Clitoral Reconstruction Using a Vaginal Graft After Female Genital Mutilation

Reconstructive surgery for women with female genital mutilation: A scoping review

BACKGROUND

Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a global public health concern. However, reconstructive surgery remains unavailable in many countries.

OBJECTIVES

This scoping review, guided by Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) principles, explores indications, referral routes, eligibility, care pathways and clinical outcomes of reconstructive surgery for FGM.

SEARCH STRATEGY

Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms and subject headings were searched in EMBASE, MEDLINE, SCOPUS, Web of Science and publicly available trial registers.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Any primary experimental and quasi-experimental study addressing reconstructive surgery for FGM, and its impact on women, published before June 2023.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

After removing duplicates from the search results, titles and abstracts were screened and data were extracted. Disagreements were resolved through panel discussion. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) flow diagram depicts the search results and inclusion process.

MAIN RESULTS

A total of 40 studies were included. Multidisciplinary teams were involved in 40% (16/40) of the studies, and psychosexual counselling was offered in 37.5% (15/40) of studies. Clitoral reconstruction using Foldes' technique was predominant (95%, 38/40). A total of 7274 women underwent some form of reconstruction. Post-surgery improvement was reported in 94% of the cases (6858/7274). The complication rate was 3% (207/7722 women with reconstruction).

CONCLUSIONS

Further research and clinical trials are needed. Although the outcomes suggest improved sexual function and quality of life post-surgery, the evidence remains limited. Advocating surgical reconstruction for survivors of FGM is vital for addressing health disparities and potential cost-effectiveness.

Sensitivity after Clitoral Reconstruction in Patients with Female Genital Mutilation

Background

In the past decades, reconstructive choices after female genital mutilation extended beyond de-infibulation and scar release. The current trend to expand techniques addressing sexual and aesthetic aspects by reconstructing the clitoris and prepuce, and dissecting the clitoral nerves raises concern, as there is a paucity of evidence on the functional outcomes and suspected iatrogenic lacerations.

Methods

A total of 128 female genital mutilation patients were included in the study. To evaluate clitoral sensitivity after elevation, the Semmes-Weinstein-monofilament test was performed before and after genital reconstruction.

Results

Preoperatively, patients with a visually intact clitoris showed significantly better sensitivity compared with patients with a mutilated clitoris or infibulation (P < 0.0001). Surgery was performed in 84 patients. After clitoral reconstruction (CR), 70 of 73 patients were able to perceive 2.83 monofilaments (95.9%), whereas three perceived 3.61. Patients with a visually intact clitoris served as control, and 95.0% perceived 2.83 monofilaments. We showed a significant improvement of clitoral sensitivity (P = 0.0020) in the subgroup consisting of patients with a mutilated clitoris in whom the test was performed before and after reconstruction.

Conclusions

Clitoral sensitivity improves significantly after CR. Seventy of 73 patients attained the same sensitivity as unharmed women. No patient showed a decreased sensitivity compared with their preoperative findings. Therefore, our study supports the argument that CR offers sufficient improvement of objective clitoral sensitivity without additionally addressing clitoral nerves.

Examining the key features of specialist health service provision for women with Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) in the Global North: a scoping review

Background

Health care for women with Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) in the Global North is often described as sub-optimal and focused on maternity care. Specialist FGM/C services have emerged with little empirical evidence informing service provision. The objective of this scoping review is to identify the key features of FGM/C specialist care.

Methods

The review was conducted in accordance with JBI methodology. Participants: organisations that provide specialist FGM/C care. Concept: components of specialist services. Context: high-income OECD countries. Eligibility criteria included primary research studies of any design from 2012 to 2022, providing a comprehensive description of specialist services. Seven bibliographic databases were searched (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science, SCOPUS, Cochrane Library and MIC). The components of "specialist" (as opposed to "generalist") services were defined and then applied to an analysis of FGM/C specialist care. FGM/C specialist provision was categorised into primary (essential) and secondary features. Data were extracted and analysed descriptively through charting in tables and narrative summary.

Results

Twenty-five papers described 20 unique specialist services across eleven high income countries. Primary features used to identify FGM/C specialist care were:-(i) Named as a Specialist service/clinic: 11/20 (55%); (ii) Identified expert lead: 13/20, (65%), either Midwives, Gynaecologists, Urologist, or Plastic Surgeons; (iii) Offering Specialist Interventions: surgical (i.e., reconstruction and/or deinfibulation) and/or psychological (i.e., trauma and/or sexual counselling); and (iv) Providing multidisciplinary care: 14/20 (70%). Eleven services (in Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, France, Belgium, and USA) provided reconstruction surgery, often integrated with psychosexual support. No services in UK, Norway, and Australia offered this. Six services (30%) provided trauma therapy only; 25% sexual and trauma therapy; 15% sexual therapy only; 30% did not provide counselling. Secondary features of specialist care were subdivided into (a) context of care and (b) the content of care. The context related to concepts such as provision of interpreters, cost of care, community engagement and whether theoretical underpinnings were described. Content referred to the model of care, whether safeguarding assessments were undertaken, and health education/information is provided.

Conclusion

Overall, the features and composition of FGM/C specialist services varied considerably between, and sometimes within, countries. Global guidelines advocate that specialist care should include access to deinfibulation, mental health support, sexual counselling, and education and information. The review found that these were rarely all available. In some high-income countries women cannot access reconstruction surgery and notably, few services for non-pregnant women mentioned safeguarding. Furthermore, services for pregnant women rarely integrated trauma therapy or psychosexual support. The review highlights a need for counselling (both trauma and psychosexual) and culturally-appropriate sensitive safeguarding assessments to be embedded into care provision for non-pregnant as well as pregnant women. Further research is needed to extract the features of specialist services into a comprehensive framework which can be used to examine, compare, and evaluate FGM/C clinical specialist care to determine which clinical features deliver the best outcomes. Currently a geographical lottery appears to exist, not only within the UK, but also across the Global North.

The comparison of sexual function in types I and II of female genital mutilation

BACKGROUND

Female genital mutilation has many sexual, physical, and psychological consequences. The present study aimed to examine the relationship between Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C), and Sexual Function among circumcised women in Sardasht City, Iran."

METHODS

In this present cross-sectional study, 197 women who were mutilated entered the study by simple random sampling from two healthcare centers in Sardasht, Iran. A gynecologist first performed a genital examination to identify the type of female genital mutilation of participants. Subsequently, Socio-demographic and FGM/C-related characteristics checklist and the female sexual function index questionnaire were completed by interview method. Data were analyzed using SPSS 23 software.

RESULTS

Type I and II of female genital mutilation were performed in 73.1 and 26.9% of the participants, respectively. The age range of performing female genital mutilation in type I and II of female genital mutilation was 4-10 years old in 67.4% and 71.1% respectively. Traditional practitioners/local women carried out the circumcision in all of the participants, and Sunnah/tradition was reported as the most common reason for doing this procedure. The average total score of FSFI index in type I and II of female genital mutilation was 23.5 ± 2.0 and 17.4 ± 2.39, respectively. In all domains of FSFI, women with type II of female genital mutilation obtained lower scores than women with type I.

CONCLUSION

Circumcised women have reduced scores in all domains of FSFI, and the severity of sexual dysfunction is related to the type of FGM/C. Considering the prevalence of female genital mutilation and its adverse effects, it is imperative to initiate cultural improvements through education and awareness. By educating and raising awareness among individuals about this issue, we can foster positive changes and address the problem effectively.

Prognostic factors of poor surgical outcome after clitoral reconstruction in women with female genital mutilation/cutting

BACKGROUND

Complications of surgical clitoral reconstruction for female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) are a rare occurrence, but there has been reports of patients experiencing chronic pain or clitoral burial.

AIM

This study aims to assess which factors are predictive of the occurrence of surgical complications in women who had surgical reconstruction for FGM/C (type 1, 2, or 3).

METHODS

This monocentric retrospective study was conducted among patients who underwent clitoral reconstruction after FGM/C from January 2016 to March 2020. Demographic and clinical data were abstracted from the medical records.

OUTCOMES

The primary outcome was the occurrence of chronic pain (defined as occurrence or persistence of any clitoral pain >3 months after surgery), and the secondary outcome was the occurrence of clitoral burial.

RESULTS

A total of 87 women were included in the analysis. Univariate analysis indicated significantly higher rates of a history of physical abuse in the group of women who experienced chronic pain after surgery (4 [100%] vs 2 [37.1%], P = .049). Patients with clitoral burial were significantly younger than the rest of the sample in univariate analysis (median [IQR], 29.6 years [24.6-30.2] vs 33.8 [28.2-37.9]; P = .049).

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

Surgical treatment of women who underwent FGM/C should include the entire history of the patient and especially a record of experiencing physical abuse.

STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS

The study stands out for its originality, the extensive sample size gathered over nearly 4 years, the surgical clitoral reconstructions conducted by an experienced surgeon, and the minimal amount of missing data. However, because the occurrence of these complications was rare, the number of patients in the subgroups was extremely low, preventing a valid multivariate analysis to be conducted.

CONCLUSION

The study suggests that women with a history of physical abuse could be at greater risk for chronic pain after surgery and that younger women tend to experience more clitoral burial.

Prevalence and patterns of intimate partner violence among antenatal clinic attendees at federal medical center, Abuja

Background

Intimate partner violence (IPV) has been a source of increasing concern to the government of nations as well as their citizens despite measures taken to reduce it. This is supported by recent data published by the World Health Organization and other development partners. In health care facilities, intimate partner violence in pregnancy has not been screened routinely. Community-based findings have been the source of most data informing policies for decisions.

Objectives

These were to determine the prevalence and patterns of IPV among antenatal clinic attendees at the Federal Medical Center (FMC), Abuja.

Materials and Methods

Following ethical clearance, a health facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted at the FMC, Abuja to determine the prevalence and correlates of IPV during pregnancy among attendees of antenatal clinics. It was conducted between 26th June and 17th September 2021. A total of 450 questionnaires were administered among consecutive consenting clients and 407 were returned filled giving a non-response rate of 9.6%. The questionnaire collected data on respondents' sociodemographics; experience of and types of IPV; and health problems arising from IPV. Results were presented in tables and charts and analysis was done using IBM SPSS (International Business Machines' Statistical product and service solutions) version 25 software.

Results

The mean age was 29.37 ± standard deviation 4.43 years and the predominant ethnic group was Igbo (46.5%); 96.56% were married; 68.06% had tertiary education and 49.14% were in their third trimesters. The combined incidence of intimate partner violence among the participants was 17.69% with physical violence contributing 3.19%; the head region (40%) being the most affected body part. While 34% experienced intrauterine foetal death in the past following IPV. In Miller's landmark study, 27 of 1300 sexually active young women, one in five reported partner pregnancy non promoting behaviors, such as intimidation, threats to leave the relationship if the woman did not become pregnant or actual violence. The two most significant factors for IPV were age and marital status both at P values of P = 0.0001.

Conclusion

Medical doctors should feel more open discussing issues around IPV with their clients during antenatal visits.

Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma in Clitoral Reconstructive Surgery After Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting: A Pilot Case Study

BACKGROUND

Postoperative healing after clitoral reconstruction (CR) for female genital mutilation/cutting can be long and painful due to prolonged clitoral re-epithelialization time (up to 3 months). Autologous platelet-rich plasma (A-PRP) might reduce postoperative clitoral epithelialization time and pain.

OBJECTIVES

The authors assessed postoperative clitoral re-epithelialization time and pain after intraoperative clitoral administration of A-PRP.

METHODS

Five consecutive women underwent CR (Foldès technique) followed by the administration of A-PRP Regen Lab SA (Le Mont-sur-Lausanne, Switzerland) plasma and glue, injected inside and applied above the re-exposed clitoris, respectively. We recorded surgical complications, postoperative clitoral pain (visual analogue scale), painkiller intake, time to complete re-epithelialization, and the experienced subjective changes in sexual response and perception of their own body image referred by women.

RESULTS

Sexual distress/dysfunction as well as the desire to be physically and symbolically "repaired" were the reasons behind women's requests for surgery. None of the women suffered from chronic vulvar or non-vulvar pain. All women achieved complete clitoral epithelialization by day 80, 3 women between day 54 and 70, and only 1 woman was still taking 1 g of paracetamol twice a day at 2 months postoperative. She had stopped it before the 3-month control. There were no short- or long-term complications. All women described easier access and stimulation of their clitoris as well as improved sexual arousal, lubrication, and pleasure and claimed to be satisfied with their restored body image.

CONCLUSIONS

A-PRP could expedite postoperative clitoral epithelialization and reduce postoperative pain after CR after female genital mutilation/cutting.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4

Outcomes of clitoral reconstruction in women that experienced genital mutilation and/or genital cutting: 10 years of experience in the Netherlands

Background

The empowerment of women that migrated from Africa and the Middle East to the Netherlands increased the awareness and demand for clitoral reconstruction in women that experienced genital mutilation and/or genital cutting (FGM/C). Our aim was to investigate the outcomes of FGM/C-corrective surgeries conducted over a 10-year period.

Methods

We recruited 72 patients with FGM/C from January 2010 to January 2021. All patients received counseling and underwent strict selection for surgery. Clitoroplasty was performed according to the Foldès technique. Patients were followed for a mean of 13 months. Surgery outcomes were evaluated with a questionnaire.

Results

Of 72 women recruited, 19 (26%) were unsuitable for clitoral reconstructive surgery, due to comorbidities that required prior treatment (n = 5), unrealistic expectations about the surgery outcome (n = 12), a desire for information only about the procedure (n = 2), a choice to treat only a Bartholin cyst (n = 1), or previous surgery for FGM/C (n = 1). As of January 2021, 45 patients had undergone surgery and were included in the present study. After surgery, we performed primary clitoroplasty. Postoperatively, we observed four minor complications. Among all 45 patients, 35 (76%) reported satisfaction with the treatment and improvements in self-respect. Four woman reported disappointment in the aesthetic results, but they were satisfied with the surgery. Six women were lost to follow-up.

Conclusions

After well-specified preoperative patient selection, clitoral reconstructive surgery led to a high patient satisfaction rate with minor surgical complications. Among patients that desire reconstruction, this surgery can be performed after careful counseling.

Level of evidence: Level IV,  Risk/Prognostic study.

Clinical and Patient-Reported Outcomes of 19 Patients Undergoing Clitoral and Labial Reconstruction After Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting

BACKGROUND

Female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) is the intentional alteration, removal, or injury of female genitalia for non-medical reasons. Approximately 200 million females have been victims of FGM/C, and genital reconstructive procedures are increasing in demand.

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of this study were to assess clinical and patient-reported outcomes after FGM/C reconstruction to help guide treatment practices.

METHODS

Adult patients undergoing anatomic reconstruction after FGM/C were retrospectively identified. Outcomes included clitoral, labial, and donor site surgical site occurrences (SSO) and the need for revision operations. Patient-reported outcomes were assessed using an adapted version of the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), a validated outcomes instrument that assesses sexual function through 6 domains, with each domain having a maximum score of 6.

RESULTS

Nineteen patients were identified in our review. Patients presented for reconstruction due to dyspareunia, inability to orgasm, chronic infections, to normalize appearance, and/or to "feel normal." There were no SSOs and two revision operations for adhesions. 74% of patients completed the FSFI postoperatively. Despite most patients seeking repair for inability to orgasm and/or dyspareunia, the median scores for these domains were 4.6 and 5.2. Patients' desire to engage in sexual activity scored lowest (3.9), and patients reported concerns over the appearance of their genitalia (50%) that affected self-confidence (85.7%).

CONCLUSION

FGM/C reconstruction is safe and contributes to improvements in physical sexual health. Psychological trauma may contribute to lessened sexual desire and self-confidence even after reconstruction. Multidisciplinary treatment is important to address the long-term psychological effects of this practice.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors   www.springer.com/00266 .

Novel Clitoral Reconstruction and Coverage With Sensate Labial Flaps: Potential Remedy for Female Genital Mutilation

BACKGROUND

Complications caused by female genital mutilation (FGM), such as clitoral pain, reduced sensation, and diminished sexual function, can be alleviated by clitoral reconstruction, which can also improve the aesthetics and restore the anatomy of the genitalia.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to create sensate labial flaps to cover the neoclitoris and assess the outcome of the procedure.

METHODS

Between December 2018 and July 2020, 40 patients with FGM underwent clitoral reconstruction and coverage with sensate labial flaps donated by the remnant of the labia minora and were followed prospectively. Flaps were mapped on the less-mutilated labia minora according to recent descriptions of arterial anatomy and innervation. Before the surgery, the patients' clitoral sensation was assessed on a 6-point scale and they were also given the Female Sexual Functional Index (FSFI) questionnaire to complete. Eight and 24 weeks postoperatively, the same assessment was repeated and the data compared.

RESULTS

The mean Female Sexual Functional Index score increased significantly from 11.64 (range, 2.8-25.6) preoperatively to 29.14 (range, 12.8-35.4) postoperatively. Similarly, clitoral sensation increased significantly from 2.35 (range, 1-4) before the surgery to 4.9 (range, 2-6) after the surgery. In total, 95% of patients benefited from the surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Clitoral reconstruction with sensate labial flaps after FGM resulted in significant improvements in sexual function, clitoral sensation, genital aesthetics, and self-esteem.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4

Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma for Clitoral Reconstruction: A Case Study

Clitoral reconstruction after female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) is associated with significant post-operative pain and months-long recovery. Autologous platelet-rich plasma (A-PRP) reduces the time of healing and pain in orthopedic and burn patients and could also do so in clitoral reconstruction. In the present case, a 35-year-old Guinean woman who had undergone FGM/C Type IIb presented to our clinic for clitoral reconstruction. Her request was motivated by low sexual satisfaction and body image. We surgically reconstructed the clitoris using the Foldès method and applied plasma and glue of A-PRP. The patient was highly satisfied with the procedure. Two months post-operatively, her pain had ceased entirely and re-epithelialization was complete. We conclude that A-PRP may improve pain and healing after clitoral reconstruction. Extensive studies investigating long-term outcomes are needed.

Surgical management of female genital mutilation-related morbidity: A scoping review

BACKGROUND

Over 200 million women and girls worldwide have suffered from the partial to total removal of external female genitalia for nonmedical purposes, referred to as female genital mutilation (FGM). Survivors of FGM may develop debilitating physical and psychological long-term sequelae. This is the first study to examine the scope of the extant surgical literature on the management of FGM-related morbidity.

METHODS

A systematic scoping review of five major research citation databases was conducted.

RESULTS

A total of 190 articles from 29 countries met the inclusion criteria. The majority (76%) were primary source articles and from obstetrics and gynecology literature (71%). Reported interventions for FGM-related morbidity were defibulation, cyst excision, clitoral and vulvar reconstruction, urological reconstruction, peripartum procedures, labial adhesion release, and reinfibulation.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgery for FGM complications spans multiple specialties, which suggests multidisciplinary collaboration benefit. Plastic and reconstructive surgeons have a clear role in the multidisciplinary care team for these patients. This scoping review identified a paucity of high-quality evidence with respect to functional quality of life outcomes and long-term follow-up.

Clitoral Reconstructive Surgery After Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting: Anatomy, Technical Innovations and Updates of the Initial Technique

INTRODUCTION

Female genital mutilation (FGM) includes all procedures that involve partial or total removal of the female external genitalia or any other injury of the female genitalia that is performed for nonmedical reasons. FGM is classified into 4 types. Surgical clitoral reconstruction was first described by Thabet and Thabet in Egypt and subsequently by Foldès in France. The technique was then modified by different authors.

AIM

This article aims to provide a detailed description of clitoral surgical reconstruction and the modifications which have been made over time to improve the procedure while recalling current knowledge in the anatomy of the clitoris.

METHODS

We performed a broad systematic search in PubMed/Medline and EMBASE bibliographic databases for studies that report the surgical technique of clitoral reconstruction. From the anatomical point of view, we examined available evidence (from 1950 until 2020) related to clitoral anatomy, the clitoral role in sexual functioning, female genital mutilation/cutting, and surgical implications for the clitoris.

MAIN OUTCOMES

A review of the surgical techniques for clitoral reconstruction after female genital mutilation/cutting RESULTS: We described the current anatomical knowledge about the clitoris, and the procedures based on the surgical technique by Pierre Foldès, We included the technical modifications and contributions described in articles published subsequently.

CONCLUSION

Surgical repair of the clitoris for FGM offers anatomical and functional results although they still have to be evaluated. However, it should not be the only therapeutic solution offered to women with FGM. Botter C, Sawan D, SidAhmed-Mezi M, et al. Clitoral Reconstructive Surgery After Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting: Anatomy, Technical Innovations and Updates of the Initial Technique. J Sex Med 2021;18:996-1008.

Guideline No. 395-Female Genital Cutting

OBJECTIVES

To decrease the likelihood that the practice of female genital cutting (FGC) be continued in the future and to improve the care of girls and women who have been subjected to FGC or who are at risk by providing (1) information intended to strengthen knowledge and understanding of the practice, (2) information regarding the legal issues related to the practice, (3) guidance for the management of its obstetrical and gynaecological complications, and (4) guidance on the provision of culturally competent care to girls and women affected by FGC.

OPTIONS

Strategies for the primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention of FGC and its complications.

OUTCOMES

The short- and long-term consequences of FGC.

INTENDED USERS

Health care providers delivering obstetrical and gynaecological care.

TARGET POPULATION

Women from countries where FGC is commonly practised and Canadian girls and women from groups who may practise FGC for cultural or religious reasons.

EVIDENCE

Published literature was retrieved through searches of PubMed, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Library in September 2010 using appropriate controlled vocabulary (e.g., Circumcision, Female) and key words (e.g., female genital mutilation, clitoridectomy, infibulation). Searches were updated and incorporated in the guideline revision December 2018.

VALIDATION METHODS

The quality of evidence in this document was rated using the criteria described in the Report of the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care.

BENEFITS, HARMS, AND COSTS

There are no anticipated harms or costs to health care facilities with implementation of this guideline. Benefits may include a greater willingness of women living with FGC to seek timely care.

SUMMARY STATEMENTS

RECOMMENDATIONS.

Clitoral reconstructive surgery after female genital mutilation: A systematic review

OBJECTIVE

To summarize available evidence on clitoral reconstruction after Female genital mutilations/cut (FGM/C).

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review of the literature to identify studies on clitoral reconstruction after previous FGM/C with at least 6 months of follow-up. The literature search was performed in the following databases: PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library. The period considered was from the database inception to June 30th, 2020.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Post-operative vulvar pain or dyspareunia, changes in sexual activity or orgasm, and the impact on self-image.

RESULTS

We identified 8 studies; four used the same "Foldès technique", and four adopted similar techniques based on the downward mobilization of the clitoral stump, with different reconstructions of glans and prepuce. The postoperative complication rate was reported at 5.3%. Sexual function is the only outcome investigated by all studies, which consistently suggest that clitoral reconstruction appear effective to improve clitoral pleasure/orgasm. Almost all studies assessed self-image, which appears improved. Only 2 studies provided data about pain and/or dyspareunia, which were improved by clitoral reconstruction. However, the risk of bias is high. Most patients were lost at follow-up, and validated instruments to assess outcomes were used only in a minority of studies.

CONCLUSIONS

Although clitoral reconstructive surgery for FGM/C appears safe and effective, caution is required to interpret available evidence due to significant limitations. Further studies are required to compare the proposed techniques and to confirm the effectiveness in terms of vulvar pain and/or dyspareunia, sexual activity and/or orgasm, and self-image improvement.

Clinical Features Associated with Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting: A Pilot Longitudinal Study

(1) Background: Female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) is associated with physical and psychological complications. However, there is scarce literature on how women with FGM/C respond to treatment interventions. (2) Methods: In the present pilot longitudinal study, we assessed changes in general psychopathology (Symptom Check List-90-R), sexual functioning and distress (Female Sexual Function Index, Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised, and Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) female sexual dysfunction criteria), body image (Body Shape Questionnaire), and sexual body image (Female Genital Self-Image Scale) in a sample of n = 15 women with FGM/C before and after reconstructive surgery. (3) Results: Sexual distress was significantly improved following surgery. We also observed an improvement in general psychopathology and genital self-image. However, sexual function was not improved. (4) Conclusions: These results provide evidence for the benefits of reconstructive surgery on sexual distress in women with FGM/C. The impact of surgery on sexual function cannot be conclusively evaluated.

National Survey of US Plastic Surgeon Experience with Female Genital Mutilation

Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a growing problem in the United States, with the past few decades showing a dramatic increase in prevalence. This study aims to understand the plastic surgeon experience with FGM and inform preparedness for this rising problem.

Directive clinique No 395 - Excision génitale féminine

OBJECTIFS

La présente directive clinique vise à diminuer la probabilité que la pratique de l'excision génitale féminine (EGF) se poursuive et à améliorer les soins prodigués aux filles et aux femmes qui ont subi une EGF ou qui risquent d'en subir une en fournissant (1) des renseignements destinés à améliorer les connaissances et la compréhension de la pratique, (2) des renseignements sur les enjeux juridiques liés à cette pratique, (3) des directives relatives au traitement des complications obstétricales et gynécologiques connexes et (4) des directives sur la compétence culturelle dans la prestation de soins aux filles et femmes touchées par l'EGF.

OPTIONS

Des stratégies de prévention primaire, secondaire et tertiaire de l'EGF et de ses complications. RéSULTATS: Les conséquences à court et à long terme de l'EGF.

UTILISATEURS CIBLES

Les fournisseurs de soins de santé qui fournissent des soins obstétricaux et gynécologiques.

POPULATION CIBLE

Les femmes originaires de pays où l'EGF est couramment pratiquée ainsi que les filles et femmes canadiennes issues de groupes où l'EGF est parfois pratiquée pour des motifs culturels ou religieux. DONNéES PROBANTES: Des recherches ont été effectuées en septembre 2010 dans le moteur PubMed et les bases de données CINAHL et Cochrane Library au moyen d'une terminologie contrôlée appropriée (p. ex. Circumcision, Female) et de mots-clés en anglais (p. ex. female genital mutilation, clitoridectomy, infibulation) afin de rassembler la littérature publiée sur le sujet. Les recherches ont été mises à jour et intégrées à la révision de la directive clinique en décembre 2018. MéTHODES DE VALIDATION: La qualité des données probantes contenues dans le présent document a été évaluée en fonction des critères décrits dans le rapport du Groupe d'étude canadien sur les soins de santé préventifs. AVANTAGES, PRéJUDICES, ET COûTS: Aucun coût ni préjudice n'est anticipé pour la mise en œuvre de cette directive clinique dans les établissements de santé. Au nombre des avantages, la directive pourrait inciter les femmes ayant subi une EGF à solliciter rapidement des soins. DÉCLARATIONS SOMMAIRES: RECOMMANDATIONS.

Clitoral Reconstruction After Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting: A Review of Surgical Techniques and Ethical Debate

INTRODUCTION

Clitoral reconstruction (CR) is a controversial surgical procedure performed for women who have undergone medically unnecessary, often ritualistic genital cutting involving the clitoris. Such cutting is known by several terms; we will use female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C). Treatments offered to women affected by complications of FGM/C include defibulation (releasing the scar of infibulation to allow penetrative intercourse, urinary flow, physiological delivery, and menstruation) and CR to decrease pain, improve sexual response, and create a pre-FGM/C genital appearance.

AIM

In this study, our aim is to summarize the medical literature regarding CR techniques and outcomes, and stimulate ethical discussion surrounding potential adverse impacts on women who undergo the procedure.

METHODS

A broad literature review was carried out to search any previous peer-reviewed publications regarding the techniques and ethical considerations for CR.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

The main outcome measure includes benefits, risks, and ethical analysis of CR.

RESULTS

While we discuss the limited evidence regarding the risks and efficacy of CR, we did not find any peer-reviewed reports focused on ethical implications to date.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

CR can be indicated as a treatment for pain and potential improvement of associated sexual dysfunction when these have not responded to more conservative measures. Women must be appropriately informed about the risks of CR and the lack of strong evidence regarding potential benefits. They must be educated about their genital anatomy and disabused of any myths surrounding female sexual function as well as assessed and treated in accordance with the current scientific evidence and best clinical practices.

STRENGTH & LIMITATIONS

This is the first formal ethical discussion surrounding CR. This is not a systematic review, and the ethical discussion of CR has only just begun.

CONCLUSION

We present a preliminary ethical analysis of the procedure and its potential impact on women with FGM/C. Sharif Mohamed F, Wild V, Earp BD, et al. Clitoral Reconstruction After Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting: A Review of Surgical Techniques and Ethical Debate. J Sex Med 2020;17:531-542.

Psychosexual Consequences of Female Genital Mutilation and the Impact of Reconstructive Surgery: A Narrative Review

Purpose: We aim to provide a comprehensive overview of the health consequences of female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C), with a particular focus on the psychosexual implications of this practice and the overall impact of reconstructive plastic surgery.

Methods: A MEDLINE search through PubMed was performed to identify the best quality evidence published studies in English language on long-term health consequences of FGM/C.

Results: Women with FGM/C are more likely to develop psychological disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, somatization, phobia, and low self-esteem, than those without FGM/C. Most studies showed impaired sexual function in women with FGM/C. In particular, women with FGM/C may be physiologically less capable of becoming sexually stimulated than uncut women. Reconstructive surgery could be beneficial, in terms of both enhanced sexual function and body image. However, prospective studies on the impact of reconstructive surgery are limited, and safety issues should be addressed.

Conclusion: Although it is clear that FGM/C can cause devastating immediate and long-term health consequences for girls and women, high-quality data on these issues are limited. Psychosexual complications need to be further analyzed to provide evidence-based guidelines and to improve the health care of women and girls with FGM/C. The best treatment approach involves a multidisciplinary team to deal with the multifaceted FGM/C repercussions.

Addressing Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) in the Era of Clitoral Reconstruction: Plastic Surgery

PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW

The aim of this review is to give an overview of the recent evidence on clitoral reconstruction and other relevant reconstructive plastic surgery measures after female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C).

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent publications present refinements and modifications of the surgical technique of clitoral reconstruction along with reconstruction of the labia majora and clitoral hood. Novel approaches with reposition of the clitoral nerve, anchoring of the labia majora, fat grafting, and full thickness mucosa grafts have been introduced. The current evidence on outcomes of clitoral reconstruction shows potential benefits. However, there is a risk of postoperative complications and a negative outcome. Experts in the field advocate for a multidisciplinary approach including psychosexual counseling and health education with or without subsequent clitoral reconstructive surgery.

SUMMARY

The evolution of reconstructive treatment for women with FGM/C is expanding, however at a slow rate. The scarcity of evidence on clitoral reconstruction halters availability of clinical guidelines and consensus regarding best practice. Clitoral reconstruction should be provided by multidisciplinary referral centers in a research setting with long-term follow-up on outcomes of postoperative morbidity and possible benefits.