Twenty years of experience with Krzeski's cystovaginoplasty for vaginal agenesis in Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser syndrome: anatomical, histological, cytological and functional results

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the long-term anatomical results using the original method of vaginal reconstruction with a pedicled bladder flap (Krzeski's cystovaginoplasty, CVP) in women with Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser syndrome (MRKHS) and the evaluation of radiological, histological, cytohormonal and functional results of CVP. PATIENTS AND METHODS Between 1981 and 2000, 38 patients (mean age 22.5 years, range 18-40) with MRKHS underwent CVP. A physical examination was used to evaluate the anatomical results, 27 patients had vaginography, and biopsies of the neovaginal wall and cytohormonal smears were taken in two. Functional sexual and urinary results, and opinions on CVP, were evaluated by an inventory mailed to 37 patients in 2000. RESULTS The anatomical result was good in 37 patients during a mean (range) follow-up of 9 (0.25-19) years; the result was good in 30 patients, but seven developed vaginal stenosis that was successfully repaired. There were two cases of post-coital vesicovaginal fistula (VVF) at 18 months after CVP. Vaginal biopsies showed epithelialization of the posterior vaginal wall and gradual metaplastic changes from urothelium to stratified nonsquamous epithelium. Cytological smears showed a normal biphasic pattern and neovaginal susceptibility to hormonal milieu. In all, 27 patients (73%) responded to the questionnaire. All had sexual partners and started sexual intercourse at a mean of 14 months after CVP; 89% experience orgasms and in 48% the vagina was the source; 40% sometimes used lubricants and seven (26%) used vaginal dilators. Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) after CVP were reported by 19 (66%) of the women and in six the LUTS were persistent. One patient was not satisfied with the functional and anatomical result of CVP, 89% declared that it improved sexual life, 93% would undergo CVP again and in 92% the quality of their sexual life was improved. All patients, when asked, stated that they would recommend CVP to another patient with MRKHS. CONCLUSIONS Vaginal reconstruction by CVP is characterized by good anatomical and functional results, sustained by long-term observation. The resultant epithelium is very similar to that of the native vagina in histology and function. All vaginas are functional and the level of patient satisfaction was high. The level of complications was acceptable, but in some patients LUTS can persist.