Adolescent Female Genital Tract Congenital Anomalies in Northern Ghana

Abstract

Objective: To ascertain the types of adolescent female genital tract congenital anomalies and their management in the Tamale Teaching Hospital in Northern Ghana.Methods: A cross-sectional study of adolescent female genital tract congenital anomalies that were managed at the Tamale Teaching Hospital from 1st January 2010 to 31st December 2012.
 Results: There were 19 cases of adolescent female genital tract congenital anomalies during the study period. The commonest female genital tract congenital anomaly was imperforate hymen 7(36.84%). Other congenital anomalies included transverse vaginalseptum 4(21.05%), vaginal atresia 2(10.53%), vaginal agenesis 4(21.05%), didelphus uterus 1(5.26)% andbicornuate uterus 1(5.26%). The management of the adolescent female genital tract congenital anomalies included surgical procedures in 14 (73.68%), dilation of vaginal pouch, counseling and psychological support in 6 (31.57%).Conclusion: While in resource limited settings, initial workup and management of adolescent female genital tract congenital anomalies may be done without sophisticated equipment, management of more complex cases are usually more challenging requiringreferral to more appropriately staffed and equipped centres.