Pitfalls in diagnosis and management of distal vaginal agenesis: 10-year experience at a single centre

Posterior fixation of gastric tube with fibrin sealant in laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: a promising method to prevent revision surgeries

BACKGROUND

We aim to assess the effects of gastric posterior fixation with fibrin sealant in laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy in aspects of 12th-month body mass index and gastric volume.

METHODS

The patients who underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy between January 2019 and February 2021 were divided into two groups preoperatively. The first 75 patients were appointed to the posterior fixation group, and the second 75 were to the control group. Changes in gastric volume and body mass index were assessed in the postoperative 12th month.

RESULTS

There were 110 patients in the final analysis. Fifty-four patients had posterior fixation, and 56 had only laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. The posterior fixation group was superior in terms of total weight loss rate (39.1% vs. 34.5%, p<0.001) and less gastric volume increase rate (39.8% vs. 164.7%, p<0.001) in the postoperative 12th month.

CONCLUSION

Our study suggests that posterior fixation with fibrin sealant in laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is a promising method for preventing weight regain and creating a need for revision surgery.

The Use of Urogenital Mobilization Extended by Two Flaps From the Redundant Distal Part of the Urethra in the Repair of the Severe Form of Distal Vaginal Agenesis

OBJECTIVE

To describe and present the results of the use of urogenital mobilization extended by two flaps from the redundant distal part of the urethra in the correction of a severe form of distal vaginal agenesis.

METHODS

During the past 4years (from December 2018 to March 2023), we have performed 2 vaginoplasties using the described procedure. The age of the patients at surgery was 13years. Two girls presented with primary amenorrhea associated with cyclic pelvic pain evolving over several months. Clinical examination revealed a blind vagina and an anterior pelvic mass. Ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging showed a severe form of distal vaginal agenesis. One patient had a 47,XX+mark karyotype and right vesicoureteral reflux. Two patients underwent urogenital mobilization, guided by a tube introduced into the upper part of the vagina through an abdominal approach, and the use of two flaps from the redundant distal part of the urethra to extend the neovagina to the perineum.

RESULTS

The esthetic results were very satisfactory with the disappearance of pelvic pain, and the restoration of a regular flow of menstrual blood without pain. Urinary continence was preserved in two patients.

CONCLUSION

This is the first report of the use of urogenital mobilization extended two flaps from the redundant distal part of the urethra in the correction of a severe form of distal vaginal agenesis. This procedure yielded a very satisfactory esthetic and functional results.

Hematocolpos due to lower vaginal agenesis in an adolescent girl

Background

Hematocolpos due to imperforate hymen is an important differential diagnosis of abdominal pain in early adolescent stage. However, hematocolpos due to lower vaginal agenesis must be considered because the management differs.

Case Presentation

A healthy 11-year-old girl presented with a 2-day left lower abdominal pain history. Her breast development had begun, but she had not reached menarche. Computed tomography showed high absorptive value liquid filling the upper vaginal to uterine cavity, a pale highly absorptive fluid component suggestive of hemorrhagic ascites in the abdominal cavity on both sides of the uterus, and normal bilateral ovaries. Magnetic resonance imaging diagnosed hematocolpos due to lower vaginal agenesis. The blood clot was aspirated with a transabdominal ultrasound-guided transvaginal puncture.

Conclusion

History-taking, imaging tests, and appropriate collaboration with obstetrician/gynecologist with awareness of secondary sexual characteristics were crucial in this case.

Distal Vaginal Atresia with Spontaneous Perforation: A Case Report

BACKGROUND

The definitive treatment of distal vaginal atresia is surgery, but menstrual suppression is often helpful for initial management.

CASE

A 13-year-old presented with primary amenorrhea and progressive abdominal pain. She was diagnosed with distal vaginal atresia and started on hormonal suppression. She then re-presented with heavy vaginal bleeding, and follow-up imaging revealed that spontaneous perforation had occurred. There was now evidence of a tract leading from the obstructed vaginal bulge to the introitus. Vaginoplasty was complicated by the tortuosity of the tract. Under ultrasound guidance, a pull-through vaginoplasty was performed.

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION

Spontaneous perforation of an atretic vagina is rare, but in such cases, urgent vaginoplasty is indicated to prevent infection. Despite the presence of a spontaneous tract leading to the obstruction, vaginoplasty can be complex, and intraoperative ultrasound could be beneficial.

Congenital anomalies causing hemato/hydrocolpos: imaging findings, treatments, and outcomes

Hemato/hydrocolpos due to congenital urogenital anomalies are rare conditions discovered in neonatal, infant, and adolescent girls. Diagnosis is often missed or delayed owing to its rare incidence and nonspecific symptoms. If early correct diagnosis and treatment cannot be performed, late complications such as tubal adhesion, pelvic endometriosis, and infertility may develop. Congenital urogenital anomalies causing hemato/hydrocolpos are mainly of four types: imperforate hymen, distal vaginal agenesis, transverse vaginal septum, and obstructed hemivagina and ipsilateral renal anomaly, and clinicians should have adequate knowledge about these anomalies. This article aimed to review the diagnosis and treatment of these urogenital anomalies by describing embryology, clinical presentation, imaging findings, surgical management, and postoperative outcomes.

Congenital vaginal atresia: about an uncommon case

Congenital vaginal atresia is a rare congenital abnormality of the female reproductive tract due to a failure of canalisation in the urogenital sinus. We report the uncommon case of a 14-year-old girl with a primary amenorrhea associated to a cyclical pelvic pain, in whom examination objectified a vaginal cup that replaced the introitus. Ultrasound examination and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed atresia of the lower third of the vagina. The diagnosis of partial vaginal aplasia on functional uterus was retained, the patient had a perineal vaginoplasty. The evolution was satisfactory with regular cycles and improvement of pelvic pain. The decline is three years. Congenital vaginal atresia is a rare malformation classically and clinically pictured as a primary amenorrhea with chronic cyclic pelvic pain. Diagnosis is based on clinical examination and imaging. The MRI is designed to assess the importance of atresia and guide surgical management while the surgical technique aims to restore the integrity of the utero-vaginal tract and to increase the possibility of pregnancy for these patients.

Winter syndrome: about an uncommon case report

BACKGROUND

Congenital genital tract outflow obstruction may occur at different levels and with different clinical presentations. Winter syndrome was first described in 1968 as an association of renal, genital and middle ear anomalies. This syndrome is characterized by autosomal recessive transmission, unilateral or bilateral renal hypoplasia, distal vaginal atresia, and moderate to severe conductive hearing loss with malformation of the ossicles. The diagnosis is usually made when symptoms of obstruction are obvious. It presents most commonly with primary amenorrhea in a girl with a normal XX genotype, ovarian and hormone function; and cyclical abdominal pain. Ultrasound confirm the physical examination, revealing the presence of a normal uterus and cervix, normal ovaries and fallopian tubes, and a large hematocolpos.

CASE PRESENTATION

This case reports Winter syndrome in a 14-year-old girl which vaginal atresia was managed by a trans perineal vaginal pull through.

CONCLUSIONS

Winter syndrome is a rare congenital condition whose clinical picture is that of an adolescent girl with primary amenorrhea and cyclic pelvic pain due to vaginal atresia, varying degrees of renal dysgenesis and deafness due to malformation of the ossicles of the middle ear. Diagnosis is based on clinical examination and imaging. Magnetic resonance imaging allows assessing the importance of atresia and thus guiding surgical management. The goals of surgical intervention are to provide relief from pain, ensure normal sexual intercourse and to preserve fertility. A thorough knowledge of embryology, pre-operative imaging with MRI and clinical examination is essential to plan an appropriate surgical management.

Whole-Exome Sequencing Identified a TBX6 Loss of Function Mutation in a Patient with Distal Vaginal Atresia

STUDY OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to determine if there are any genetic changes with whole-exome sequencing associated with distal vaginal atresia.

DESIGN

This was a retrospective genetics study of 5 patients who presented with distal vaginal atresia who were recruited between 2017 and 2018. Whole-exome sequencing was performed in each subject with distal vaginal atresia. Sanger sequencing was used to confirm the potential causative genetic mutation.

SETTING

Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.

PARTICIPANTS AND MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The main outcome measure was the rare mutations potentially associated with distal vaginal atresia in 5 patients.

RESULTS

A truncating mutation c.266delC (p.P89Rfs*5) in the T-box transcription factor 6 (TBX6) gene, which is highly expressed in the human vagina, was identified in 1 patient using whole-exome sequencing. The deletion of the 16p11.2 region containing the TBX6 locus has also been reported previously to have the clinical feature of Müllerian agenesis. This mutation was paternally inherited by the patient. This truncating mutation was absent from all of the databases we checked, suggesting that the variant is rare and pathogenic.

CONCLUSION

We showed, to our knowledge, for the first time, that the mutation in TBX6 might be associated with human distal vaginal atresia.

Congenital vaginal atresia: A report of 39 cases in a regional Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital

To investigate the clinical course and management of congenital vaginal atresia. This retro-spective analysis included patients with congenital vaginal atresia treated from March 2004 to August 2014 at the Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University. Thirty-nine patients were included in this study. Their average age was 16.87±2.2 years when they came to our hospital. Totally, 51% of the patients had isolated congenital vaginal atresia with a normal cervix, whereas the others had either cervical atresia or imperforate hymen. The primary presenting signs and symptoms included primary amenorrhea (71.8%), periodic abdominalgia (41.0%), abdominal pain (36.0%), dyspareunia (10.3%), menstrual disorders (5.1%), and pelvic mass (5.1%). Ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were effective inspection methods for the screening of urogenital tract-associated anomalies. Vagi-noplasty mainly included simple vagina reconstruction with insertion of a mold (n=22) and split-thickness skin grafting (n=4). In 64% of surgical patients, normal menstrual bleeding was achieved. Four of the patients subsequently became pregnant and delivered at term. Primary amenorrhea, periodic abdominalgia and abdominal pain are the main reasons for the post pubertal patients to visit doctors. Surgical methods can successfully provide these patients an opportunity for subsequent conservative management, can result in normal menstrual bleeding, resolve cyclic pelvic pain, and provide some po-tential for fertility.

A Case of Distal Vaginal Agenesis Presenting with Recurrent Urinary Tract Infection and Pyuria in a Prepubertal Girl

BACKGROUND

Isolated distal vaginal agenesis is a rare anomaly and mostly becomes symptomatic after menarche. We describe an unusual presentation of this anomaly in a prepubertal girl.

CASE

An 11-year-old prepubertal girl presented with recurrent urinary tract infection, pyuria, and right-sided renal agenesis. The findings of perineal inspection, ultrasonography, and magnetic resonance imaging were consistent with a distal vaginal agenesis with pyometrocolpos. Discharging pyometrocolpos with dissection of the atretic portion and a pull-through vaginoplasty were performed. A cystoscopy showed no sign of a vesicovaginal or uterine fistula.

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION

This rare presentation of distal vaginal agenesis reminds us that congenital malformations of the female genital tract should be considered in patients with congenital anomalies of the urinary system and/or recurrent urinary tract infection, even during the prepubertal period.

Postoperative Course and Complications after Pull-through Vaginoplasty for Distal Vaginal Atresia

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To report the usual postoperative course and complications after pull-through vaginoplasty for isolated distal vaginal atresia.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

Retrospective chart review at Texas Children's Hospital of all patients who were diagnosed with isolated distal vaginal atresia and underwent pull-through vaginoplasty during the study time frame.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Postoperative complications such as vaginal stenosis or infection and postoperative vaginal diameter.

RESULTS

Sixteen patients were identified and charts were reviewed. Patients were initially evaluated by pelvic magnetic resonance imaging and found to have distended hematometrocolpos with distal vaginal atresia. All patients underwent pull-through vaginoplasty with similar operative techniques. The average distance from the perineum to the level of the obstruction was 1.84 ± 1.2 cm. Two patients, both with obstructions at greater than 3 cm, experienced stricture formation postoperatively. Four patients (25%) experienced postoperative vaginitis. One patient (6.25%) experienced a postoperative urinary tract infection. Two groups (3 cm or less versus greater than 3 cm) were compared, and the presence of stricture was statistically different based on mean centimeters from perineum prior to pull-through vaginoplasty (P = .038).

CONCLUSIONS

Distal vaginal atresia is managed with pull-through vaginoplasty. Atresias that extend greater than 3 cm from the perineum are at increased risk for vaginal stricture formation and should be followed to monitor for their formation. Other complications are infrequent and minor.

Peritoneal vaginoplasty by Luohu I and Luohu II technique: a comparative study of the outcomes

BACKGROUND

Surgical vaginoplasty is the standard treatment for women suffering from Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome. This study compares the advantages and disadvantages of Luohu I technique or its modification, Luohu II technique.

METHODS

Women with MRKH syndrome undergoing laparoscopic peritoneal vaginoplasty using either the Luohu I (N = 145) or Luohu II (N = 155) technique were recruited. We compare the effectiveness of the Luohu II and one of Luohu I. Sexual satisfaction was checked by Female Sexual Function Index.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in the mean operation time, volume of intraoperative blood loss, time for the first passage of gas, sexual satisfaction (and hospital stay for patients in either group (P > 0.05). But patients in the Luohu II group had a significantly lower incidence of complications than patients in the Luohu I group. All patients had vaginal depths more than 9 cm over 3 months post-surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with the traditional Luohu I laparoscopic peritoneal vaginoplasty, the Luohu II operation is easier to perform and causes less damage to the bladder and rectum. The physiological and anatomical features of the artificial vagina resemble the normal vagina in both techniques.

Congenital vesicovaginal fistula: spontaneous or forced? Two cases and literature review

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

Congenital vesicovaginal fistula is an exceedingly rare entity. There is no consensus regarding the nature and origin of this condition. We report two cases with congenital vesicovaginal fistula and compile previously reported cases in the English literature. Theories behind the genesis of this anomaly will be briefly presented.

METHODS

We describe the presentation, diagnostic workup, and management of two patients with congenital vesicovaginal fistula. Previously reported cases were retrieved through an extensive English literature review using Medline and PubMed. Cases are tabulated based on the presence or absence of vaginal menstrual outflow obstruction.

RESULTS

Two women, aged 23 and 17, had had cyclic hematuria since puberty that was perceived as normal menstruation. One woman presented with an inability to have sexual intercourse, and the other with severe cyclic pelvic pain. Diagnostic workup unveiled congenital vesicovaginal fistula and distal vaginal agenesis in both. One had abnormal ureteric insertion, while the other had a history of anomalies unrelated to the urogenital system. Successful surgical correction of fistula was undertaken in both. An English literature review revealed 23 reported cases of congenital vesicovaginal fistula. While 74 % had concomitant menstrual outflow obstruction, the remaining had normal menstruation per vagina.

CONCLUSION

Congenital vesicovaginal fistula can present as an isolated anomaly, or associated with complex malformations of a wide spectrum. The presenting symptoms as well as the age at diagnosis vary widely. While the term "congenital" implies its genesis before birth, a congenital vesicovaginal fistula can be a manifestation of faulty embryological development, but also the result of outflow obstruction.

Fibrin Sealant: The Only Approved Hemostat, Sealant, and Adhesive-a Laboratory and Clinical Perspective

Background. Fibrin sealant became the first modern era material approved as a hemostat in the United States in 1998. It is the only agent presently approved as a hemostat, sealant, and adhesive by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The product is now supplied as patches in addition to the original liquid formulations. Both laboratory and clinical uses of fibrin sealant continue to grow. The new literature on this material also continues to proliferate rapidly (approximately 200 papers/year). Methods. An overview of current fibrin sealant products and their approved uses and a comprehensive PubMed based review of the recent literature (February 2012, through March 2013) on the laboratory and clinical use of fibrin sealant are provided. Product information is organized into sections based on a classification system for commercially available materials. Publications are presented in sections based on both laboratory research and clinical topics are listed in order of decreasing frequency. Results. Fibrin sealant remains useful hemostat, sealant, and adhesive. New formulations and applications continue to be developed. Conclusions. This agent remains clinically important with the recent introduction of new commercially available products. Fibrin sealant has multiple new uses that should result in further improvements in patient care.