The Epidemiology and management of gynatresia in Lagos, Southwest. Nigeria. International Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics.
Date
2012
Authors
Ugburo, A.O
Fadeyibi, I.O
Oluwole, A.A
Mofikoya, B.O
Gbadegesin, A
ADEGBOLA, O
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Elsevier Ltd
Abstract
Objective: To document data from patients presenting with gynatresia at 2 tertiary health centers in Lagos,
southwest Nigeria. Methods: In a prospective, descriptive study, clinical history and physical examination
data were collected for women who presented with gynatresia between January 2004 and January 2011. Ultrasonography
results and abnormality at surgery were also documented. Where possible, the severity of stenosis
and surgical outcome were assessed by published scales. Results: Forty-seven patients were included in
the study. Eight patients (17.0%) presented with congenital gynatresia, the commonest cause of which was
Mayer–Rokitansky–Küster–Hauser syndrome (4 patients, 50%). Thirty-nine patients (83.0%) presented
with acquired gynatresia, the main cause of which was herbal pessaries (30 patients, 76.9%). Herbal pessaries
were used to treat fibroids (23 patients, 76.7%), uterovaginal prolapse (3, 10.0%), and infertility (2, 6.7%); and
to procure abortion (2, 6.7%). The ages of the patients who used herbal pessary ranged from 18 to 50 years
(mean 36.10±1.24 years). Other causes of acquired gynatresia were birth injuries (6 patients, 15.4%), and female
genital mutilation (2, 5.1%). Conclusion: Acquired gynatresia was more common in Lagos than congenital
gynatresia. The causes of acquired gynatresia are preventable and could be eliminated by health education
Description
Keywords
Acquired gynatresia Intersex syndrome Pudendal thigh flap Vaginoplasty