Transition Care from Adolescence to Adulthood: A 10-Year Service Review of the Gynecological Implications for Young Women and Girls Born with Cloacal Anomalies

J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol. 2021 Jun;34(3):412-414. doi: 10.1016/j.jpag.2021.01.001. Epub 2021 Jan 12.

Abstract

Study objective: To establish the gynecological and reproductive outcomes for girls born with a cloacal anomaly, seen in a pediatric specialist cloaca clinic.

Design: Local approval was granted to conduct this review. Outcomes were retrospectively identified using healthcare records.

Participants: Girls with known cloacal anomaly, seen in the cloaca clinic between 2009 and 2019, who had attained menarche or received gynecological input.

Results: Nine females met the inclusion criteria, who were 12-30 years old. The mean age of menarche was 12 years (SD = 1.29). Two developed obstructed menstruation, requiring surgical intervention. Vaginal stenosis affected all women. Three women underwent revision surgery, and 1 is awaiting surgery. None of the women have attempted a pregnancy, to our knowledge.

Conclusion: Cloacal anomaly is a rare complex condition. Female individuals with cloacal anomaly require multidisciplinary gynecology specialist care throughout adolescence and adulthood. Provision of a dedicated gynecological service could improve the quality of life of these women.

Keywords: Cloaca; Congenital anomaly; Gynecological anomaly; Gynecological outcome; Mullerian anomaly; Reproductive outcome.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Child
  • Cloaca / abnormalities*
  • Female
  • Gynecology / methods
  • Humans
  • Pregnancy
  • Quality of Life*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Transition to Adult Care
  • Young Adult