Laparoscopic uterovaginal anastomosis in patients with congenital cervicovaginal atresia: An institutional experience with 23 patients

Abstract

ObjectiveTo introduce our experience of laparoscopic uterovaginal anastomosis and operative outcomes following this technique and update the clinical management of congenital cervicovaginal atresia. Study designBetween March 2015 and January 2019, twenty-three patients with congenital cervicovaginal atresia underwent laparoscopic uterovaginal anastomosis and Luohu procedure. Their clinical characteristics, surgical outcomes and follow-up data were retrospectively reviewed. ResultsThe mean ± SD age of the cases was 16.4 ± 4.0 (11–26) years. All patients had a history of primary amenorrhea and cyclical abdominal pain, and the average delay in diagnosis from first symptoms was 33.5 ± 38 (1–156) months. Most of the patients had 1−3 cm long vaginal pouch. The operative procedure lasted 125 ± 32 (80–190) min. The average vaginal length at 1 month was 7.9 ± 1.3 (range 6–9) cm. All patients showed resumption of menstruation. The patients were followed for a mean of 27 ± 13 (12–56) months. During the follow-up, cervical stenosis did not occur in any of the cases. ConclusionLaparoscopic uterovaginal anastomosis with Luohu procedure provided a minimally invasive, safe, and effective surgical option for the patients with congenital cervicovaginal atresia. The technique is uncomplicated, easy to learn and perform, and provides a functional and anatomic satisfactory result. No special surgical instruments are required with this technique.