The long-term outcomes of vaginoplasty using acellular porcine small
intestinal submucosa grafts in patients with
Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome: an observational study
Abstract
Objective: To investigate the long-term outcomes and optimal timing of
surgery for Mayer–Rokitansky–Küster–Hauser syndrome (MRKH) patients
undergoing vaginoplasty using an acellular porcine small intestinal
submucosa graft (SIS). Design: Observational study. Setting and
Population: Seventy-eight MRKH syndrome patients, forty-eight healthy
controls and a post-SIS patient who delivered a baby following the
world’s first robot-assisted uterus transplantation. Methods: The
outcome of sexual function and psychological were assessed through three
standard questionnaires: the female sexual function index (FSFI),
Self-rating scale of body image (SSBI) and self-acceptance questionnaire
(SAQ). Main Outcome Measures: Sexual function and psychology outcomes.
Results: A total of 89.7% patients achieved a “good” vaginal width,
and the mean vaginal length was 6.92±0.80 cm. The overall FSFI score of
MRKH syndrome patients was significantly lower than that of healthy
controls (24.43±4.42 versus 30.28±2.61, P<0.001). Three
factors (sexual arousal, orgasm and sexual satisfaction score) in the
FSFI increased significantly as the postoperative time increased. The
emotional impairment factor of the SSBI showed a higher score in MRKH
syndrome patients (1.56±1.83 versus 1.15±2.05, P=0.030). The
psychological scale score showed an improving trend as the postoperative
time was prolonged in MRKH syndrome patients. Conclusions: SIS surgery
is effective in improving the patient’s sexual function and
psychological problems, and this effect is more pronounced in patients
who have the surgery earlier. It is recommended to undergo surgery when
the patient is physiologically mature and expresses the desire to
proceed with therapy.