Clinical Recommendation: Labial Adhesions

Clinical Characteristics of Gynecologic Problems During Childhood in the Korean Population

BACKGROUND

This study analyzed common gynecologic problems among Korean patients younger than ten years.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis of medical records of patients younger than ten years who visited the Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology Clinic at Samsung Medical Center between 1995 and 2020.

RESULTS

Among the 6,605 patients who visited the Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology Clinic, data from 642 patients younger than ten years were analyzed in this study. The most common chief complaint was genital anomalies, followed by increased vaginal discharge and abnormal findings on clinical examinations. The most common disease entity was agglutination of the labia minora, which was commonly discovered incidentally during routine screenings. Vulvovaginitis, the second most common disease, was identified by symptoms of vaginal discharge, pruritus, and vaginal spotting. Neoplasm, issues with vaginal bleeding, and "other causes" were additional categories of gynecologic problems. 245 patients (38.2%) were referred from primary care sources, 175 patients (27.4%) sought care directly at the clinic, 169 patients (26.3%) were referrals from the institution's pediatric department, and the remainder were referrals from other departments.

CONCLUSION

This study provides information about the gynecologic problems most frequently encountered in pediatric patients. The study provides helpful insight for primary care physicians into the proper management and timing of referrals for these gynecologic problems of pediatric patients.

Imperforate Hymen: Clinical Pearls and Implications of Management

Imperforate hymen is a common condition that with classic appearance and presentation in puberty. This may be diagnosed in a neonate when mucocolpos is noted. There are many great pretenders of this condition, but the hallmarks include a bulging hymen with blue hue at puberty. If this is not seen on external genital exam, the provider should proceed with magnetic resonance imaging to better assess the reproductive tract anatomy before engaging in surgery. For providers uncomfortable in managing conditions often confused with an imperforate hymen, referral to a Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecologist or specialist comfortable managing these conditions, is recommended.

Treatment of Clitoral Keratin Pearls with Topical Estrogen Cream: Case Report

BACKGROUND

Keratin pearls are intraepithelial accumulations of squamous cells and debris that can be an etiology of vulvovaginal irritation in pediatric patients and are often associated with clitoral adhesions. Historically, most cases have been managed with manual or operative lysis of adhesions.

CASE

Two prepubertal girls presented to our clinic with chronic clitoral irritation and were found to have clitoral adhesions with keratin pearls. Both were managed with topical estrogen cream, which resulted in resolution of their symptoms.

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION

Keratin pearls can form when the overlying clitoral epithelium becomes blocked by clitoral adhesions. Hypoestrogenism is thought to be implicated in adhesion development; thus, topical estrogen cream is a reasonable option in initial management. Our results demonstrate a noninvasive alternative to the initial treatment of clitoral keratin pearls.

New context, new content-Rethinking genital anatomy in textbooks

It has been widely claimed that reductions in allocated teaching time and the widespread implementation of short-cut teaching methodologies have led to a shortfall in anatomy knowledge among graduating doctors. This decline in knowledge is evident in the failure of anatomy content to prepare graduates for contemporary clinical practice. The implications for postgraduate surgical training are addressed in the numerous extracurricular anatomy courses available to surgical candidates. This paper focuses on genital diversity and its relevance to non-surgical graduates, thus highlighting another potential impact of this knowledge shortfall on frontline clinic consultations. As the gender revolution and female genital cosmetic surgery industry flourish, nothing in contemporary anatomy textbooks addresses issues of diversification of female genitalia nor gives medical graduates a realistic view of what is normal regarding female genital appearance.

Labial Fusion Recurrence in a Prepubertal Girl: A Case Report and Review of Literature

Labial fusion is the fusion of labia minora or majora and results in partial or complete fusion of the vaginal orifice. The condition is commonly seen in prepubertal girls and post-menopausal women, but it can sometimes be seen in reproductive age group women also.

We present here a case of a three-year-old girl who presented with recurrence of labial fusion and dysuria. The patient had a similar labial fusion three months before, which was treated with manual separation followed by estrogen cream application. The recurrence of labial fusion was managed conservatively. This case report highlights the possibility of recurrence of labial fusion in prepubertal girls till they attain puberty, as well as its conservative management.

Retrospective evaluation of labial fusion in girls

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the factors affecting fusion in girls treated for labial fusion retrospectively over a three-year period. Material and Method: The research has a cross-sectional design. The research sample consists of girls with ICD10 code Q52.5 who were brought to the hospital with labial fusion symptoms in a three-year period (January 2018-December 2020). The data were obtained from the hospital information system. Variables that were effective in labial fusion recurrence were determined by Chi-Square analysis, and the marginal effects of effective variables on recurrence were analyzed by Poison Regression analysis. Results: 52.9% of 308 cases were younger than one year old (mean age 4.36±1.10 months). Symptom presentation is 10.4% in children younger than one year of age, and 84.83% in older. The most commonly presented symptoms are pain, burning, soiling of underwear, and bad odor during urination. Labial fusion recurrence is 14.1% in children younger than one year of age, and 62.8% in older. Manual opening was applied in all cases, and weekly follow-ups were performed with topical treatment. The Poison Regression analysis revealed that a history of allergy (1.31 times; z:3.61, p:0.000), winter (0.86 times; z:3.22, p:0.001), and diaper dermatitis (1.22 times; z:5.19, p:0.000) increased the number of labial fusion recurrence. Conclusion: The findings of our study are similar to the literature in terms of factors causing labial fusion and treatment type. The recurrence rate was found to be higher in our study. It should be kept in mind that labial fusion is asymptomatic, especially in girls in the first year of life. Considering the possibility of recurrence of labial fusion, mothers and physicians examining the child should be aware of this issue.

Management of labial adhesion in a developing country—an observational study

Background

Labial adhesion is the fusion of the labia minora or majora. The literature reports conservative management. However, the situation may be different in our setup, where management differs due to prevailing circumstances. The present study was conducted to evaluate labial adhesion presentation, management, and outcome in our center.

Methods

It was a retrospective observational study from January 2015 to January 2020. The patients were evaluated for age at presentation, presenting symptoms, type of adhesions, treatment, recurrence, and follow-up. The treatment included the manual release of labial adhesion and Mupirocin ointment application for 15 days. They were advised to attend the outpatient department after 1 month for evaluation and later on in case of any problem.

Results

The total number of patients was 150, of which 104 (69.33%) were from rural backgrounds. The complaint was of the absent vaginal opening in all patients. Seventeen (11.33%) were advised ultrasonography of the abdomen elsewhere to look for the presence of internal genital organs. The local examination revealed poor hygiene in 65 (43.33%) patients. The patient with thick adhesions has minor erythema after the release of adhesions. Ten (6.66%) patients had a recurrence managed by repeat release with no recurrence.

Conclusion

Despite being a benign entity, labial adhesion may be a cause of severe concern. Manual separation and antibiotic ointment may be a viable first option in its management with minimal recurrence. Maintenance of local hygiene may be needed to prevent a recurrence. The overall outcome is excellent.

Recurrence rates after surgical management of labial adhesions

INTRODUCTION

Labial adhesions (LA) involves fusion of the labia minora in the midline. LA can range from involving just a small portion of the labia minora or the entire length, covering the urethra and vaginal opening. Treatment for labial adhesions includes the use of topical creams, manual lysis or surgical separation. The recurrence rate has been reported as 55%, 33% and 0% respectively. Only one study with a cohort of 9 patients examines recurrence rates after surgical release (0%).

OBJECTIVE

To verify the previous findings that surgical repair has low recurrence rate. We hypothesize the recurrence rate of LA after surgical repair to be lower than more conservative methods but that the recurrence rate is not 0%.

STUDY DESIGN

A retrospective review was performed of consecutive cases of LA that were treated surgically from August 2018 to October 2020. The surgical technique used involved opening the LA bluntly then oversewing each labia with fine absorbable suture. All patients were scheduled for clinic or telephone follow up 3 months postoperatively. Patient demographics, indication for procedure, history of prior treatment, operative time, complications, recurrence and length of follow up were recorded and are described using non-parametric methods.

RESULTS

Thirty-two female patients underwent surgical treatment of LA using the above-described technique. Median age at surgery was 3.7 y (IQR 2.7-5.3). Most patients (78.1%) had failed prior initial treatment, most commonly topical estrogen creams. Median follow up was 4.3 mos with 10 patients being lost to follow up. Only 2 patients experienced a recurrence at a median of 3.5 months.

CONCLUSIONS

This series verifies prior findings that, in the short-term, surgical repair has a lower recurrence rate than topical treatment or manual lysis. However, the recurrence rate is 9%, higher than previously reported. Further studies into longer-term follow up are underway.

Labial adhesions in a pre-pubertal girl: The importance of awareness

Labial adhesion affects up to 0.6-5% of pre-pubertal girls. They may be congenital or acquired. Patients usually are asymptomatic, and thus, labial adhesions are found incidentally on routine examination. If the patient is indeed truly asymptomatic, there is no need for any treatment, and reassurance only is needed. When treatment is indicated, topical application of oestrogen cream is advised, but when this fails, surgical intervention is recommended. Recurrence is common regardless of the treatment. We present the case of a three-year-old girl managed by release of adhesions under topical anaesthesia and topical application of oestrogen cream.

Labial Adhesion: New Classification and Treatment Protocol

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To determine the subtypes of labial adhesion (LA) and arrange treatment options accordingly.

DESIGN AND SETTING

Patients who presented to our clinic with LA between July 2016 and February 2018 were divided into 4 groups. Location of the adhesion area, thickness of the adhesive tissue, and response to topical steroid (betamethasone valerate 0.1% ointment) therapy were identified as common features.

PARTICIPANTS

Seventy-five prepubertal girls.

INTERVENTIONS AND MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

To determine the subtypes of the LA and evaluate the treatment response of patients in each subtype group.

RESULTS

LA was divided into 4 subtypes according to their common characteristics. For patients with type I, 2 weeks of topical steroid treatment resulted in complete recovery (100%). For those with type II, 12 (80%) patients had complete response to topical steroid treatment for an average of 3 weeks. Type III and IV patients were completely unresponsive to topical steroid treatment.

CONCLUSION

Classification of LA patients into subtypes and determination of treatment on the basis of this classification make a major contribution in planning the treatment of patients, not by trial-and-error, but using a predetermined strategy.

The role of bladder function in the pathogenesis and treatment of urinary tract infections in toilet-trained children

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common reason for referral to pediatric specialists and the risk profile of these children is influenced by age, sex, and underlying urinary tract abnormalities. UTIs in toilet-trained children represent a different entity than confirmed, febrile UTIs that occur in infants, impacted by suboptimal bladder habits, bladder dysfunction, constipation, or a combination of these factors. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed and MEDLINE and search terms included recurrent UTI, VUR, bladder and bowel dysfunction (BBD), constipation, lower urinary tract symptoms, and voiding dysfunction. Common presenting symptoms of UTI in children include fever (> 38 °C) with or without "traditional" lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) such as dysuria, malodorous urine, frequency, urgency, and incontinence. However, many infections in older children are afebrile episodes-consisting primarily of LUTS-which may or may not be confirmed with biochemical and/or microbiological evidence. Therefore, when evaluating toilet-trained children with recurrent UTIs, it is paramount to consider dysfunctional elimination as an underlying cause, diagnose, and treat it prior to indicating surgical options, even in the presence of VUR or other anatomical abnormalities. Although the impact of bladder function on the risk of infections is important, so is the accurate diagnosis and initial evaluation. This review article will focus on an often overlooked yet critical factor: the impact of bladder function, particularly for toilet-trained children, as well as the importance of implementing bladder training strategies, aggressive management of constipation, and pharmacological management as necessary.

Treatment of Prepubertal Labial Adhesions: A Randomized Controlled Trial

STUDY OBJECTIVE

Although various treatment options have been proposed for the treatment of labial adhesions, there are currently no clearly outlined limits on the duration of topical therapy, amount of lateral traction to apply, and methods to decrease the recurrence. This clinical trial was undertaken to assess the need for estrogen for treatment of prepubertal labial adhesions.

DESIGN

Randomized, double-blinded, controlled trial.

SETTING

Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology Clinic at a children's hospital in a metropolitan area.

PARTICIPANTS

Prepubertal girls ages 3 months to 12 years with labial adhesions.

INTERVENTIONS

Lateral traction with topical estrogen or topical emollient.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome was resolution of labial adhesions. The secondary outcome was the change in severity of labial adhesions over time between the 2 groups.

RESULTS

Forty-three girls were enrolled and 38 (88%) completed the study. The difference in complete resolution between the topical emollient group (19%) and the topical estrogen group (36%) was not statistically significant (P = .21). There was a statistically significant decrease in severity of labial adhesions over time, with the magnitude of improvement favoring the topical estrogen group.

CONCLUSION

Although labial adhesion severity decreased when treated with lateral traction and topical emollient or topical estrogen, the magnitude of the effect was significantly greater for topical estrogen.

Spontaneous resolution of labial adhesions in pre-pubertal girls

AIMS

This study sought to observe the rate and timing of spontaneous resolution of labial adhesions that had been diagnosed in pre-pubertal girls. The secondary aim was to evaluate the conservative approach to management of labial adhesions that has been advocated by the Gynaecology Department, by assessing the rates of concurrent uro-gynaecological symptoms in this population, as well as parent satisfaction with their child's management.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was performed of all patients diagnosed with labial adhesions in the Department of Paediatric and Adolescent Gynaecology between 2000 and 2017. Patients and their parents (depending on the age of the patient at the time of this study) were then invited to participate in follow-up surveys and questionnaires and clinical examination.

RESULTS

Of 148 girls identified, the median age of the follow-up participants (n = 45) was 6.1 years (2.6-27.2 years), compared with that of the entire cohort of 7.4 years (1-27 years). After a median follow-up period of 2.6 years (0.4-20.7 years), 40% (18/45) of girls reported and/or had findings that supported resolution of labial adhesions without treatment. Two parents (4%) sought treatment elsewhere after their appointment. A history of UTI was reported in 30% (14/45) of patients, and 16% (7/45) had a known history of vulvovaginitis.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings support the natural history of spontaneous resolution of labial adhesions. Concurrent uro-gynaecological conditions that developed were successfully treated according to standard treatments. A conservative approach to the management of labial adhesions is associated with very low rates of parental concern and intervention.

Demographic characteristics of labial adhesion in South Korea: a population-based study from 2010 to 2014

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the demographic features of labial adhesion (LA) in South Korea.

DESIGN

A population-based nationwide study.

SETTING

Census population of South Korea.

PARTICIPANTS

With the entire population of South Korea (n=47 990 761), patients under age 7 who were newly diagnosed with LA from January 2010 to December 2014 were included.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

The average incidence and the peak age of LA occurrence were estimated.

RESULTS

A total of 4934 newly diagnosed LAs were analysed. The incidence of LA has constantly increased since 2008, the year that the Korean Developmental Screening Test for InfantsandChildren registry began. The average incidence of LA was 55.0 cases/100 000 person-years (95% CI 53.5 to 56.6). The highest incidence was 183.6 cases/100 000 person-years (95% CI 175.8 to 191.6) in the age group of13 to 24 months. The relative risk of acquiring LA in the age group of 13 to 24 months was 1.481 (95% CI 1.381 to 1.587) compared with the age group of 0 to 12 months.

CONCLUSIONS

The demographic characteristics of LA including the average incidence and the highest incidence age group in South Korea were revealed in this nationwide, population-based study including a total of 4934 newly developed LA cases. Further studies are needed to reveal the natural disease course and the significance of diagnosing asymptomatic LA cases.

Tubo-Ovarian Abscess in a Virginal Adolescent with Labial Agglutination Due to Lichen Sclerosus

BACKGROUND

We describe an unusual presentation of lichen sclerosus in a postmenarchal, virginal girl.

CASE

A 14-year-old girl first presented with acute urinary retention due to labial agglutination and developed bilateral tubo-ovarian abscesses in 10 days of the conservative management period. Abscesses were treated with antibiotherapy and percutaneous drainage; simple division of the labial agglutination and vulvar biopsies were performed with a preliminary diagnosis of lichen sclerosus. Postoperative follow-up with antibiotherapy and clobetasol propionate 0.05% ointment was uneventful.

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION

Lichen sclerosus should be considered in cases of labial agglutination with atypical presentations. Finally, this case reminds us that pelvic inflammatory disease and tubo-ovarian abscess must be kept in mind even in virginal adolescents, especially in the presence of obstructive lesions of the genital tract.

A Pediatrician's Take on a Few Common Infant Urologic and Gynecologic Issues

Urologic and gynecologic issues are common in a pediatric primary care office. This article focuses on the evaluation and management of a few common diagnoses in infants and young children: fetal hydronephrosis, labial adhesions, physiologic phimosis, and hydrocele. This article can help pediatricians decide when these common issues can be managed in the primary care office and when they need subspecialty guidance. [Pediatr Ann. 2017;46(11):e397-e399.].

Vulvovaginitis- presentation of more common problems in pediatric and adolescent gynecology

Vulvovaginitis is one of the most common gynecological complaints presenting in the pediatric and adolescent female. The common causes of vulvovaginitis in the pediatric patient differ than that considered in adolescent females. When a child present with vulvar itching, burning and irritation the most common etiology is non-specific and hygiene measures are recommended. However these symptoms can mimic more serious etiologies including infection, labial adhesion, lichen sclerosis, pinworms and foreign body must be considered. Yeast infection is rare in the pediatric population but common in the adolescent. In the adolescent patient infections are more common. Yeast and bacterial vaginosis are commonly seen but due to the higher rate of sexual activity in this population sexually transmitted infections must also be considered.

Labial adhesion - diagnostics and treatment

BACKGROUND

Labial adhesion is relatively common, but the condition is little known among doctors and parents. The article assesses treatment in the specialist health service.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

The treatment and course are assessed in 105 girls in the age group 0 – 15 years who were referred to St. Olavs Hospital in the period 2004 – 14.

RESULTS

The majority of the girls (n = 63) were treated topically with oestrogen cream. In 26 of 51 girls (51 %) for whom the final result is known, the adhesion opened after one treatment. When 1 – 4 oestrogen treatments were administered, the introitus had opened completely in two out of three (65 %). Fewer than half of those who received supplementary surgical treatment achieved permanent opening.

INTERPRETATION

Treatment for labial adhesion had a limited effect in this study. As the literature suggests that the condition results in few symptoms and resolves spontaneously in virtually all girls in puberty, no compelling medical reason exists for opening the adhesion in asymptomatic girls. It is important that doctors are aware of the condition in order to prevent misdiagnosis and to provide parents with adequate information. For parents it is important to know that spontaneous resolution may result in soreness and dysuria. Knowledge of the condition can most likely prevent unnecessary worry.

Laser-induced synlabia, cryptomenorrhea, and urine retention: A case report and literature review

Cosmetic laser use has many pros and cons. The worldwide use of laser for body hair removal has led to many medical complications. Unsupervised use of the laser for hair removal in vulva may result in many problems and can merely damage the vulva, although rarely, affecting the body image. This rare and novel case report is a 21 year old virgin who presented with acute urinary retention and cryptomenorrhea due to complete synlabia secondary to unsupervised vulval laser hair removal. The urinary retention was relieved by suprapubic catheterization initially. During examination under anesthesia, the fused labia were separated by a surgical incision with drainage of hematocolpos and then, a Foley's urethral catheter was inserted. She had an uneventful recovery. We report this case to emphasize on the supervised use of laser by trained and qualified personnel for hair removal in vulva to minimize its complications.