Comparison of improved laparoscopic peritoneal vaginoplasty and gasless laparoscopic ileal vaginoplasty in treatment of androgen insensitivity syndrome

Comparison of two laparoscopic vaginoplasties using a single peritoneal flap in patients with Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

To compare two laparoscopic vaginoplasties using a single peritoneal flap (SPF), namely the Hebei I technique and the Hebei II technique, for creation of a neovagina in patients with Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome.

METHODS

A comparative retrospective study was conducted at a university-based tertiary care hospital. From September 2008 to September 2019, 72 patients with MRKH syndrome underwent either the Hebei I technique (n = 49) or the Hebei II technique (n = 23). The perioperative results, complications and anatomical outcomes of two groups were recorded and compared. The functional results of patients who became sexually active were assessed through the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire.

RESULTS

Two techniques achieved anatomical and functional success without intraoperative complications. There was no significant difference in perioperative results, anatomical findings and the FSFI scores between the two groups. Patients in the Hebei II group had a relatively shorter operative time than those in the Hebei I group (P = 0.064). What is more, compared with the Hebei I group, the Hebei II group had significantly fewer granulomatous polyps at the top of the neovagina (P = 0.029) and less mucous production of the neovagina (P = 0.025) during the first 3 months after surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Both the Hebei I and Hebei II techniques are feasible approaches for creating a neovagina which can bring satisfactory anatomical and sexual outcomes in patients with MRKH syndrome. However, the Hebei II technique may be a good alternative to the Hebei I technique because of its relatively shorter operative time, fewer neovaginal secretions and fewer granulomatous polyps.

Bowel vaginoplasty: a systematic review

Among surgical procedures for constructing a neovagina, positive outcomes are reported in literature for bowel vaginoplasty for male-to-female transgenders and patients with vaginal aplasia. This systematic review shows outcomes of bowel vaginoplasty procedures, and rates the quality of evidence of the included studies. A search of the literature was performed in PubMed, Medline, Cochrane Library and SveMed+, in accordance with the PRISMA statement, between January 2016 and February 2018. The PICOS (patients, intervention, comparator, outcomes and study design) approach was used as inclusion criteria. Among 251 analyzed studies only 34 met inclusion criteria. Quality of evidence and methodology were rated according to GRADE and MINORS, respectively. Data from the included studies were extracted based on study characteristics, participants? specifics, type of intervention/treatment and type of outcome measures into data extraction forms. All studies were non-randomized with a high risk of bias and very low quality of evidence according to GRADE. Vaginal reconstruction with isolated bowel segments provides a self-lubricating neovagina with low rates of failure and revision, and without routine dilatation need. Furthermore, the use of laparoscopic techniques offers a better postoperative cosmetic appearance of the abdomen and a shorter hospital stay. Vaginoplasty using bowel segment is a safe and effective procedure that obtains excellent long-term results as reported by the included studies. Despite that further researches are needed improving methodology with larger populations, retrospective qualitative studies and report of outcome measurements using standardized evaluation tools as the Female Sexual Function Index.

Phenotypic and clinical aspects of Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome in a Chinese population: an analysis of 594 patients

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the phenotypic and clinical aspects of Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

SETTING

University hospital.

PATIENT(S)

Five hundred and ninety-four patients with MRKH syndrome.

INTERVENTION(S)

Clinical examination, abdominal or perineal/rectal ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, hormonal profile, karyotype, and laparoscopy.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Clinicopathologic data, VCUAM (vagina cervix uterus adnex-associated malformation) classification, types with cycle phase, and karyotype.

RESULT(S)

We identified associated malformations in 43 out of 594 (7.2%) cases of MRKH. The 594 patients could be grouped into hormone phases: 53.7% follicular, 35.2% luteal, and 11.1% ovulatory. The major karyotype of MRKH patients was 46,XX; abnormal karyotypes were found in two cases.

CONCLUSION(S)

A lower proportion of associated malformations were found when compared with those provided in the current literature. Renal anomalies were the most frequent associated malformations, and most of the patients presented with a normal karyotype. Given the large cohort of this study, the lower malformation rates might be related to geographic or referral patterns, so further investigation is warranted.

Vaginal Rejuvenation with Gore-Mycromesh

Recently, we introduced functional vaginal rejuvenation with elastic silicone threads. However, some patients with specific indications need other biocompatible materials for rejuvenation of the vagina. Gore-Mycromesh is one of the most commonly used materials in plastic and reconstructive surgical fields and it is composed of expanded poly-tetrafluroethylene. In this study, we introduced our clinical experience with static vaginal rejuvenation using Gore-Mycromesh to specifically assess the overall patient satisfaction (Female Sexual Function Index, FSFI). This study included 50 patients who underwent vaginal rejuvenation with a Gore-Mycromesh between 2010 and 2012. After marking two incisions at the inner side of the vaginal inlet and posterior wall, respectively, we performed submucosal dissection at the posterior vaginal wall and then grafted and secured a Gore-Mycromesh to the dissected area (muscle/fascia). Overall the FSFI improved as time progressed up to a year postoperatively. This is especially prominent in the FSFI satisfaction subscore. All but eight patients (42/50, 84 %) were "very satisfied (5)" or "satisfied (4)" with the outcomes after the vaginal rejuvenation. The overall complication rate was 8 %. Based on our clinical experience with the 50 cases, we think that vaginal rejuvenation with Gore-Mycromesh significantly improved postoperative outcomes, resulting in improved sexual function with a focus on improving the FSFI satisfaction subscore in mid-term follow-up. Elderly patients experience better outcomes using gore mycromesh rather than silicone thread because we can plicate the vaginal posterior wall with senile changes simultaneously using an open technique. However, further studies would be warranted for better positioning and adherence of grafted implants to surrounding tissue and for increasing the tightening effect of the implant and its sufficient longevity.