title: Hymen sparing surgery for imperforate hymen: case reports and review of literature.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Imperforate hymen, with an incidence between 0.1% and 0.05%, is the most common obstructive congenital abnormality of the female genital tract. 'Standard' surgical treatment of imperforate hymen involves hymenectomy after a cruciate, plus, or X-shaped hymenotomy incision.
  
  
  METHODS
  Two cases with imperforate hymen treated with a simple vertical incision are presented. A few oblique sutures were used to prevent refusion. Postoperative follow up was uneventful.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The importance of the integrity of hymen changes in different cultures and religious groups. Option of a hymen sparing procedure is readily preferred by most of these patients and families. Also preservation of hymenal tissue, hence the perception of 'integrity' of female genitalia, might be an alternative treatment option.
authors: Zonguldak Karaelmas University, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Esenkoy, Kozlu 67600 Zonguldak, Turkey. mbasaran@med.karaelmas.edu.tr
authors: Mustafa
authors: M
authors: Basaran
authors: Deniz
authors: D
authors: Usal
authors: Cumhur
authors: C
authors: Aydemir
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D005260:Female; D006399:Hematocolpos; D006801:Humans; D006924:Hymen / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000601:surgery*; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures; D013536:Suture Techniques; D016055:Urinary Retention