Ten years experience with masculinizing genitoplasty in male pseudohermaphroditism due to 17 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase deficiency.

An extensive survey in a highly inbred Arab community documented over 60 cases of male pseudohermaphroditism due to 17 beta hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase deficiency. During a period of 10 years (1981-1991), 16 such patients underwent masculinating genitoplasty. Two children have had a one stage corrective genitoplasty while all others (2 adults, 3 adolescents and 9 children) had staged operations. Cosmetic and functional results are very encouraging in children and adolescents but very poor among adults. Based on our experience and follow-up, we advocate early sex assignment and early masculinizing genitoplasty with preoperative hormonal therapy to male pseudohermaphrodites due to 17 beta hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase deficiency.