OBJECTIVESTo investigate the clinical features and therapeutic results of multiple approaches for congenital absence of the vagina, and to find out the prevention of complications and reconstruction method.

METHODSWe analysed retrospectively 126 patients with congenital absence of the vagina from 1979 to 2002.

RESULTSCongenital absence of the vagina occurred in 31.25% urinary tract anomalies and 6.35% musculoskeletal anomalies. Of the 126 patients, 6 received 2 or more than 2 operations, the remaining recovered after reconstruction of the vagina by using the inferior abdominal wall skin flap and pudendal-thigh skin flap.

CONCLUSIONSThe techniques should be selected according to the conditions of the patient and features of multiple approaches. Damage to the rectum and urinary tract should be avoided in addition to postoperative retraction or prolapse of flaps and stenosis of the vaginal orifice.