CLITOROPLASTY FOR GENITAL VIRILIZATION IN GIRLS WITH CONGENITAL ADRENAL HYPERPLASIA

Abstract

To investigate the effectiveness of clitoroplasty of reserving the clitoris dorsal neurovascular bundle and the ventral complete urethral plate for genital virilization in girls with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). Between June 2000 and October 2015, 27 girls with genital virilization were treated with clitoroplasty of reserving the clitoris dorsal neurovascular bundle and the ventral complete urethral plate. The chromosomal karyotype was 46, XX in all patients, whose age ranged from 3 to 11 years (mean, 3.9 years). According to Parder's virilization scale, 5 cases were classified as stage Ⅱ, 18 cases as stage Ⅲ, and 4 cases as stage Ⅳ. The hormone tests showed decreased cortisol level and increased testosterone and 17-hydroxyprogesterone levels. They were diagnosed with non-salt-wasting CAH. All of the patients underwent clitoroplasty successfully. The mean operation time was 74 minutes (range, 58-95 minutes). Incision healed primarily. The patients were followed up 6 months to 10 years (median, 19 months). The external genitalia had good appearance, without necrosis of flap and the glans clitoris, abnormal sensation of the glans clitoris, or clitorism recurrence. Five girls had breast development and normal menstrual cycle during adolescence, and 1 patient who was followed up for 10 years gave birth to a son. Clitoroplasty of reserving the clitoris dorsal neurovascular bundle and the ventral complete urethral plate is a relatively ideal method for treating genital virilization in girls. It has less complications, good aesthetic and functional results. There are satisfactory outcomes when combining with the endocrine treatment.