Urogenital Sinus
A urogenital sinus is a rare birth defect in females where the vagina and urethra share a common opening. Normally, the vagina and urethra each have separate openings. There is no known cause for urogenital sinus, which occurs during development in the womb.
Types of Urogenital Sinus
Urogenital sinuses are classified by the characteristics and length of the common channel.
Low Confluence Urogenital Sinus
Low confluence urogenital sinus is characterized by a common channel that is short. The urethral opening is close to its normal location and the vagina is usually normal in length
High Confluence Urogenital Sinus
High confluence urogenital sinus is characterized by a short vagina. With the high confluence condition, the urethral opening is internal, and the common channel is long
Diagnosis of Urogenital Sinus
A urogenital sinus is typically diagnosed during infancy through a physical examination. In some cases, the following tests may also be performed to provide a more accurate diagnosis:
- MRI scan
- Ultrasound
- Endoscopy
If a urogenital sinus condition is suspected, the doctor may perform a contrast dye imaging test known as a genitogram. During the genitogram test, a contrast dye is injected into the common channel and an X-ray is taken to allow the doctors to see the length of the channel and the distance between the openings of the urethra and vagina.
Treatment of Urogenital Sinus
Treatment for a urogenital sinus can only be achieved through surgery, during which the vagina and the urethra are separated. Surgery to repair urogenital sinus varies depending on the specific type of condition that is being repaired.
Flap Vaginoplasty
Low confluence urogenital sinus is commonly repaired with a surgery known as a flap vaginoplasty. A flap vaginoplasty is a procedure to open the sinus so the vagina and urethra have separate exterior openings.
Pull-through Vaginoplasty
High confluence urogenital sinus is often treated with a pull-through vaginoplasty. In this procedure, the vagina is relocated to its normal location on the surface of the skin however, the urethra continues to drain through what was once the common channel.
After surgery, most patients recover well, with no difficulties in urination, sexual intercourse, or childbirth.