Anatomic and Sexual Outcomes after Vaginoplasty Using Tissue‐Engineered Biomaterial Graft in Patients with Mayer‐Rokitansky‐Küster‐Hauser Syndrome: A New Minimally Invasive and Effective Surgery

Abstract

IntroductionRecent years have seen continuous reports about the successful reconstruction of numerous organs with the application of tissue‐engineering techniques. Thus, we assess the outcomes for vagina reconstruction using tissue‐engineered biological material, which we suggested previously as an ideal graft for vaginoplasty. AimTo evaluate the anatomic and sexual outcomes in patients undergoing vaginoplasty using tissue‐engineered biomaterial mesh. MethodsThis prospective study included 53 patients with Mayer‐Rokitansky‐Küster‐Hauser syndrome admitted to our hospital. Patients underwent vaginoplasty with tissue‐engineered biological material (acellular dermal matrix). Postoperatively, a silicone vaginal dilator (length: 10 cm, diameter: 3.5 cm) was advised to be used for the first 3–6 months to prevent contraction of the neovagina. Follow‐up was performed at 4 weeks, 12 weeks, 12 months, and then annually. Twenty‐four age‐matched women who underwent health examinations during the same time period were selected as a health control group and answered Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaires for the purpose of comparing sexuality. Main Outcome MeasuresAnatomic success was defined by a vaginal length ≥8 cm and a width allowing the easy introduction of two fingers. Sexual outcomes were assessed at the 12‐month follow‐up according to body image perception and FSFI questionnaires validated for the Chinese‐speaking population. ResultsNo severe intra‐operative complications occurred. No graft‐related infection, rejection, or detachment was recorded. The cost for tissue‐engineered biomaterial graft was $1,900 (¥12,000) per person. Postoperatively, granulomatous polyps occurred in 6/53 patients (11.3%) at the vaginal vault and were removed in an outpatient clinic. During a mean follow‐up of 21.1 months, the anatomic success rate was 100%, and all of the patients were satisfied with their body image. Postoperatively, 42 patients were followed up for more than 1 year, and 32 of them were sexually active. Among the 24/32 patients (75%) who answered the FSFI questionnaire, the mean total FSFI score was 26.7 ± 3.5, which was similar to that of the control group (25.6 ± 7.4, P = 0.46). The similarity was also observed in six separate domains of the functional aspect of female sexuality. ConclusionsVaginoplasty with tissue‐engineered biomaterial graft is a safe, effective, minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that provides near normal sexual function for patients with vaginal aplasia.