Fifteen-Year Study on the Labial Adhesions

Abstract

Introduction: Labial adhesions is a common gynecological problem in prepubertal adolescents. The highest peak incidence is between 13 and 23 months old of those girls sufferingfrom this problem at some point in their life (1.8 %).
Objective: Show the results of this experience in the diagnosis and management of this condition.
Methods: A descriptive, longitudinal and retrospective study was conducted at revising all the medical records of 804 girls assisted from 1st January 1998 to 31st December, 2012. The sample was composed of 54 cases diagnosed with labial adhesions. The variables studied were age at diagnosis, presenting complaint, clinical findings, type of synechia, treatment, among others.
Results: There was higher incidence of synechiae in children between 3 months and 3 years (74 %), predominantly incomplete, andin the lower third (66.6 %). The anatomical distortion of the external genitalia was the main reason for consultation (42.6 %). Best treatment results were achieved with the combination of hygienic measures and vulvar lateral traction exercises with topical estrogen use. Recurrences occurred in 12.9 % of cases at six months of age.
Conclusions: Labialadhesion is a major cause of gynecological consultation in girls. It is associated with great anxiety in parents and relatives. Good results were obtainedwith medical treatment, especially when the topical use of estrogen.