Tamdah A., 10

Tamdah is a 10 years old girl child living with her mother. She is currently in a government primary school where she dreams of studying hard to become a medical doctor. The mother is doing her best to see that Tamdah achieves her dream. Patient has been noticed to have a female external genitalia but with absent vaginal orifice since birth. No other health problem. Examination revealed a school aged child with female external genitalia but no vaginal orifice only urethral orifice, anal orifice in normal position. Upon presentation at our hospital and after further clinical evaluation, she was diagnosed with Gynaetresia (Failure of formation of vagina).

Tamdah Andrew is a 10 years old female who presented with absence of the vagina, gynaetresia. This is a congenital anomaly where a girl child is born without an obvious birth canal. The patient and her parents came deeply concerned and in a hopeless condition due to the condition. Examination shows a normal skin covering where the vagina is supposed to be with a small 3x3mm opening for urination, MRI done revealed absence of the distal vagina with the uterus 3 cm from the skin dimple. Patient was worked up for vaginal reconstruction and the vagina successfully recanalized. The child stands the chance of functioning optimally as a woman with the success of the repair. This success was a thing of joy to the family and the medical team. This fit could not have been achieved without the help of Helpster Charity, they appreciate the entire team.

Patient needs urgent surgery to recreate the vagina before she commences menstruation if not when she starts menstruating with the existing womb, the blood will collect and get infected since there is no opening for it to pass. This might lead to further damage to structures in her pelvis and likely death. With appropriate vaginal recreation, she stands the chance of not only alleviating the complications but leading almost a normal female life.