[Female circumcision: historical, sociological and medical aspects].

Female circumcision is a very old tradition still widely practised in Africa. The extent of female circumcision ranges from resection of the clitoridal prepuce (= sunnitic circumcision) to resection of labia minora and majora as well as clitoridectomy (= pharaonic circumcision). Wound approximation by sutures or scar contraction may cause partial closure of the vaginal orifice (= infibulation). Historical, sociological as well as medical aspects are discussed and reconstructive procedures described.