Anatomic study of vaginal width in male-to-female transsexual surgery

Despite the recent improvement in the design of male-to-female sex reassignment operations to enlarge the vaginal vault and depth, the size of the neovagina remains somewhat limited and the exterior of the neovagina may be compressed by the bony structure of pubic rami. The purpose of this study was to determine by anatomic study the possible cause of this limitation. Eighteen male and 10 female cadavers were dissected to measure the distance between the bilateral bony pubic rami (interramic distance) at a level that corresponds to the same level in the vaginal canal of females. At the same level of the vaginal canal in the female, which corresponds to the lower border of the prostate in the male, empirically 3 cm below the bony symphysis pubis, the mean value of the interramic distance was 3.95 +/- 0.25 cm in the male and 5.20 +/- 0.36 cm in the female (p = 0.000). The interramic distance in the male and female is significantly different. In those who have undergone the male-to-female transsexual operation, the newly structured vagina may be ventrolaterally limited. Several factors cause narrowing of the vaginal orifice in male-to-female transsexuals. On the basis of this study, it seems that the bony structure of the pubic rami compresses the vagina ventrolaterally. This finding may suggest refinements of the structural design of the neovagina and prompt procedural changes in male-to-female sex reassignment operations. Future investigation should be directed toward modifying vaginoplasty so that neovaginal width can be increased to the patient's satisfaction.     

Cytology of the ‘penile’ neovagina in transsexual women

S. Weyers, K. Lambein, Y. Sturtewagen, H. Verstraelen, J. Gerris and M. Praet
Cytology of the ‘penile’ neovagina in transsexual women Objective: The primary objective was to describe the neovaginal cytology in transsexual patients (n = 50) treated with the inverted penile skin technique. Secondary objectives were to compare our cytological findings with patient characteristics including use of oestrogens, sexual orientation and penetrative intercourse. Methods: The medical and surgical history, sexual orientation and whether there was a current relationship were ascertained. A speculum examination was followed by microscopy of a Pap smear of the neovaginal vault. Results: Well‐preserved nucleated squamous cells were found in 72%. The correlation between their presence and sexual orientation was highly significant (P = 0.016), with those not sexually interested and homosexually oriented all having nucleated cells on the Pap smear. However, the correlation between these cells and penetrative intercourse failed to reach significance. Four samples showed atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance, all were negative for high‐risk human papillomavirus (HR‐HPV) types. One patient showed a low‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesion that was HR‐HPV positive. There was a significant correlation between the presence of cytological lesions and sexual orientation (P = 0.006). Four percentage of the specimens showed Döderlein bacilli. Inflammation was found in 30.6% of samples with squamous cells. Conclusions: The penile skin‐lined neovagina of transsexual women can reflect the cytological findings present in biological women. However ‘normal’ cervical cytology, with superficial, intermediate and parabasal cells as well as Döderlein bacilli, was found in only 4% of transsexual women. Although one patient’s Pap test showed koilocytes and was HR‐HPV positive, no high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesions were identified.     

Microlaparoscopy in sex reassignment surgery

Sex reassignment (male to female surgery) is a standard operation which is aimed at constructing female genitalia and obtaining a cosmetic and functional result that is similar to that of a normal female subject. The ideal surgical procedure has not yet been described, but the various techniques which have been proposed in the literature are similar. The most cumbersome maneuver of the procedure is that of creating a neovaginal cavity inside the perineum. This step is generally carried out by means of blunt dissection between the rectal wall and the prostate, but most of the surgery is blindly performed without visual control. In these conditions, the risk of rectal injury is high, and may lead to severe intraoperative complications. Microlaparoscopy allows for a direct observation of the perineal dissection from inside the peritoneal cavity, thus avoiding risk of rectal injury. The technique is simple to perform, is non-invasive, and only 15 minutes are added to the operation.     

Vaginal reconstruction after extended radical pelvic surgery for cancer: comparison of two techniques

An immediate partial or total vaginal reconstruction is frequently proposed in cases of exenterative or extended radical pelvic surgery for cancer treatment. One of the main complications after this reconstruction is the vagina obliteration caused by the healing process. This study compares the results of two different reconstructive techniques, particularly focusing on general complications and the risk of vaginal occlusion. A transversus rectus abdominis musculoperitoneal (TRAMP) composite flap has been performed in five cases, and an inverted inferior transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap (TRAM) has been used in another five cases. Recovery was uneventful in eight cases. One patient (case 5) developed an aortofemoral embolism requiring a bilateral transfemoral embolectomy and heparin administration. Another patient (case 9) experienced severe peritonitis because of the partial leak of the rectal anastomosis, and therefore a Mikulicz's colostomy was performed. Four patients who underwent the TRAMP flap developed a complete closure of the neovagina. In one patient with a TRAMP flap, a severe shortening (2 cm) of the neovagina occurred. Five patients out of five who underwent a reconstruction with a TRAM flap had a stable length of the neovagina (6 to 12 cm) and no shrinkage in diameter occurred, even though a vaginal stent was not used. The conventional inferior TRAM flap with a skin paddle seems to better maintain a stable length of the neovagina than the TRAMP composite flap with peritoneum.     

Long-term results in patients after rectosigmoid vaginoplasty

Many methods are used for vaginoplasty, including the split-thickness skin graft, full-thickness skin graft, and inverted penile skin flap. However, these procedures are not entirely satisfactory in cases of reconstructed vaginal stenosis, inadequate vaginal length, or poor lubrication. The small intestine, ascending colon, and sigmoid colon can be used in the intestinal flap method, and the authors modified the operation first described by Baldwin in which a loop of rectosigmoid is isolated, closed at one end, and brought down on its vascular pedicle as a neovagina and then anastomosed to the perineum.Vaginoplasty using the rectosigmoid was performed in 36 patients (28 male-to-female transsexual patients, five patients with congenital vaginal atresia, and three with cervical cancer). The follow-up period ranged from 1 to 10 years. The postoperative results were analyzed through physical examination and interview regarding the patient's functional status and satisfaction during sexual intercourse. The mean depth and width of the vaginal cavity were 12.5 cm and 3.9 cm, respectively. Excessive mucosal discharge was seen in 8.3 percent, and malodor was found in 8.3 percent. All patients who had partners were able to have sexual intercourse; 2.8 percent of patients used lubricants and 5.6 percent used dilators before intercourse for more than a year postoperatively. During intercourse, 88.9 percent of the patients experienced orgasm. The cosmetic and functional results of rectosigmoid vaginoplasty were excellent. Thus, the advantages of rectosigmoid vaginoplasty are (1) rare contraction of the reconstructed vagina, (2) vaginal width and depth maintained without long-term vaginal stent, (3) spontaneous mucus production facilitating sexual intercourse, (4) avoidance of the malodor frequently accompanying skin graft, and (5) texture and appearance similar to that of the natural vagina. The authors concluded that rectosigmoid vaginoplasty is the best choice for transsexual patients who have previously undergone penectomy and orchiectomy, patients with unfavorable previous vaginoplasty, those with short vaginal length after cervical cancer surgery, and patients with congenital vaginal atresia.     

The modified buccal musculomucosal flap method for cleft palate surgery

We have reported previously on a palatoplasty method, called the T-shaped musculomucosal buccal flap method, for the primary repair of a cleft palate. This method has been used on more than 90 patients, and satisfactory outcomes have resulted in terms of maxillar development, the prevention of fistulation, and verbal functions. However, 14.3 percent of these patients exhibited a velopharyngeal incompetence that showed no potential improvement through training. In the majority of these patients, the entire raw surface of the oral cavity side could not be covered with a buccal musculomucosal flap, and as a result, postoperative contraction of the soft palate occurred. Thus a new surgical method has proven effective in which both buccal musculomucosal flaps are used as an oral lining, the nasal mucosa having been extended by Z-plasty. We have performed 25 operations using this new method and have observed no postoperative contractions of the soft palate, notwithstanding two cases (8.0 percent) of postoperative fistulation.     

Fine structure of the cirrus sac and vagina of progenetic Diplocotyle olrikii (Cestoda: Spathebothriidea)

Ultrastructural characteristics of the cirrus sac and vagina of progenetic and monoxenic spathebothriidean tapeworm, Diplocotyle olrikii from the body cavity of Gammarus oceanicus are described. Five loosely arranged muscle layers make up the cirrus sac wall. The nucleated syncytial cytoplasm of the ejaculatory duct's wall has apical lamellae and 3 well-developed muscular layers under epithelim. Numerous prostate ducts pass through syncytial epithelium of it. The numerous prostate glands are localized around cirrus sac. Unique morphology of the prostate granules with an electron-dense core surrounded by a matrix of lower density is revealed for the spathebothriidean tapeworms. The epithelial lining of the cirrus in D. olrikii is nucleated and also is connected to subsurface sunken perikarya. The apical surface of the cirrus is covered with small cone-shaped microtriches. Well-developed 10 closely arranged muscle layers support the cirrus. Three regions of the vagina are distinguished. The distal part of vagina has filamentous microthrix type on the surface similar to tegumental one, as well as middle and proximal regions are covered with small cone-shaped microtriches, reducing in their number to proximal part. Anucleate epithelial lining of vagina is connected to numerous sunken parikarya. The cirrus and vagina epithelial lining has numerous vesicles. A comparison is made of the fine structure of the cirrus sac and vagina of monoxenic and dixenic spathebothriidean species. Ultrastructural data on the cirrus sac and vagina of the Spathebothriidea are compared with those for monozoic and polyzoic cestodes. The ultrastructural spathebothriidean features are discussed.     

Lengthening of the postoperative short nose: combined use of a gull-wing concha composite graft and a rib costochondral dorsal onlay graft

Several causes of short nose are known: congenital anomaly, developmental problem, trauma, and various types of rhinoplasty-the postoperative short nose being one of the most difficult problems to correct in plastic surgery. Contracted skin envelope, tissue deficiency of cartilage and mucosal lining, and poor circulation make postoperative short nose difficult to lengthen and susceptible to recurrence. Thus, for effective lengthening and long-term maintenance of it, specific grafts should be used to supplement the missing lining and cartilage and a mechanical support also is needed to withstand the skin contraction. The nose consists of three structural layers: the outer skin envelope, middle osteocartilaginous framework, and inner mucosal lining. Many methods have been proposed to correct short nose deformity. Those procedures lengthen the nose slightly, but none of them take into account the unique characteristics of postoperative causes and the structural concept of the nose. The procedures have resulted in only limited success. On the basis of the above clinical findings and the structural concept, we developed a surgical technique to correct postoperative short nose according to the structural layers. Our method consists of three main surgical maneuvers: (1) a gull-wing concha chondrocutaneous composite graft to supplement the deficient middle and inner layers, (2) a rib costochondral onlay graft on the dorsum to reinforce the framework, and (3) wide dissection of the outer skin envelope to cover the lengthened framework without tension. We prefer a closed surgical approach rather than an open approach to avoid too much tension on the columellar incision site and to allay patients' fear of an additional scar. From 1988 to 1998, we performed our lengthening technique on six female patients. All six patients demonstrated a significant lengthening and improved appearance postoperatively. After the lengthening procedure, the average nasolabial angle improved from 116 degrees to 104 degrees. The mean follow-up period was 8.7 months, with a range of 3 to 17 months. Sometimes, epidermal sloughing in the vertical strut of the gull-wing     

Refinement of intrathymic injection in mice

Direct intrathymic injection is a common procedure used in several types of experimental protocols in the mouse. Currently available approaches involve major surgical procedures that expose the thoracic cavity, resulting in an increased risk of poor recovery and postsurgical complications. The authors sought to refine this surgery to reduce animal pain and distress without compromising overall efficiency of the technique. Using a minimally invasive method that does not expose the thoracic cavity, the authors gave accurately placed intrathymic injections, as confirmed by analyses with a reporter dye. They describe this new approach for intrathymic injection in mice that reduces complications associated with lengthy periods of anesthesia and thoracic cavity exposure.     

Prelaminating the fascial radial forearm flap by using tissue-engineered mucosa: improvement of donor and recipient sites.

In reconstructive surgery, prelamination of free flaps using split-thickness skin is an established technique to avoid the creation of a considerable defect at the donor site, for example, in the case of a radial forearm flap. For oral and maxillofacial surgery, this technique is less than optimal for the recipient site because the transferred skin is inadequate to form a lining in the oral cavity. To create mucosa-lined free flaps, prelamination using pieces of split-thickness mucosa has been performed. However, the availability of donor sites for harvesting mucosa is limited. The present study combines a tissue-engineering technique with free flap surgery to create mucosa-lined flaps with the intention of improving the tissue quality at the recipient site and decreasing donor-site morbidity. On five patients undergoing resection of squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity, the radial forearm flap was prelaminated with a tissue-engineered mucosa graft to reconstruct intraoral defects. Using 10 x 5 mm biopsies of healthy mucosa, keratinocytes were cultured for 12 days and seeded onto collagen membranes (4.5 x 9 cm). After 3 days, the mucosal keratinocyte collagen membrane was implanted subcutaneously at the left or right lower forearm to prelaminate the fascial radial forearm flap. One week later, resection of the squamous cell carcinoma was performed, and the free fascial radial forearm flap pre- laminated with tissue-engineered mucosa was transplanted into the defect and was microvascularly anastomosed. Resection defects up to a size of 5 x 8 cm were covered. In four patients, the graft healed without complications. In one patient, an abscess developed in the resection cavity without jeopardizing the flap. During the postoperative healing period, the membrane detached and a vulnerable pale-pink, glassy hyperproliferative wound surface was observed. This surface developed into normal-appearing healthy mucosa after 3 to 4 weeks. In the postoperative follow-up period, such functions as mouth opening and closing and speech attested to the success of the tissue-engineering technique for flap prelamination.     

Harvesting and culture of epithelial cells from hollow organs of the female reproductive system

Summary The technique of trypsinization of cells lining the hollow organs applied to the female reproductive tract has proven successful in harvesting living cells which produced luxuriant cultures in vitro.Elements from the oviduct, endometrial cavity and vagina were obtained from 6 rabbits, 2 dogs and 6 surgical specimens by means of bathing the lumen of the organs with the use of a 0.5% solution of trypsin in calcium and magnesium free Gey's balanced salt solution for 30 to 40 min, employing continued gentle agitation provided by a syringe.Epithelial cells so harvested were grown in Rose chambers and in T-30 flasks for as long as 30 days, when they were fixed for study with special stains.No fibrocytic contamination of the cultures was observed.Further applications of the method are under investigation and are briefly outlined in the discussion.This work was performed in the Department of Cellular Biology, Pasadena Foundation for Medical Research, Pasadena, California, and aided in part by a grant from the U. S. Public Health Service, No. 2 G 279 and from the U. S. Army Medical Research and Development Command, Department of the Army, under Research Grant No. DA-MD-49-193-63-G80 administered by C. M. Pomerat.     

The dermis-prelaminated scapula flap for reconstructions of the hard palate and the alveolar ridge: a clinical and histologic evaluation.

Ideal reconstructions of complex defects in the midface require the restitution not only of bone and soft tissue, but also of a thin and durable lining of the oral cavity. So far, split-thickness skin grafts, intestinal grafts, and in vitro cultured mucosal grafts have been used for the reconstruction of the oral lining. The use of skin as a substitute for oral mucosa is controversial because contraction, hair growth, maceration, and dysplastic changes can occur. This clinical and histologic study was performed to evaluate the suitability of dermis as a substitute for oral lining. Twelve complex defects of the midface were reconstructed with dermis-prelaminated scapula flaps. A bony flap from the lateral border of the scapula was prepared, and osseointegrated implants were placed. The bone flap was then prelaminated with dermis and covered with a Gore-Tex membrane to prevent adhesions. The composite flap was transferred to the midface 2 to 3 months later. The oral lining of the flap was evaluated clinically and histologically at 2, 4, and 6 weeks and at 3 to 41 months after the reconstruction. In all patients, the reconstructed bone was covered with a thin and lubricated surface without hair growth. None of the patients showed any signs of maceration. Histologically, these findings corresponded to a keratinized stratified squamous epithelium with highly developed connective-tissue papillae. These features closely resemble those of the normal mucosa of the hard palate and the gingiva. Thus, dermis prelamination is an effective method for reconstructing the mucosa of the alveolar ridge and the hard palate.     

Sexual and Psychosocial Functioning in Women with MRKHS after Neovaginoplasty According to Wharton-Sheares-George: A Case Control Study

Background

Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome (MRKHS) has a major impact on a woman’s psychological and sexual well-being. In most of the studies that addressed treatment techniques, postoperative sexual function was reported to be satisfactory; however, comparatively few studies have additionally provided an accurate analysis of psychosocial functions in MRKHS patients following different kinds of neovaginal treatment. This study is to evaluate sexual and psychosocial functioning after creation of a neovagina according to Wharton-Sheares-George in women with MRKHS.

Methods

We performed a case-control-study using multiple measures to assess sexual and psychosocial functioning. Ten MRKHS patients and 20 controls of a University hospital and tertiary center for pediatric and adolescent gynecology were assessed. The follow-up assessment comprised 6 standardized questionnaires (Female Sexuality Function Index, FSFI; Patient Health Questionnaire, PHQ; Brief Symptom Inventory, BSI; World Health Organization Quality of Life Assessment, WHOQoL-BREF; Parental Bonding Instrument, PBI; and a German questionnaire on body image). The main outcome measures were sexual function, psychological status, quality of life, body image, and parental bonding styles.

Findings

Sexual function, psychological status (including depressive and somatic symptoms), quality of life, and own-body experience were at least as good in operated MRKHS patients as in controls. In some measures (FSFI, PHQ-15, psychological domain of the WHOQoL-BREF, and BSI Positive Symptom Total), patients scored significantly better than controls. The results of the PBI indicated a close and sustainable mother-daughter-relationship in MRKHS patients.

Conclusions

We found no evidence for an impairment of sexual or psychosocial functioning in patients after neovaginoplasty according to Wharton-Sheares-George. MRKHS may not necessarily compromise sexual and psychological well-being, provided that the syndrome is properly managed by a multidisciplinary team of health professionals.     

Technique for transcervical intrauterine inoculation of the mouse.

Suspensions of india ink or gonococci were inoculated into the murine uterus through the cervix with a simple plastic vaginal speculum and a 23 gauge blunted needle. The inoculated suspensions were distributed throughout both uterine horns, cervix, and vagina, but did not flow into the peritoneal cavity. This method avoided surgical stress as well as being simple, fast, and reproducible.     

Reconstruction of the lacrimal excretory system.

Primary surgical repair of the lacrimal drainage apparatus may not be feasible in patients with maxillofacial injuries involving extensive structural damage. If secondary restoration of the tear duct is not possible, reconstruction of an aberrant passage then will be necessary for tear drainage. Although the Pyrex conjunctivorhinostomy has been considered to be the most effective modality of treatment in managing patients with tear-duct dysfunction, this procedure can be plagued with problems of tube dislodgment, infection, and cicatricial tract obliteration. The patients are, furthermore, required to wear the device for the remainder of their lives. Autologous material is therefore best suited for reconstructing a conduit. A medially based mucosal flap fashioned in the lower palpebral conjunctiva, 5 mm in anteroposterior dimension and 15 mm in horizontal length, can be used to form a conduit. This is then sutured to a flap mobilized from the nasal cavity, the lacrimal sac, or the maxillary antrum. In the past 15 years, a total of 24 fistulous tracts utilizing this technique were reconstructed in 20 patients with tear-duct obstruction. The experience accumulated from managing this group of patients forms the basis of this report.     

Fine structure of the genital system in the females of Pergamasus mites (Acari: Gamasida: Pergamasidae)

The female reproductive system in Pergamasus mites consists of an unpaired vagina, vaginal duct, uterus, and ovary. Additionally, there are paired vaginal glands, as well as unpaired ventral and paired lateromedial glandular complexes. The vagina and vaginal duct are cuticle‐lined. In the dorsal wall of the vagina, this lining forms the endogynium which possesses a “sac” and two conspicuous “spherules” and is armed with “stipula” and other cuticular protrusions. The endogynium functions as a spermatheca, being a storing site for the spermatophore. The spherule procuticle is perforated by microvilli of underlying cells that are structurally very unusual. The lining of the vaginal duct forms numerous cuticular fibers directed toward the vagina. There is an external layer of muscles, supposedly functioning as a sphincter. The uterus is an organ in which the fertilized egg is stored for some time and starts embryonic development. Its wall is composed of glandular epithelial cells. The ovary consists of inner and outer parts. The former part is formed by a nutritive syncytium, whereas the latter contains growing oocytes. Two groups of glands connect with the genital tract. Paired vaginal glands are composed of glandular and secretion‐storing parts and open into the vagina. Paired lateromedial and unpaired ventral glandular complexes empty into the genital tract between the vaginal duct and uterus. The structure of the female genital system is discussed in terms of its function and phylogeny. J. Morphol. 240:195–223, 1999. © 1999 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Set of instruments for innovative, safe and sterile sigmoid access for natural-orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery / Ein Instrumentenset für den innovativen, sicheren und sterilen sigmoidalen Zugang für die transluminale endoskopische Chirurgie über natürliche K?rper?ffnungen

Abstract One of the current main challenges in transluminal surgery is in obtaining sterile and secure access to the peritoneal cavity. Since the transgastric approach has not fulfilled these requirements up to now, a new transcolonic surgical approach was developed to achieve these objectives and enhance the potential of transluminal surgery. A new set of instruments comprising an endoscopic trocar, a flexible obturator and a modified transanal endoscopic microsurgery device was designed to permit sterile sigmoid access for transcolonic surgery. The set of instruments has already been successfully tested in an experimental in vivo survival study that confirmed safety and sterility as objectives during surgical intervention. The suitability of the instruments for use in the human anatomy was confirmed by a cadaveric study.     

The alar contour graft: correction and prevention of alar rim deformities in rhinoplasty

One of the most common problems affecting both the primary and secondary rhinoplasty patient is deformity of the alar rim. Typically, this deformity is caused by congenital malpositioning, hypoplasia, or surgical weakening of the lateral crura, with the potential for both functional and aesthetic ramifications. Successful correction and prevention of alar rim deformities requires precise preoperative diagnosis and planning. Multiple techniques of varying complexity have been described to treat this common and challenging problem.Over the past 6 years (1994 through 2000), the authors have employed a simple technique in 123 patients for alar retraction that involves the nonanatomic insertion of an autogenous cartilage buttress into an alar-vestibular pocket. Among the 53 patients who underwent primary rhinoplasty in this study, 91 percent experienced correction or prevention of alar notching or collapse. However, correction was achieved for only 73 percent of the patients who underwent secondary rhinoplasty; many of whom had alar retraction secondary to scarring or lining loss. In patients with moderate or significant lining loss or scarring, a lateral crural strut graft is recommended. The alar contour graft provides the foundation in the patient undergoing primary or secondary rhinoplasty for the reestablishment of a normally functioning external nasal valve and an aesthetically pleasing alar contour. This article discusses the anatomic and aesthetic considerations of alar rim deformities and the indications and the surgical technique for the alar contour graft.     

Aspiration and cytological evaluation of idiopathic bone cavities of the jaw

The idiopathic bone cavity (IBC) is an intraosseous pseudocyst devoid of epithelial lining. Clinically, IBCs of the jaw are asymptomatic and normally found in routine radiographic exams. Although the literature regarding the content of IBCs is controversial, the final diagnosis is usually aided by the discovery of an empty cavity upon surgical exploration. The aim of this study was to perform cytological and histological analysis of IBC contents. Cytological analysis of nine cases of IBC was performed after puncture and processed by the cell block technique. Histological analysis was performed in six cases in which it was possible to collect enough material by curettage of bone walls. Remarkably, cell block analysis revealed the presence of fibrin, often arranged as a net; erythrocytes; and inflammatory cells, with a predominance of lymphocytes as well as some macrophages and neutrophils. Histological analysis showed the presence of scant connective tissue, bone trabeculae, hemorrhagic foci, and hemosiderin. Only two cases presented scattered multinucleated giant cells. Cytological evaluation of IBC content by the cell block technique might represent a useful diagnostic tool, especially in cases in which there is no available material for curettage in the cavity.     

Morphology and function of the female reproductive system of Ebalia tumefacta (Decapoda,Brachyura, Leucosiidae)

In this article, the morphology and function of the female reproductive organs of Ebalia tumefacta were investigated using histological methods. While the vagina conforms to the concave type, the study reveals a new orientation of seminal receptacle compartments. The seminal receptacle consists of two chambers, which are oriented in anterior‐posterior direction. This is in contrast to the dorso‐ventral orientation of seminal receptacle chambers in all other known brachyuran crabs. The anterior chamber is lined by cuticle, whereas the posterior chamber is covered with a holocrine glandular epithelium. The oviduct connection is located ventrally, close to the opening of the vagina. The oviduct orifice is characterized by a transition of the epithelium lining of the oviduct to the seminal receptacle holocrine glandular epithelium. Special features are muscle fibers, which are attached to the oviduct orifice and to the sternal cuticle as well. The muscle fibers can be found exactly at that point where the oviduct opens into the seminal receptacle and are secondly attached to the sternum beneath. This musculature is newly described for Eubrachyuran crabs. This musculature can be interpreted as an important feature in the fertilization and egg‐laying process in relation to supporting and controling the inflow of eggs into the seminal receptacle lumen. These new discoveries were compared to the known pattern of an Eubrachyuran seminal receptacle. J. Morphol. 276:517–525, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.