The role of rectosigmoid neocolporrhaphy.

[BACKGROUND] Vaginoplasty for congenital vaginal atresia, a component of the Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster syndrome, or for gender confirmation, may be achieved by several techniques. This report focuses on the efficacy of rectosigmoid neocolporrhaphy (RSNC) performed either primarily or secondarily after failure of another procedure.

[METHODS] Sixty patients underwent isoperistaltic RSNC, three primarily and 57 secondarily. The indication was vaginal atresia in 1 patient and gender dysphoria in 59 patients.

[RESULTS] All 60 patients survived and have a functional neovagina. One major complication, an anastomotic leak with colovaginal fistula, was treated by a temporary colostomy and later reconstruction through a combined anterior and posterior approach. Late complications were reversible stomal stenosis (six patients), reversible conduit narrowing (five patients), transient rhabdomyoblastosis (one patient), and temporary mucosal bleeding from hyperplasia (three patients). Thirty patients have regular intercourse, 12 patients have occasional intercourse, and the others feel "whole," with their intact desired sexual anatomy awaiting a suitable partner.

[CONCLUSIONS] The number of patients seeking vaginoplasty is increasing. Primary or secondary RSNC is a safe and effective method.