Surgical revirgination: Four vaginal mucosal flaps for reconstruction of a hymen

Abstract

Introduction:Over centuries, virginity has been given social, religious and moral importance. It is widely believed as a state of a female who has never engaged in sexual intercourse, and her hymen is intact. Hymenoplasty for torn hymen is carried out not only for the sake of cultural and religious traditions but also for the social status and interpersonal relationships.Materials and Methods:2.5 cm long and 1 cm wide four vaginal mucosal flaps were raised from the anterior vaginal wall just behind labia minora. Two flaps were based proximally, and their two opposing flaps were based distally. These flaps were overlapped in a crisscross fashion and were sutured with 5/0 Polyglactin (Vicryl®) sutures leaving no area raw. The donor area was closed primarily. When some remains of a torn hymen were found, one to three vaginal mucosal flaps were added to its remains as per the need for reconstruction.Results:We operated upon 11 patients. In nine cases, the hymen was reconstructed with four flaps. In remaining two, it was reconstructed from the remains using vaginal mucosal flaps. All flaps healed without any infection or disruption. Sutures got absorbed in 25-35 days. In all cases, this newly constructed barrier broke with only moderate pressure at the time of penetrative sex serving the purpose of the surgery completely.Conclusion:Erasing evidence of the sexual history simply by ‘Surgical Revirgination’ is extremely important to women contemplating marriage in cultures where a high value is placed on virginity.

Joint Report on Terminology for Cosmetic Gynecology

“…Hymenoplasty, surgical reconstruction of the hymenal ring (Supplement D, http://links.lww.com/FPMRS/A328), 123,[126][127][128][129] is not considered a cosmetic procedure.…”

Audit of Female Genital Aesthetic Surgery: Changing Trends in India

“…Although the term revirgination is scientifically incorrect [2], it is commonly used by patients. In a scenario where no hymenal membrane tags are found, vaginal mucosal flaps were used [6,14].…”

Surgical revirgination: Four vaginal mucosal flaps for reconstruction of a hymen

“…Sir, We read with interest, the original article "Surgical revirgination: Four vaginal mucosal flaps for reconstruction of a hymen" [1] published in your reputed journal. We must congratulate the author for a commendable and innovative approach based on the principles of plastic surgery.…”

“…Departments of Plastic Surgery, 1 Sampige Superspecialty Clinic Hubli and KIMS, KLE University, Belgaum, 2 Department of Urology, KIMS, Hubli, Karnataka, India…”