Artificial vaginas: possible sources of epithelialization.

Biopsy specimens from surgically created peritoneium-lined vaginas in 23 patients with complete vaginal agenesis showed squamous metaplastic epithelium lining the vaginal canal. In nine of the patients, histologic or cytologic evidence, or both, suggested that the metaplastic squamous epithelium could be derived from pre-existing glandular epithelium - sebaceous, paramesonephric (mullerian), or urogenital sinus. The histologic and cytologic features in six patients with paramesonephric-like gland elements in the mucosa and submucosa of the neovagina were similar to the features seen in milder forms of vaginal adenosis.