Rectosigmoid vaginoplasty in patients with vaginal agenesis: sexual and psychosocial outcomes

Abstract

Background The main goal in women with Mayer–Rokitansky–Küster–Hauser syndrome (vaginal agenesis) is creation of a neovagina that will satisfy the patient’s desire. We evaluated sexual and psychosocial adjustment in patients who underwent rectosigmoid vaginoplasty because of vaginal agenesis. Methods: A total of 36 women, aged 21 to 38 years (mean = 26) who underwent rectosigmoid vaginoplasty from 1997 to 2006 were evaluated. Sexual and psychosocial appraisal included the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), Beck’s Depression Inventory (BDI), and standardised questionnaires about postoperative satisfaction, social and sexual adjustment. Results: Mean FSFI score was 28.9 (range = 11.5–35.7) with a cut-off score of 26.55 for sexual dysfunction. Out of the 36 women, 10 (27, 8%) had sexual dysfunction. Mean BDI score was 7.55 (cut-off score = 0–9 for non-depression). Twenty-eight women (77.8%) were without symptoms of depression, six women (BDI range = 10–29) had moderate and two women had severe depression (BDI = 42). There were a significant number of patients (P < 0.01) with a high satisfaction score in FSFI and low BDI results. Thirty-two (88.9%) of the patients believed that surgery was done at the right time and the main postoperative support came from their family. Thirty-four (94.4%) of the patients reported satisfactory femininity, with a heterosexual orientation. Thirty patients (83. 3%) were very satisfied with the surgery, while 34 considered surgery as the best treatment. Conclusions: The sexual function and psychosocial status of these patients should be followed long-term to estimate their quality of life.