Bilateral labia-minora skin flaps in vaginoplasty for partial vaginal agenesis: A new technique

摘要

A 17-years unmarried girl underwent vaginoplasty for partial vaginal agenesis along with drainage of haematocolpo-metro-salpingx. From the over hanging redundant labia-minora tissues, bilateral labia-minora flaps were designed to provide an intra-luminal surface lining of the neo-vagina. Bilateral labia-minora flaps are ideal for intra-luminal surface lining of the newly created vaginal cavity as the flaps are thin, pliable, non-hairy, vascular, versatile, well accustomed to genito-urinary secretions and obviate the necessity of prolonged post-operative dilatations to prevent neo-vaginal stenosis. Lining of the neo-vagina with bilateral labia-minora flaps was aesthetically and functionally acceptable. Introduction Different techniques have been described for correction of different degree of vaginal agenesis. Providing an intra-luminal lining of the newly created vaginal cavity with the use of labia minora flaps fulfils almost all the criteria of an ideal neo-vagina. Case Report and Technique A 17-years unmarried girl was brought by her parents with 3 months history of pain and lump in the left half of the hypogastrium. She denied of having onset of menarche. She had feminine characters, well developed bilateral breasts and pubic hair. Three months back, she had undergone unsuccessful attempt of vaginoplasty by some private practitioner. Examination revealed an 8><8 cm tender, firm and mobile lump in left half of the hypogastrium and vaginal atresia. Rectal and bimanual examinations also showed haematocolpos and haematometra. USG delineated haematocolpo-metro-salpingx, normal ovaries and rudimentary uterus. IVP mapped normal upper and lower urinary tract. MRI confirmed vaginal agenesis, haematocolpo-metro-salpingx with pelvic collection of the retained blood. An 18 F Foley catheter was put to identify and safe guard the urethra and 28 F Hagar dilator was inserted into rectum to protect incidental rectal perforation.Xylocaine-adreneline solution (1:200,000) was infiltrated into the atretic tissues. Through a V-shaped incision, a blunt and sharp dissection was carried out taking special care not to perforate urethra and bladder anteriorly and rectum posteriorly. The bluish coloured dome was aspirated to confirm haematocolpos. It was drained with a cruciate incision to open it widely. The over hanging labia minoras were displayed on both sides (Fig.1); bilateral symmetrical flaps were marked (Fig.2); laterally based flaps were designed on either side by opening up of both the layers (Fig.3); and, both the flaps were reposited in to the neo-vaginal cavity to be sutured high-up with the pre-existing vaginal lining. Thorough irrigation was done to evacuate all retained blood products. Any urethral, bladder or rectal injuries were excluded. A condom packed with cotton gauges was put into the neo-vagina and patient was dressed with T-shaped bandage. Her postoperative recovery was smooth. At discharge, she was advised regular use of candle for self vaginal dilatation. Examination at 3 months showed healthy and well taken labia-minora flaps. At 6 month of follow-up, the neo-vagina was having adequate lumen and fully epithelialized (Fig.4). There after she did not require any vaginal mould to be put regularly to prevent vaginal stenosis. She had started having normal menstrual cycle of 5 / 30 days.