Vaginectomy

Introduction

Originally developed as a treatment for vaginal cancer for those who can't be treated with radiation or chemotherapy; vaginectomy is a surgery that removes all or part of the vagina.
In the context of this website, a vaginectomy is a surgery that is performed on some trans-masculine individuals as a treatment for gender dysphoria.
Some reasons why someone may want a vaginectomy include but are not limited to; a desire for a male perineum and no vagina, to get rid of secretions produced by vaginal mucosa, to be free of pain from a gynecological condition, to eliminate the need for speculum exams or pap smear tests, or to reduce the potential for complications related to urethral lenthening (urethroplasty).

How much is removed will vary based on individual needs.

How does it work?

This is a surgery where the surgeon will remove the vaginal lining and (typically) close the vagina.
There are different types of vaginectomy.
A simple vaginectomy refers to removal of the vaginal lining and underlying muscles.
Partial vaginectomy is the removal of a part of the vagina.
Radical Vaginectomy removes the connective tissue adjacent to the vagina.
Total vaginectomy removes the entire vagina.

After being given general anesthesia, the surgeon will remove the mucosal lining of the patient's vagina, either by stripping it piece by piece, or cauterizing the tissue - which allows the vaginal canal to adhere to itself and heal. The vulvar tissue (labia majora and labia minora) may also be removed. Finally, the vaginal orifice will be sutured closed.

The length of the operation is typically 2-3hours.

After the surgery, you will typically spend a few days to a week in the hospital.
Recovery is roughly 6 weeks.

Risks

• Excessive bleeding
• Infection
• Problems with defecating (pooping) or leaking stool.
• Urinary retention.
• Vaginal fistula (a hole between the vaginal area and other internal organs, such as the bladder).

Other Surgeries?

If the desired result is a smooth perineum (where the vaginal opening is sewn shut) then a hysterectomy is required beforehand, as there will no longer be a pathway for menustral discharge.

Vagenectomies are typically done before or alongside surgeries such as scrotoplasty, urethral lengthening (the appearance of which will vary depending on desired results, as with all surgeries), meta and phallo.

It is important to keep in mind all desired surgeries (for both yourself and your surgeon). Some tissues that may normally be removed via vaginectomy may be otherwise utilized for your other surgeries.

Relevant Terms

• Colpectomy: Removal of the vaginal lining (epithelium)
• Colpocleisis: Fusion of the vaginal walls, which creates support for pelvic organs.

Additional Resources

Cleveland Clinic - Vaginectomy
cranects - vaginectomy
FTMsurgery.net - Vaginectomy
Metoidioplasty.net - FTM Vaginectomy
My Up Char - Vaginectomy
NCBI - Laparoscopic Vaginal-Assisted Hysterectomy With Complete Vaginectomy for Female-To-Male Genital Reassignment Surgery
pubmed - Gender-affirming Vaginectomy-Transperineal Approach
real self - Transgender Vaginectomy: What You Need to Know
Transgender Map - Vaginectomy
transhealthcare - vaginectomy
Wikipedia - Vaginectomy