Successful end-to-end cervico-cervical anastomosis in a patient with congenital cervical fragmentation: Case report

Abstract

Cervical agenesis or dysgenesis (fragmentation, fibrous cord and obstruction) is an extremely rare congenital anomaly. Conservative surgical approach to these patients involves uterovaginal anastomosis, cervical canalization, and cervical reconstruction. In failed conservative surgery, total hysterectomy is the treatment of choice. We report what we believe to be the first successful end-to-end cervico-cervical anastomosis of an unusual case of congenital cervical fragmentation. A 15 year old Caucasian female presented complaining of primary amenorrhoea and cyclic, monthly abdominal pain. At laparotomy, a symmetrical transverse disruption of the cervix in a central and distal part was found and an end-to-end cervico-cervical anastomosis of the two cervical fragments was performed with the use of a 16F Foley catheter as a stent into the endocervical canal. One month after surgery the patient had normal menses. We conclude that a thorough investigation of the patient with suspected cervical anomaly is necessary and conservative surgical treatment should be applied as a first-line treatment option. In the presence of functional and intact cervical segments, the reconstruction of the cervical canal with an end-to-end cervico-cervical anastomosis is feasible and effective. © European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology 2004; all rights reserved.