Treatment of patients with Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome in a tertiary hospital

Abstract

Introduction: Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome is an uncommon congenital malformation characterised by agenesis or hypoplasia of the vagina and uterus. Here, we describe the treatment of patients with MRKH syndrome in a tertiary hospital.

Methods: This retrospective study included patients with MRKH syndrome attending the Paediatric and Adolescent Gynaecology Clinic in a tertiary hospital. Their clinical manifestations, examinations, and methods for neovagina creation were recorded. Among patients who underwent vaginal dilation (VD), therapy duration, vaginal width and length at baseline and after VD, complications, and sexual activity and dyspareunia outcomes were evaluated.

Results: Forty nine patients with MRKH syndrome were identified. Their mean age at presentation was 17.9 years; 69.4% and 24.5% of patients presented for primary amenorrhoea treatment and vaginoplasty, respectively. Forty eight patients had normal renal imaging findings and 46 XX karyotypes. Seventeen (34.7%) patients underwent VD as first-line therapy; three did not complete the therapy. Two had surgical vaginoplasty, whereas five achieved adequate vaginal length by sexual intercourse alone; 25 had not yet requested VD. The mean duration of VD was 16±10.2 (range, 4-35) weeks. The widths and lengths of the vagina at baseline and after VD were 1.1±0.28 cm and 1.3±0.7 cm, and 3.1±0.5 cm and 6.9±0.9 cm, respectively. The overall success rate of VD was 92.3%. Vaginal spotting was the most common complication (21%); only one patient reported dyspareunia.

Conclusions: Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome is an uncommon condition that requires multidisciplinary specialist care. Vaginal dilation is an effective first-line approach for neovagina creation.

Introduction

Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome is a congenital malformation characterised by failed development of the Müllerian duct, which leads to vaginal agenesis, often accompanied by uterine agenesis. It is estimated to occur in one in 4000 to 5000 births.¹ Most patients present with primary amenorrhoea, but exhibit normal secondary sexual characteristics. Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome is reportedly associated with other malformations including renal, skeletal, and auditory manifestations.^{2 3} The creation of a functional neovagina is a component of treatment performed to aid women in achieving a normal sexual life. The timing for the creation of a neovagina depends on the patient. However, treatment should be deferred beyond late adolescence to allow each patient to provided informed consent and participate in the treatment process.⁴ Both surgical and non-surgical methods have been described for the creation of a neovagina. Regarding surgical options, various grafts or moulds may be used; other techniques include traction vaginoplasty.⁵ Surgical techniques often achieve anatomical success, but result in associated complications such as bladder injury, neovaginal vault granulation, introital stenosis, vaginal discharge, urinary tract infection, or graft infection.^{4 6 7} After most surgical techniques, patients often require postoperative utilisation of a mould or dilator.⁵

Despite the availability of many surgical methods, non-surgical methods with vaginal dilation (VD) are advocated as first-line treatment in many instances^{6 8}; VD has been proven effective in the creation of a neovagina.^{5 9} Notably, data are available regarding surgical creation of a neovagina in the Chinese population¹⁰; however, there is limited information concerning the implementation of VD in the Chinese population, despite the recommendation of VD as first-line treatment for the creation of a neovagina. Chinese adolescents or their caregivers may prefer more conservative treatment options for MRKH syndrome.^{11 12} In addition, pelvic connective tissue has been proposed to differ between Chinese women and Caucasian women.¹³

In this study, we investigated the treatment of patients with MRKH syndrome, evaluated the effectiveness of VD therapy, and identified complications among patients with MRKH syndrome who underwent VD. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report regarding VD therapy in Chinese women with MRKH syndrome in the English-language medical literature.

Methods Patient population and standard treatment

A Paediatric and Adolescent Gynaecology Clinic has been established in our tertiary university teaching hospital since late 2002. All female patients with MRKH syndrome underwent treatment in that clinic by gynaecologists who specialised in paediatric and adolescent gynaecology. Generally, diagnosis was made on the basis of primary amenorrhoea, normal secondary sexual characteristics, vaginal absence, or vaginal dimple on perineal inspection. Ultrasound assessment showed that most patients also did not exhibit a uterus; when a uterus was present, it was either functioning or rudimentary. Thorough counselling concerning the diagnosis, including implications for future sexual life and fertility, was provided to the patients and their caregivers. Ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging for the urinary system was performed to rule out urinary tract anomalies. Patients returned for examination a few weeks or months after the initial visit, then began annual follow-up. During further follow-up, patients received an explanation of vaginoplasty; they were encouraged to discuss whether the procedure was appropriate, following careful consideration.

Data collection

This retrospective observational study was performed using information from a prospectively collected database of all patients who had received treatment for MRKH syndrome in our clinic. The patients' medical notes were reviewed; demographic data, presenting symptoms, previous imaging findings, and history of sexual experience were recorded. The method of vaginal creation, if any, was also recorded. Regarding the outcome of VD therapy, patients who had undergone VD as the primary method for creation of a neovagina were included in the analysis. The number of sessions, the starting and final vaginal width and length, the interval until completion of therapy, and any complications associated with the therapy were reviewed. The outcomes of VD in terms of sexual activity, dyspareunia, and sexual satisfaction were reviewed.

Vaginal dilation therapy

Patients who requested VD therapy were scheduled for individual treatment sessions with the gynaecologist. For the first session, patients were admitted to the day ward; three intensive VD sessions were performed on the first day. The dilator (custom made by the Queen Charlotte and Chelsea Hospital, United Kingdom; another dilator set, the “Amielle Comfort vaginal dilators” manufactured by Owen Mumford was also used) was placed at the vaginal dimple and constant pressure was applied using the dilator for 15 minutes. The first session was performed by the gynaecologist, the second session was performed by the patient under medical supervision, and the third session was performed independently by the patient. The patient was discharged with instructions to perform two to three VD sessions per day at home, 15 minutes per session. Follow-up was arranged on an out-patient basis, at intervals of 2 to 4 weeks. Patients were provided with appropriately sized dilators, typically larger over time (Fig). Neovaginal width and length were recorded at each follow-up visit. Any complications and sexual function were also recorded. Vaginal dilation therapy was discontinued when a patient achieved satisfactory sexual intercourse.

Fig. Vaginal dilators used for therapy in our clinic. (From left) Size 1 (length 75 mm [x] diameter 25 mm), Size 2 (85 mm [x]30 mm), Size 3 (100 mm [x] 35 mm), and Size 4 (110 mm;40 mm)

Data analysis

SPSS Statistics for Windows, version 21.0 (IBM Corp, Armonk [NY], United States) was used to analyse the data collected. Normally distributed data are described as mean±standard deviation, whereas non-normally distributed data are described as median (range). Independent samples t tests were used to compare results between two groups. P[lesser than]0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results Patient characteristics and clinical treatment

In total, 49 patients with MRKH syndrome underwent treatment in our clinic from 2002 to 2019. The mean patient age at presentation was 17.9±4.9 years (range, 11-36 years). Overall, 34 (69.4%) patients presented with primary amenorrhoea and received diagnoses of MRKH syndrome in our clinic. The mean age among this group of patients was 16.7±2.4 years. Another 12 (24.5%) patients were referred for further treatment and/or VD therapy, following diagnosis in another clinic. Two (4.1%) patients presented with acute surgical complications, torsion of ovarian cyst, and suspected appendicitis; the patients were diagnosed with hematometra and hematosalpinx at age 11 and 16 years, respectively, because of incidental intra-operative pelvic findings. Finally, one patient presented for labial minora hypertrophy at age 12 years and was incidentally diagnosed with vaginal agenesis during perineal examination. Forty eight of the 49 patients had a 46 XX karyotype; one patient had a 47 XXX karyotype. Two patients had a unilateral functioning uterus, while three patients had a non-functioning rudimentary uterine horn. Overall, 45 patients underwent imaging, either ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging, to assess the renal system; some patients also underwent intravenous urography. Of these 45 patients, 44 had normal findings; one patient had a dilated pelvicalyceal system and ureter with suspected low insertion into the bladder, but no signs of obstruction were found. The remaining four patients were either waiting for the imaging appointment or did not have imaging information in their medical notes.

Overall, 17 (34.7%) patients underwent VD therapy as first-line therapy for the creation of a neovagina. Two (4.1%) patients had surgeries as first-line treatment: one patient underwent Creatsas vaginoplasty in our hospital and one underwent vaginoplasty at a hospital in China. Both of these two patients required VD therapy, at 12 years and 1 year, respectively, after their original surgeries because of vaginal stenosis. Furthermore, five (10.2%) patients achieved creation of a neovagina by sexual intercourse alone. Finally, 25 (51%) patients had not yet requested vaginoplasty; these patients were significantly younger than patients who had undergone vaginoplasty (22.8±5.2 years vs 30±7.0 years, P[lesser than]0.005) [Table].

Table. Characteristics of patients with Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome, stratified according to the type ofvaginoplasty treatment

Vaginal dilation outcomes and follow-up

Of the 17 patients who underwent VD therapy as first-line treatment, four (23.5%) reported that they had previously attempted unsuccessful coitus and therefore requested VD therapy. For these four patients, the mean age at initiation of VD therapy was 24.4±5.7 years (range, 18-36 years). The mean width and length of the vagina at baseline were 1.1±0.28 cm (range, 1-2 cm) and 1.3±0.7 cm (range, 0.5-3 cm), respectively. There were no differences in starting width and length between the four patients who had previously attempted coitus and the remaining 13 who had not. Three patients did not complete VD therapy because their relationships had ended and they chose to discontinue the therapy. Among the patients who completed VD therapy, the final width and length of the vagina were 3.1±0.5 cm (range, 2-4 cm) and 6.9±0.9 cm (range, 6-9 cm), respectively. The mean interval until the completion of VD therapy was 16±10.2 (range, 4-35) weeks. Notably, there was no difference in duration of VD therapy between patients who had and patients who had not previously attempted coitus before commencement of therapy (P=0.83).

Of the 14 patients who completed VD therapy, one was lost to follow-up; 13 were included in further analysis. All 13 of these patients were sexually active after VD therapy, and 12 reported subjective sexual satisfaction. Therefore, the success rate of VD therapy was 92.3% in our cohort. The remaining patient reported mild superficial dyspareunia and that the vaginal length of 6 cm was inadequate for achievement of sexual satisfaction; thus, surgical vaginoplasty is planned.

Complications and subsequent therapy

The most common complication during VD was vaginal spotting, which occurred in four (21%) of the 19 patients who had undergone VD therapy. In all patients, spotting subsided with conservative management or the use of vaginal oestrogen cream. One patient had one episode of urinary tract infection, which resolved following treatment with oral antibiotics.

Among the three patients in the VD group who did not complete therapy when their relationships ended, all began a second course of VD therapy following new requests for treatment. The second course required a considerably shorter duration (4-8 weeks) to achieve satisfactory vaginal length for sexual intercourse.

Findings after neovagina creation by coitus alone

Among the five patients who achieved creation of a neovagina by coitus alone, their age at initial sexual intercourse ranged from 13 to 24 years. Their mean vaginal width and length were 2.7 cm and 5.7 cm, respectively. One patient had a rectovaginal fistula; she reported faecal incontinence from the vagina and the passage of semen from the anus after sexual intercourse. Examination revealed a 5- [x] 2-mm rectovaginal fistula in the posterior vaginal wall, 3 cm above the introitus. Vaginal repair of the fistula was performed; the patient reported no further faecal incontinence nor abnormal passage of semen.

Findings in patients with functioning endometrium

Regarding the two patients with a functioning endometrium, one had a hysterectomy at age 18 years, shortly after she had undergone Creatsas vaginoplasty. The other patient had a unicornuate uterus that was initially suppressed with gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogue with supplemental oestrogen therapy until age 21 years; she then selected uterine-preserving surgery. After VD therapy, the patient underwent uterovaginal anastomosis by laparotomy and the perineal route. Two months after surgery, she experienced an episode of cervical stenosis. The hematometra was drained by manual dilation using Hegar dilators at the bedside. Subsequently, she has experienced regular monthly menstruation for 8 months postoperatively.

Discussion

In our cohort, the most common presenting symptom was primary amenorrhoea. The patients presented at mean age 16.7±2.4 years, which is the appropriate time for consultation for primary amenorrhoea. This indicated that the young women and their caregivers did not seek to delay treatment for this gynaecological problem. Moreover, the healthcare providers referred the young women at the appropriate age.

The diagnosis of MRKH syndrome is mainly based on clinical assessment. Ultrasound can be a useful modality to confirm the absence of a uterus because of its relatively low cost, non-invasive nature, and widespread availability in many gynaecology units. However, the effectiveness of ultrasound is operator-dependent and image quality can be affected by each patient's body build. Although three-dimensional ultrasound is useful for assessment of Müllerian anomalies,^{14 15} it may not be necessary to detect the absence of a uterus. Magnetic resonance imaging is another useful modality, with good soft tissue resolution; it allows good visualisation of any rudimentary horns, possible endometrium, and ovaries. Magnetic resonance imaging reportedly exhibited 100% sensitivity when diagnostic laparoscopy was performed in women with uterine anomalies^{14 16}; therefore, diagnostic laparoscopy is rarely required or recommended for the diagnosis of MRKH syndrome. Even in patients with acute hematometra of the obstructing uterus, conservative treatment might be appropriate if the diagnosis of MRKH syndrome is made prior to surgery. In our cohort, a patient with acute hematometra presented to the surgical unit and received a provisional diagnosis of acute appendicitis. In women with congenital androgen insensitivity syndrome, the absence of a uterus can be a similar finding⁵; however, clinical examination of women with congenital androgen insensitivity syndrome has shown that these patients do not have axillary hair or pubic hair, and a simple karyotype analysis can be used to differentiate between the two possible diagnoses.

Psychological concerns can be an important factor in patients with MRKH syndrome. These patients can develop a negative self-image because they perceive themselves to be different from their peers; they can also develop low self-esteem.^{17 18 19}Upon diagnosis and treatment, the patients and their caregivers should be offered guidance and psychological support.²⁰ Resources should be allocated for provision of psychological services, which is an essential component of multidisciplinary care. Although our service has been available for many years, more services of this type are needed in the future.

The creation of a neovagina is an important aspect of treatment for patients with MRKH syndrome. Various neovagina creation techniques have been described over the years. A non-surgical method involving the utilisation of handheld vaginal dilators was first described by Frank in 1938.²¹Ingram²² later modified the technique with the use of a bicycle stool. The respective success rates for Frank's and Ingram's methods are reportedly 66% to 95%^{5 6 9 23 24 25} and 92%.²² Despite the success of these non-surgical techniques, various surgical techniques have also been developed for vaginoplasty. These include the McIndoe technique, usage of various grafts (eg, amnion, skin, or bowel), the Davydov technique, and the Vecchietti technique. However, these surgical techniques may result in some complications. Following intestinal vaginoplasty, introital stenosis and vaginal discharge can occur in up to 9% and 7% of patients, respectively.^{5 7 26 27 28} There have also been case reports regarding the onset of adenocarcinoma in bowel grafts^{29 30} and the onset of hair growth or squamous cell carcinoma in skin grafts.³¹ Following the use of the Davydov technique (ie, downward stretching of the pelvic peritoneum to create a vagina), neovaginal vault granulation can occur in up to 8% of patients.^{5 7} Intra-operative bladder injury can occur in 1% to 2% of patients who undergo the Vecchietti procedure, which comprises progressive upward stretching of the perineal skin by means of threads that exit from the anterior abdominal wall.^{5 7 32} Strictures and contractures are also a concern in patients who undergo any surgical technique; therefore, a mould or dilation is often required during the early postoperative period. A relatively longer hospital stay of 2 to 9 days is a notable concern following surgical vaginoplasty.^{5 7}Given its lower risk for potential complications and high success rate, VD has become the first-line technique for the creation of a neovagina in Australia, the United Kingdom, the United States, and parts of Russia.⁷ Previous studies have also demonstrated that VD is more cost-effective, compared with first-line surgical treatment.^{5 33}

Edmonds et al⁹ reported an average of 5 months to achieve satisfactory vaginal length, which they defined as 6 cm, or when the patient is able to achieve satisfactory sexual coitus; our results were comparable (ie, 4 months). The mean vaginal length of 6.9 cm achieved in our cohort was also comparable with the findings in previous studies.^{7 9 23 25} Generally, VD results in a shorter average vaginal length, compared with surgical vaginoplasty.^{5 7} Notably, 6.6 cm has been proposed as the ideal vaginal length for satisfactory sexual activity.^{7 24} Of the patients who completed VD therapy in our cohort, 92.3% reported satisfactory coitus. This success rate was comparable to the 94.9% reported by Edmonds et al,⁹ who published the largest study regarding VD thus far.

Sexual coitus has been shown to successfully create a neovagina^{9 34 35}; this outcome was achieved by a few patients in our cohort. Importantly, previous coital attempts in our patients did not affect the starting width and length of the vagina, or the interval required to complete the dilation. This is presumably because the patients abandoned further coital attempts after unsuccessful coitus.

A common cause for the failure of VD is a lack of motivation.³⁶ The success rate was high among patients in our cohort. Roberts et al³⁷ reported that women younger than 18 years of age at the initiation of therapy had a significantly higher failure rate. The mean age of patients in our group was 24 years; most patients (79%) were in a relationship before initiation of therapy (data not shown), which might have enhanced their motivation to complete the therapy. Accordingly, we only commence VD therapy when patients are well prepared for this therapy, such that they fully understand the importance of compliance.

Following the creation of a neovagina, regular coitus or dilation is required to maintain it. Three patients in our cohort required a second course of VD because they experienced shrinkage of the neovagina after discontinuation of self-dilation and cessation of regular coitus. However, a short duration of therapy was required to re-establish a satisfactory neovagina. Notably, vaginal spotting occurred in four patients during VD therapy. In all patients, spotting resolved with conservative management or with local application of oestrogen cream to the neovagina.

This study demonstrated the characteristics and treatment of Chinese patients with an uncommon condition, MRKH syndrome, as well as the outcome of VD therapy in those patients. The study may have been limited by the small number of patients, which is attributable to the rarity of MRKH syndrome. In addition, standardised validated questionnaires were not employed to assess sexual function among the patients in this study. Future research using validated questionnaires should be performed to assess the psychological aspects of these patients before, during, and after VD therapy.

Conclusion

Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome is an uncommon gynaecological condition. Careful treatment by healthcare providers familiar with this condition may aid patients in achieving suitable outcomes. Vaginal dilation therapy is an effective first-line treatment for the creation of a neovagina. The results achieved in our cohort of Chinese women are comparable with the findings in previously published studies in other nations. However, long-term data collection, including the use of validated questionnaires, will provide more objective information regarding sexual function in patients with MRKH syndrome.

Author contributions

All authors had full access to the data, contributed to the study, approved the final version for publication, and take responsibility for its accuracy and integrity.

Concept or design: K Ng, SSC Chan.

Acquisition of data: K Ng, SSC Chan, KW Yiu.

Analysis or interpretation of data: K Ng, SSC Chan.

Drafting of the manuscript: K Ng, SSC Chan.

Critical revision of the manuscript for important intellectual content: All authors.

Conflicts of interest

As an editor of the journal, JPW Chung was not involved in the peer review process. Other authors have disclosed no conflicts of interest.

Funding/support

This research received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.

Ethics approval

This study was approved by The Joint Chinese University of Hong Kong[-]New Territories East Cluster Clinical Research Ethics Committee (Ref CRE.2020.023). The requirement for written informed consent was waived.

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