To observe the influence of the artificial plastic vagina on overall patient health.
Length and width of the artificial vagina were measured. Histological studies were performed under light and electron microscope. Vaginal bacterial flora were analyzed using the drop-implant method. Vaginal HPV and ER were detected with ABC histochemical staining.
According to the results of anatomic measurements, artificial vagina was similar to normal vagina. The reductions of glands in the mucosa and collagen fibers as well as interstitial tissue hyperplasia in the lower segment of artificial vagina were documented. Four kinds of bacteria indigenous to the sigmoid colon were found in artificial vagina and were studied microbiologically with only differences in the amount and detection rates of bacteria flora. The positive presentation of HPV was not significantly different from that in the control group. The positive presentation of estrogen receptor (ER) in the epithelium of artificial vagina was not found.
The reconstruction of artificial vagina with sigmoid colon is a safe, effective and satisfactory procedure for the patient.