Pediatric Female Genital Reconstruction

Expert treatment to restore normal function and appearance of female genitalia

Female internal and external genitalia develop long before a child is born when a complex cascade of hormonal signals and events occur. Normally, two paired structures called the Mullerian ducts fuse to form the uterus, cervix and top of the vagina. If this process is disrupted at any point, or if the correct amounts of hormones are not present, anomalies can occur. In addition, if there is an excess production of male hormones, such as with classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia, the female external genitalia may include an enlarged clitoris and fused labia. 

The experienced pediatric urology team at Children’s Health has extensive background and specialized training in identifying and treating a wide range of female urinary and genital conditions. We offer complete reconstructive surgery options, including vaginoplasty, to restore the normal function and appearance of the vagina. 

Our pediatric urologists are known world-wide for pioneering a vaginoplasty method called buccal mucosa vaginoplasty, that uses the slippery pink skin from inside of the mouth and leaves no external scars. Our goal is to answer your questions and provide support that helps you understand all of the options for your child’s treatment.

If your child is born with a congenital anomaly of the sex organs, it can be a very confusing and stressful situation.  Some children are born with both male and female internal and external anatomy while others have body parts that are between male and female.  Others have all female parts but they are joined internally to the intestines.  It requires expert testing and counseling to understand their bodies and to care for these children.

As a parent, your concern may be twofold: Will my child have full urinary and sexual function, and will it be helpful to begin medicines or have surgery These are very difficult decisions which should be made by the child (if possible), parents, and medical care givers.  Some children do not need surgery as a young child while others cannot have normal urinary, menstrual, reproductive, or sexual function unless surgery is performed.

The UT Southwestern pediatric urologists practicing at Children’s Health℠ specialize in the medical and surgical treatment of congenital anomalies, including female genital and vaginal surgical reconstruction. Our experience includes reconstruction of the most complex urinary and genital anomalies in children from birth to adulthood, including the repair of surgical complications or failures.