Scholars International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology (SIJOG)
Volume-4 | Issue-07 | 291-296
Original Research Article
Management and Outcome of Transverse Vaginal Septum in a Nigerian Tertiary Health Institution
Bello S, Mayana AU, Garba JA, Umar AG, Ibrahim R, Nasir A, Sani UM
Published : July 20, 2021
Abstract
Background: Transverse vaginal septum is a congenital mullerian malformation resulting from failure of fusion or canalization of the urogenital sinus and the mullerian ducts. This results in amenorrhoea, inability to consummate marriage and primary infertility if left untreated. It is a rare finding in pregnancy and labor. Objectives: The objective of this study was to review the management and outcome of patients with transverse vaginal septum. Materials and Method: It was a retrospective study where data from medical records of all cases of transverse vaginal septum managed over a10-year period (January 2008 to December 2017) were collected and reviewed. There were 18 patients managed over the period of study, however 16 case folders were retrieved and 2 were missing. Results: The patients’ ages ranged between 16 and 40 years, with a mean (+SD) age of 23.3(+7.7) years. They had varying presenting symptoms including lower abdominal pain in 15(93.7%), lower abdominal swelling in 8(53.3%), dyspareunia in 9(56.2%), primary amenorrhoea in 12(75%) and failure of coital penetration in 9 (56.2%) patients. The septum was imperforate in 12(75.0%) and perforate in 4 (25.0%) patients. The septum was located in the lower third of the vagina in 13 (78.6%) patients and at mid and upper portions in 1(7.1%) and 2(14.3%) patients respectively. Some of the patients (31.2%) had previous surgery prior to presentation. Fourteen (87.5%) were managed via perineal approach and 2(12.5%) via abdominoperineal route. Most patients, (68.8%) did not develop any complication, however 4(25%) had re-obstruction and only 1(6.2%) had vaginal stenosis. Conclusion: Transverse vaginal septum is a rare anomaly of the female genital tract. The most common symptom was lower abdominal pain and the predominant type was the low type. The main treatment modality was surgical with significant success.