Sigmoid vaginoplasty in Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser syndrome

Abstract

Introduction: Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser syndrome (MRKH) is characterized by congenital aplasia of the uterus and upper 2/3 of the vagina, with normal female secondary sexual characteristics and a normal karyotype (46, XX). The frequency is 1/4500–5000 female births. The aim of this study was to report the management of MRKH syndrome with sigmoid vaginoplasty. Patients and method: This study included 4 patients recruited over a 4-year period from February 2016 to January 2019. MRKH syndrome was retained in the presence of normal secondary sexual characteristics with normal external genitalia associated with vaginal aplasia and uterine agenesis. The approach was a laparotomy and a perineal approach under general anesthesia. The procedure involved the removal of a sigmoidal colonic graft that was anastomosed with the vaginal dimple. Results: The average age was 23 years. All patients had consulted for primary amenorrhea, infertility, and/or difficulties in sexual intercourse. The diagnosis of MRKH type 1 was retained in all patients. The average length of the vagina was 3.25 cm before surgery and 13.63 cm after surgery. The postoperative outcomes were uneventful in 3 patients. One patient developed anastomotic stenosis that was successfully treated with vaginal dilation for 2 weeks. The average postoperative follow-up was 30 months. Conclusion: In the context of a low-resource setting, sigmoid transposition represents a good procedure to treat vaginal aplasia and restore a satisfactory sexual activity to patients with MRKH type 1.