VII. Surgical Treatment For Female Patients

In most female patients, CAH treatment also includes surgical correction of the masculinized external genitalia and lengthening and opening of the vagina.

At 3-6 months of age, efforts are usually made to feminize the appearance of the external genitalia if marked enlargement of the clitoris has occurred. This is accomplished by reducing the size of the phallus to make it look like a clitoris. Presently, this involves the removal of the posterior part of the corpora and the repositioning of the glans, while maintaining the nerves and blood vessels supplying the glans.

While some doctors believe that vaginoplasty can be performed in infancy, others believe the best time for vaginal surgery is during adolescence, when the patient is ready to engage in sexual activity