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Published in: International Urogynecology Journal 8/2022

21-03-2022 | Original Article

Neovaginoplasty with tilapia fish skin: a series of eleven cases

Authors: Ana Talya Soares Torres, Barbara Bezerra Lopes, Amanda Madureira Silva, Maria Tereza Pinto Medeiros Dias, Zenilda Vieira Bruno, Ana Paula Negreiros Nunes, Edmar Maciel Lima Junior, Manoel Odorico de Moraes Filho, Carlos Roberto Koscky Paier, Felipe Augusto Rocha Rodrigues, Leonardo Robson Pinheiro Sobreira Bezerra

Published in: International Urogynecology Journal | Issue 8/2022

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Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis

Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome affects about 1 in 5000 live female births and is associated with gonadal dysgenesis and primary amenorrhea. Neovaginoplasty has been established as an appropriate treatment option for patients who have failed or denied dilation therapy. In search of accessible, economical material with low risk of complications, the team proposed the use of Nile tilapia fish skin (NTFS) as an innovative biomaterial in the neovaginoplasty procedure for vaginal agenesis management. NTFS has noninfectious microbiota, morphologic structure comparable to human skin and high in vivo bioresorption.

Methods

In this descriptive study, the method offered an anatomical and functional neovagina to 11 patients efficiently, quickly and safely. Correct post-surgical dilation is still extremely important to keep the neovagina's size > 6 cm.

Results

Histological and immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated the formation of a stratified squamous epithelium with strong marking for cytokeratins, FGF and EGFR, similar to healthy adult vaginal tissue.

Conclusions

Since NTFS is a low cost and easily accessible biomaterial, this technique proves to be an inexpensive therapeutic possibility for the health system with excellent advantages for patients.
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Metadata
Title
Neovaginoplasty with tilapia fish skin: a series of eleven cases
Authors
Ana Talya Soares Torres
Barbara Bezerra Lopes
Amanda Madureira Silva
Maria Tereza Pinto Medeiros Dias
Zenilda Vieira Bruno
Ana Paula Negreiros Nunes
Edmar Maciel Lima Junior
Manoel Odorico de Moraes Filho
Carlos Roberto Koscky Paier
Felipe Augusto Rocha Rodrigues
Leonardo Robson Pinheiro Sobreira Bezerra
Publication date
21-03-2022
Publisher
Springer International Publishing
Published in
International Urogynecology Journal / Issue 8/2022
Print ISSN: 0937-3462
Electronic ISSN: 1433-3023
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-022-05150-4

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