The Clínic consolidates female genital reconstruction surgeries reaching 60 patients

The Hospital Clínic Barcelona is a pioneer in Catalonia in genital reconstruction for women who have suffered ablation. In 2024, a total of 11 patients were referred from Primary Care Centres, and 9 of them went to the Clínic. Finally, 8 genital reconstruction surgeries were performed in 2024, and, in the first quarter of 2025, there will be another intervention day during which 5 or more patients are expected to be operated on. This means that the Hospital Clínic Barcelona will have operated on 60 patients since the start of the programme promoted by the Catalan Ministry of Health a decade ago.

As part of the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation, the head of the Gynaecology Service, Dr. Berta Díaz Feijoo, stresses the importance of this medical care, “as we are the only centre in Catalonia that currently offers this gynaecological service, and where patients who have suffered this kind of practice can go. The coordination between primary care centres (the ASSIRs and the CAPs) and the Hospital Clínic is very important, so as to ensure these patients know about the hospital and can access it for treatment”.

Senegal, Gambia and Guinea are the countries of origin of the patients who have undergone surgery in recent years at the Clínic and the centre has noted the sociocultural difficulties experienced by the patients when following the care process. It is estimated that in Catalonia there are more than 20,000 women from countries where this mutilation is practised and, therefore, are at risk of having it carried out. “That is why we would expect the number of women to be considerably higher than those we are currently receiving”, says Dr. Díaz Feijoo. The operation is relatively simple. It lasts between 30 and 40 minutes and requires a 24-hour stay in hospital at the very most.

Dr. Mariona Rius, gynaecologist and head of genital reconstruction at the Clínic, confirms that the initial challenge, which was to set up the circuit and organize the protocols, has been achieved. However, “after these 10 years, and with the circuit already consolidated, new challenges and objectives are emerging, above all to reach the highest number of women possible”. It is very important for the existence of this protocol of action and referral for women affected by genital mutilation to be known at primary care level (CAP/ASSIR), in order to ensure they are informed of the possibility of reconstructive surgery. “Working at different levels of healthcare, in a coordinated way, we will be able to reach the highest number of women possible”, she insists.  

Cases of female genital mutilation that arrive at the Clínic are dealt with by the Gynaecology Service. In addition to a consultation, an assessment and the subsequent scheduling of surgery, an appointment is offered with a gynaecologist specializing in sexology, to provide sex education sessions to women who need this. According to Dr. Mariona Rius, “the gynaecological sequelae can last a long time and lead to sterility or infertility. The sexual sensitivity is modified, and in some cases this can lead to anorgasmia”. “Genital mutilation can also lead to childbirth complications such as tears, obstetric fistulas and foetal distress", concludes Dr. Rius.

Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a practice with serious consequences for both physical and psychological health. It can lead to severe haemorrhages, urinary problems, infections and infertility, among other things. At the same time, it has significant negative effects on a woman’s emotional health and the quality of her emotional and sexual relationships. It also has consequences in the emotional sphere. There are studies that show an increase in post-traumatic stress, anxiety and depression in these patients”, adds Dr. Rius. The health, well-being and freedom of women has always formed part of Dr. Rius’ clinical practice as a gynaecologist, and she explains that “being able to work with women who have suffered assaults of this magnitude is a great opportunity to empower and help those women who need it”. FGM perpetuates gender inequality and discrimination and seriously affects the health and well-being of women and girls.