Evaluation of Sexual Function Outcomes in Patients with Rokitansky Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Abstract

In patients with Rokitansky syndrome, vaginal agenesis can be treated using various surgical techniques, and various factors can affect each surgery outcome in the long term. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate sexual function outcomes in patients with Rokitansky syndrome after various surgery techniques. Searches were conducted in Google Scholar, PubMed, Cochrane database, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, and ClinicalTrials.gov. Systematic searches were conducted on studies published until November 2022 (CRD42022370735). During the first stage of database scanning and reference check, 1820 results were identified, and an evaluation of the total 10 studies was finally conducted. The inclusion criteria involved selecting randomized controlled trials that focused on assessing sexual function after surgical treatment in patients of all ages with Rokitansky syndrome. EndNote version 20 software was used to organize and identify duplicate articles through screening. The Joanna Briggs Institute's critical appraisal tool was used to evaluate each study's quality for bias potential. The results showed that the total scores of female sexual functions in patients with Rokitansky syndrome after vaginoplasty were significantly lower than in healthy women (standardized mean difference, -0.233; p <.05; range, -0.376 to -0.090). The 6-domain analysis of the Female Sexual Function Index questionnaire revealed that lubrication (p <.05) and satisfaction (p <.05) were significantly lower in patients undergoing vaginoplasty. All surgical techniques to create a neovagina for patients with Rokitansky syndrome have successfully affected the sexual function outcomes. Considering all other factors affecting sexual function outcomes in the long term, more quantitative and qualitative studies are needed to assess sexual satisfaction in patients treated with surgical techniques.