23. Ismail-Pratt IS, et al. Normalization of the vagina by dilator treatment alone in Complete Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome and Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser syndrome. Hum Reprod. 2007;22(7):2020–4. https://doi.org/10.1093/humrep/dem074.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  24. Oelschlager A-MA, et al. Primary vaginal dilation for vaginal agenesis: strategies to anticipate challenges and optimize outcomes. Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol. 2016;28(5):345–9. https://doi.org/10.1097/GCO.0000000000000302.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  25. Willemsen WN, Kluivers KB. Long-term results of vaginal construction with the use of Frank dilation and a peritoneal graft (Davydov procedure) in patients with Mayer- Rokitansky-Kuster syndrome. Fertil Steril. 2015;103:220–7.e1.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  26. Callens N, et al. An update on surgical and non-surgical treatments for vaginal hypoplasia. Hum Reprod Update. 2014;20(5):775–801. https://doi.org/10.1093/humupd/dmu024.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  27. Eldor L, Friedman JD. Reconstruction of congenital defects of the vagina. Semin Plast Surg. 2011;25(2):142–7. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0031-1281483.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  28. Allahbadia AG, et al. Vaginoplasty: a case series comparing three different operative techniques. Indian J Obstet Gynecol Res. 2018;5(1):148–53. https://doi.org/10.18231/2394-2754.2018.0033.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  29. Jagadeb S, Bisoi S. Long term outcome of McIndoe’s technique for vaginal agenesis & effect on quality of life, sexual function & body image. Int J Sci Res (IJSR). ISSN (Online): 2319-7064 Index Copernicus Value (2013): 6.14 | Impact Factor (2013): 4.438.

    Google Scholar 

  30. Avino A, et al. Vaginal reconstruction in patients with Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome-one centre experience. Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania). 2020;56(7):327. https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina56070327.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  31. Rao, et al. Recto-neovaginal fistula following vaginoplasty for vaginal agenesis: our experience and management guidelines. Sch J App Med Sci 2015;3(3C):1187–1192.

    Google Scholar 

  32. Buss JG, Lee RA. McIndoe procedure for vaginal agenesis: results and complications. Mayo Clin Proc. 1989;64(7):758–61. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0025-6196(12)61747-9.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  33. Herlin MK, et al. Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome: a comprehensive update. Orphanet J Rare Dis. 2020;15(1):214. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13023-020-01491-9.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  34. Serebrakian AT, et al. Meta-analysis and systematic review of skin graft donor-site dressings with future guidelines. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2018;6(9):e1928. https://doi.org/10.1097/GOX.0000000000001928.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  35. Veronikis DK, et al. The Vecchietti operation for constructing a neovagina: indications, instrumentation, and techniques. Obstet Gynecol. 1997;90(2):301–4. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0029-7844(97)00231-7.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  36. Borruto F, et al. The Vecchietti procedure for surgical treatment of vaginal agenesis: comparison of laparoscopy and laparotomy. Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 1999;64(2):153–8. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0020-7292(98)00244-6.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  37. Langer M, et al. Vaginal agenesis and congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Psychosocial sequelae of diagnosis and neovagina formation. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. 1990;69(4):343–9. https://doi.org/10.3109/00016349009036159.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  38. Miller RJ, Breech LL. Surgical correction of vaginal anomalies. Clin Obstet Gynecol. 2008;51(2):223–36. https://doi.org/10.1097/GRF.0b013e31816d2181.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  39. Feroze RM, et al. Vaginoplasty at the Chelsea hospital for women: a comparison of two techniques. Br J Obstet Gynaecol. 1975;82(7):536–40. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1471-0528.1975.tb00683.x.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  40. Williams EA. Congenital absence of the vagina: a simple operation for its relief. Br J Obstet Gynecol. 1964;71:511–6.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  41. Creatsas G, Deligeoroglou E. Creatsas modification of Williams vaginoplasty for reconstruction of the vaginal aplasia in Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome cases. Women's Health (Lond Engl). 2010;6(3):367–75. https://doi.org/10.2217/whe.10.13.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  42. Gulía C, et al. Androgen insensitivity syndrome. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2018;22(12):3873–87. https://doi.org/10.26355/eurrev_201806_15272.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  43. Rink RC, et al. Reconstruction of the high urogenital sinus: early perineal prone approach without division of the rectum. J Urol. 1997;158(3 Pt 2):1293–7.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  44. Gosalbez R, et al. New concepts in feminizing genitoplasty – is the Fortunoff flap obsolete? J Urol. 2005;174(6): 2350–3; discussion 2353. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.ju.0000180419.62193.78.

  45. Hendren WH, Crawford JD. Adrenogenital syndrome: the anatomy of the anomaly and its repair. Some new concepts. J Pediatr Surg. 1969;4(1):49–58. https://doi.org/10.1016/0022-3468(69)90183-3.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  46. Rink RC, et al. Partial urogenital mobilization: a limited proximal dissection. J Pediatr Urol. 2006;2(4):351–6. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpurol.2006.04.002.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  47. Passerini-Glazel G. A new 1-stage procedure for clitorovaginoplasty in severely masculinized female pseudohermaphrodites. J Urol. 1989;142(2 Pt 2):565–8; discussion 572. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0022-5347(17)38817-1.

  48. Lesma A, et al. Passerini-glazel feminizing genitoplasty: modifications in 17 years of experience with 82 cases. Eur Urol. 2007;52(6):1638–44. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eururo.2007.02.068.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  49. Peña A. The surgical management of persistent cloaca: results in 54 patients treated with a posterior sagittal approach. J Pediatr Surg. 1989;24(6):590–8. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0022-3468(89)80514-7.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  50. Peña A. Total urogenital mobilization – an easier way to repair cloacas. J Pediatr Surg. 1997;32(2):263–7; discussion 267–8. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0022-3468(97)90191-3.

  51. Rink RC, et al. Use of the mobilized sinus with total urogenital mobilization. J Urol. 2006;176(5):2205–11. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.juro.2006.07.078.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  52. Chu K, et al. Resection of longitudinal vaginal septum using a surgical stapler. J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol. 2020;33(4):435–7. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpag.2020.02.011.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  53. Cetin C, et al. Annular hymenotomy for imperforate hymen. J Obstet Gynaecol Res. 2016;42(8):1013–5. https://doi.org/10.1111/jog.13010.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  54. Rock JA, Reeves LA, Retto H, Baramki TA, Zacur HA, Jones HW Jr. Success following vaginal creation for Müllerian agenesis. Fertil Steril. 1983;39(6):809–13.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  55. Williams CE, et al. Transverse vaginal septae: management and long-term outcomes. BJOG. 2014;121(13):1653–8. https://doi.org/10.1111/1471-0528.12899.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  56. Krege S, Walz K, Hauffa B, Körner I, Rübben H. Long-term follow-up of female patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia from 21-hydroxylase deficiency, with special emphasis on the results of vaginoplasty. BJU Int. 2000;86(3):253–8.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  57. Shapiro E, Huang H, Wu X-R. New concepts on the development of the vagina. In: Hypospadias and genital development. Boston: Springer; 2004. p. 173–85.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  58. Hendren WH. Urogenital sinus and cloacal malformations. Female Pelvic Med Reconstr Surg. 1995;1(3):149–60.

    Google Scholar 

  59. Speiser PW, White PC. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia. N Engl J Med. 2003;349(8):776–88.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  60. Engert J. Surgical correction of virilised female external genitalia. In: Surgery in solitary kidney and corrections of urinary transport disturbances. Berlin: Springer; 1989. p. 151–64.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  61. Bailez MM, Gearhart JP, Migeon C, Rock J. Vaginal reconstruction after initial construction of the external genitalia in girls with salt-wasting adrenal hyperplasia. J Urol. 1992;148(2):680–2.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Mélanie Aubé-Peterkin .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2023 Springer Nature Switzerland AG

About this entry

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this entry

Belmonte Chico Goerne, M., Bouhadana, D., El-Sherbiny, M., Aubé-Peterkin, M. (2023). (Neo) Vaginoplasty in Female Pelvic Congenital Anomalies. In: Martins, F.E., Holm, H.V., Sandhu, J.S., McCammon, K.A. (eds) Female Genitourinary and Pelvic Floor Reconstruction. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-19598-3_64

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-19598-3_64

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-031-19597-6

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-031-19598-3

  • eBook Packages: MedicineReference Module Medicine

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Navigation