Hymen sparing surgery for imperforate hymen: case reports and review of literature.

BACKGROUND

Imperforate hymen, with an incidence between 0.1% and 0.05%, is the most common obstructive congenital abnormality of the female genital tract. 'Standard' surgical treatment of imperforate hymen involves hymenectomy after a cruciate, plus, or X-shaped hymenotomy incision.

CASES: Two cases with imperforate hymen treated with a simple vertical incision are presented. A few oblique sutures were used to prevent refusion. Postoperative follow up was uneventful.

SUMMARY AND

CONCLUSION

The importance of the integrity of hymen changes in different cultures and religious groups. Option of a hymen sparing procedure is readily preferred by most of these patients and families. Also preservation of hymenal tissue, hence the perception of 'integrity' of female genitalia, might be an alternative treatment option.