Feminizing genitoplasty: a synthesis.

The female child with the adrenogenital syndrome is subject to a variable degree of masculinization. Surgery should be directed to 3 goals: 1) removing the corpora and preserving the glans with its innervation to create a clitoris with normal sensation, 2) creating a normal-appearing introitus by fashioning labia minora from phallic skin and foreskin, and 3) vaginoplasty to provide an adequate opening for the vagina onto the perineum. The entire repair may be completed before the age of 6 months unless the vagina enters the urogenital sinus at a high level in which case vaginoplasty should be delayed until the child is older. The evolution of this operative approach is described and the details of the operative technique are presented.