Nerve sparing clitoroplasty in a rare case of idiopathic clitoromegaly

Anatomy of the clitoris: the corona of the glans clitoris, clitoral coronal papillae, and the coronopreputial frenulum

The corona of the glans clitoris is a clinically important yet poorly understood anatomical structure. There has been longstanding confusion regarding the prevalence of the corona of the glans clitoris and, moreover, its very existence. Therefore, this anatomical study assesses the prevalence of the corona of the glans clitoris and the gross anatomy of the proximal glans clitoris. Anatomy was assessed in 104 female donor bodies ranging in age from 50 to 102 years with an average age-at-death of 78.1±10.9 years (mean±SD). All clitorises (100%; 104:104 dorsums and 100%; 208:208 sides) were found to have a well-defined clitoral corona. Three of 104 (2.9%) coronas possessed grossly visible, outward-projecting, bluntly rounded papillae. Some donors possessed a coronopreputial frenulum. Clitoropreputial adhesions were common and associated with clitoral pearls. Clitoral pearls were identified in 37.8% (14:37) of unembalmed donors and observed to create clitoral craters, structural deformations in the surface of the corona and glans. The results of this study suggest that the corona of the glans clitoris is a ubiquitous anatomical structure. The clitoral coronal papillae and coronopreputial frenulum are novel, previously undescribed, anatomical structures. This study identifies that the corona of the glans clitoris is prone to pathological processes such as clitoral pearl formation and clitoral deformation. In addition to novel anatomical findings, the results of this study call attention to the need for life-long clitoral examinations. Furthermore, the corona of the glans clitoris should be regularly included in anatomical texts and accurately depicted in anatomical illustrations.

Genital reconstruction in an adult female patient with idiopathic clitoromegaly: A case report

INTRODUCTION

Clitoromegaly is an abnormality condition commonly related to congenital adrenal hyperplasia; it is rare due to idiopathic. Until now, there is no report about idiopathic clitoromegaly who reach adulthood and evaluation of their sexual life after reconstructive surgery.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

We presented an adult female patient with chief complain of enlarged clitoris since birth. The phenotypic appearance of ambiguous external genitalia resembling severe hypospadias with scrotal bifid. Other female secondary sexual characteristics were normal. The karyotype test result was 46 XX. We did genitalia reconstruction with nerve-sparing clitoroplasty, oral mucosal graft vaginoplasty, and labioplasty.

DISCUSSION

Many factors contribute to clitoromegaly which emerge transiently during the intrauterine period. Our case was unique due to clitoromegaly persistence until adulthood and can not be explained by any hypotheses. Adult females with clitoromegaly and urogenital sinus (UGS) bring a specific problem, especially to their sexual life. The reconstructive surgery should consider the phenotype of genital anatomy, preservation of clitoral neurovascular bundles, and adequate dimension of the vagina. Oral mucosal graft is an option as substitutive materials that can be used for vaginal augmentation.

CONCLUSION

This is a case report of adult female idiopathic clitoromegaly patient. Scrutinized evaluation is needed to confirm the diagnosis. Many aspects should be considered to perform feminizing genitoplasty. The surgery did not reduce the sensitivity of clitoris and allow the patient to do sexual activity after marriage during a one-year follow up.

Reduction Clitoroplasty by Ventral Approach: Technical Refinement

Background

Aesthetic alteration of the genitalia is increasingly sought by women who are unhappy about the size, shape or overall appearance of their vulva. Clitoral hypertrophy is usually seen in congenital malformations, specifically in intersexual stages of hormonal expression. A large clitoris has an appearance of a small penis, is psychologically disturbing and interferes in sexual activity.

Purpose

Clitoral reduction surgery has evolved over the years. Total clitorectomy, clitoral recession and neuro-vascular pedicle sparing clitoroplasty can be considered as three major milestones in its evolution. In nerve sparing clitoroplasty, earlier dorso-lateral approach was challenged by ventral approach, which is establishing itself as the approach of choice by its own merits. Clitoral reduction surgery being not a very commonly performed surgery, demands refinements in its technique to improve its results and particularly the aesthetic outcome, which is gaining more importance in recent years.

Methods

An adult case of late onset congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) with clitoromegaly underwent nerve sparing reduction clitoroplasty by ventral approach under moderate magnification. We present key points of the preoperative anatomic evaluation. Technical refinements planned and executed step wise during the procedure resulted in satisfactory outcome.

Result

Patient now has normal appearing genitalia, a small clitoris nicely covered by skin hood and very well preserved sensation to light touch.

Conclusions

Preservation of sensation in the glans clitoris is of paramount importance during clitoral reduction surgery. Knowledge of the anatomy of the neurovascular supply to the glans clitoris gives us freedom from not isolating it in order to preserve it. In fact a deliberate attempt to dissect it can prove detrimental particularly when operating on a smaller organ during childhood. A ventral approach with refined technique proves safe and gives satisfactory result. Moderate degree of magnification eases dissection. A component-based detailed preoperative planning improves the overall aesthetic appearance of the female genitalia.

Clitoromegaly in Childhood and Adolescence: Behind One Clinical Sign, a Clinical Sea

The clitoris is a highly complex organ whose structure has only been clarified in recent years through the use of modern imaging techniques. Clitoromegaly is an abnormal enlargement of this organ. It may be congenital or acquired and is usually due to an excess of androgens in fetal life, infancy, or adolescence. Obvious clitoromegaly in individuals with ambiguous genitalia is easily identifiable, whereas borderline conditions can pass unnoticed. Case reports of clitoromegaly with or without clinical or biochemical hyperandrogenism are quite numerous. In these subjects, a comprehensive physical examination and an accurate personal and family history are needed to investigate the enlargement. We reviewed the literature on the conditions that may be involved in the development of clitoromegaly in childhood and adolescence.