Neovagina in Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) Syndrome: Vaginoplasty Using Ileal Flap

Acta Med Port. 2023 Jun 1;36(6):408-415. doi: 10.20344/amp.18563. Epub 2023 Jan 4.

Abstract

Introduction: Surgical treatment of patients with malformations of the female genital tract is a complex problem and there are different techniques described in the literature. The goal of all these techniques is the reconstruction of a neovagina that is anatomically similar to a vagina, with adequate length to facilitate sexual functioning and with the lowest risk of possible complications. The aim of this study is to describe the surgical technique for the reconstruction of a neovagina from an ileal segment without a vascular pedicle.

Material and methods: Description of a surgical technique developed in our tertiary university center in a patient with Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome.

Results: The vaginoplasty surgery using ileal flap was performed in three steps. In the first part of the intervention a laparoscopic hysterectomy with bilateral salpingectomy was performed. The second step consisted of isolating the ileal segment, ileal anastomosis and preparing the ileal segment. After the isolated segment was prepared, it was repositioned in a vagina mold to configure the neovagina. Finally, the third step included the adaptation of the vaginal mold with the ileal mucosa to the vesicorectal space.

Conclusion: Ileal vaginoplasty without a vascular pedicle is an option that can be used to reconstruct the vagina, because it provides an excellent tissue for vaginal replacement. This technique can be used in patients with genital malformations of the genital tract with absence or vaginal hypoplasia.

Keywords: 46; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures; Vagina/surgery; XX Disorders of Sex Development/surgery.

MeSH terms

  • 46, XX Disorders of Sex Development* / surgery
  • Female
  • Gynecologic Surgical Procedures* / methods
  • Humans
  • Mullerian Ducts / abnormalities
  • Mullerian Ducts / surgery
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Vagina / surgery

Supplementary concepts

  • Mullerian aplasia