Congenital obstructive anomalies of the vagina are unusual and can be challenging to diagnose and manage. Two of the most challenging are obstructive hemivagina with ipsilateral renal agenesis (Figure 1a) and agenesis of the lower vagina (Figure 1b), the latter of which must be differentiated most commonly from imperforate hymen (Figure 1c). Evaluation and treatment of these anomalies is dependent upon the age of the patient, as well as the symptoms, and the timing of treatment should be individualized.
Agenesis of the lower vagina
Reproduced with permission from Laufer MR. Structural abnormalities of the female reproductive tract. In Emans, Laufer, Goldstein's Pediatric & Adolescent Gynecology, 6th Ed, Emans SJ, Laufer MD editors. Wolters Kluwer, 2012.]
OHVIRA.
Agenesis of the lower vagina and imperforate hymen may present either in the newborn period as a bulging introitus caused by mucocolpos from vaginal secretions stimulated by maternal estradiol or during adolescence at the time of menarche. In neonates, it often is best not to intervene when obstructive anomalies are suspected as long as there is no fever; pain; or compromise of respiration, urinary and bowel function, and other functionality. It will be easier to differentiate agenesis of the lower vagina and imperforate hymen – the latter of which is one of the most common obstructive lesions of the female genital tract – later on. And if the hymen remains imperforate, the mucus will be reabsorbed and the patient usually will remain asymptomatic until menarche.
In the adolescent time period, both anomalies often are identified when the patient presents with pelvic pain – usually cyclic pelvic pain with primary amenorrhea. Because the onset of menses typically occurs 2-3 years after the onset of estrogenization and breast development, evaluating breast development can help us to determine the timing of expected menarche. An obstructive anomaly should be suspected in an adolescent who presents with pain during this time period, after evaluation for an acute abdomen (Figure 2a).
Reproduced with permission from Laufer MR. Structural abnormalities of the female reproductive tract. In Emans, Laufer, Goldstein's Pediatric & Adolescent Gynecology, 6th Ed, Emans SJ, Laufer MD editors. Wolters Kluwer, 2012.
Fig 1b: Agenesis of the lower vagina
When a vaginal orifice is visualized upon evaluation of the external genitalia and separation of the labia, a higher anomaly such as a transverse vaginal septum should be suspected. When an introitus cannot be visualized, evaluation for an imperforate hymen or agenesis of the lower vagina is necessary (Figure 1b and 1c).
The simplest way to differentiate imperforate hymen from agenesis of the lower vagina is with visualization of the obstructing tissue on exam and usage of transperitoneal ultrasound. With the transducer placed on the vulva, we can evaluate the distance from the normal location of an introitus to the level of the obstruction. If the distance is in millimeters, then typically there is an imperforate hymen. If the distance is larger – more than several millimeters – then the differential diagnosis typically is agenesis of the lower vagina, an anomaly that results from abnormal development of the sinovaginal bulbs and vaginal plate.
The distance as measured by transperitoneal ultrasound also will indicate whether or not pull-through vaginoplasty (Figure 2b) – our standard treatment for lower vaginal agenesis – is possible using native vaginal mucosa from the upper vagina. Most commonly, the distance is less than 5 cm and we are able to make a transverse incision where the hymenal ring should be located, carry the dissection to the upper vagina, drain the obstruction, and mobilize the upper vaginal mucosa, suturing it to the newly created introitus to formulate a patent vaginal tract.
Reproduced with permission from Laufer MR. Structural abnormalities of the female reproductive tract. In Emans, Laufer, Goldstein's Pediatric & Adolescent Gynecology, 6th Ed, Emans SJ, Laufer MD editors. Wolters Kluwer, 2012.
Fig 1c: Imperforate hymen.
A rectoabdominal examination similarly can be helpful in making the diagnosis of lower vaginal agenesis and in determining whether there is enough tissue available for a pull-through procedure (Figures 2a and 2b). Because patients with this anomaly generally have normal cyclic pituitary-ovarian-endometrial function at menarche, the upper vagina will distend with blood products and secretions that can be palpated on the rectoabdominal exam. If the obstructed vaginal tissue is not felt with the rectal finger at midline, the obstructed agenesis of the vagina probably is too high for a straightforward pull-through procedure. Alternatively, the patient may have a unicornuate system with agenesis of the lower vagina; in this case, the obstructed upper vaginal tissue will not be in the midline but off to one side. MRI also may be helpful for defining the pelvic anatomy.
The optimal timing for a pull-through vaginoplasty (Figure 2b) is when a large hematocolpos (Figure 2a) is present, as the blood acts as a natural expander of the native vaginal tissue, increasing the amount of tissue available for a primary reanastomosis. This emphasizes the importance of an accurate initial diagnosis. Too often, obstructions that are actually lower vaginal agenesis are presumed to be imperforate hymen, and the hematocolpos is subsequently evacuated after a transverse incision and dissection of excess tissue, causing the upper vagina to retract and shrink. This mistake can result in the formation of a fistulous tract from the previously obstructed upper vagina to the level of the introitus.
Reproduced with permission from Laufer MR. Structural abnormalities of the female reproductive tract. In Emans, Laufer, Goldstein's Pediatric & Adolescent Gynecology, 6th Ed, Emans SJ, Laufer MD editors. Wolters Kluwer, 2012.]
Fig 2a: Hematocolpos with agenesis of the lower vagina.
The vaginoplasty is carried out with the patient in the dorsal lithotomy position. A Foley catheter is placed into the bladder to avoid an inadvertent anterior entry into the posterior wall of the bladder, and the labia are grasped and pulled down and out.
The hymenal tissue should be visible. A transverse incision is made, with electrocautery, where the introitus should be located, and a dissection is carried out to reach the obstructed upper vaginal tissue. Care is needed to keep the dissection in the midline and avoid the bladder above and the rectum below. In cases in which it is difficult to identify the area of obstruction, intraoperative ultrasound can be helpful. A spinal needle with a 10-cc syringe also can be used to identify a track through which to access the fluid.
The linear incision then is made with electrocautery and the obstructed hemivagina is entered. Allis clamps are used to grasp the vaginal mucosa from the previously obstructed upper vagina to help identify the tissue that needs to be mobilized. The tissue then is further dissected to free the upper vagina, and the edges are pulled down to the level of the introitus with Allis clamps. “Relaxing” incisions are made at 1, 5,7, and 11 o’clock to avoid a circumferential scar. The upper vaginal mucosa is sewn to the newly created introitus with a 2-0 vicryl suture on a UR6 (a smaller curved urology needle).
When the distance from normal introitus location to obstruction is greater than 5 cm, we sometimes use vaginal dilators to lessen the distance and reach the obstruction for a pull-through procedure. Alternatively, the upper vagina may be mobilized from above either robotically or laparoscopically so that the upper vaginal mucosa may be pulled down without entering the bladder. Occasionally, with greater distances over 5 cm, the vaginoplasty may require utilization of a buccal mucosal graft or a bowel segment.
Reproduced with permission from Laufer MR. Structural abnormalities of the female reproductive tract. In Emans, Laufer, Goldstein's Pediatric & Adolescent Gynecology, 6th Ed, Emans SJ, Laufer MD editors. Wolters Kluwer, 2012.]
Fig 2b: Pull through vaginoplasty for patient in Fig 2a.
Intraoperative ultrasound can be especially helpful for locating the obstructed vagina in women with a unicornuate system because the upper vagina will not be in the midline and ultrasound can help determine the appropriate angle for dissection.
Prophylactic antibiotics initiated postoperatively are important with pull-through vaginoplasty, because the uterus and fallopian tubes may contain blood (an excellent growth media) and because there is a risk of bacteria ascending into what becomes an open system.
Postoperatively, we guide patients on the use of flexible Milex dilators (CooperSurgical) to ensure that the vagina heals without restenosis. The length of postoperative dilation therapy can vary from 2-12 months, depending on healing. The dilator is worn 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and is removed only for urination, defecation, and cleaning. With adequate postoperative dilation, patients will have normal sexual and reproductive function, and vaginal delivery should be possible.