Adhesion of the labia minora complicating circumcision in the neonatal period in a Nigerian community.

Twelve cases of adhesion of the labia minora complicating circumcision in the neonatal period of a Nigerian Community are presented. 9 of the cases were under one year in age. 10 of the cases were erroneously diagnosed by general practitioners as cases of imperforate vagina or hymen. The commonest presenting symptom was a poor urinary stream. Treatment was by separation of the adhesion and local application of dienoestrol cream, the success rate of this mode of therapy was 91.7%. The aetiology and treatment of labial adhesions are discussed. If labial adhesions are untreated other complications could arise in later life, hence female circumcision in the neonatal period should be discouraged.