Our Summary

This research paper is about a study conducted on a new surgical procedure for male-to-female gender confirmation surgery. The technique is called laparoscopic pedicled peritoneal flap vaginoplasty and was performed on five patients between October 2020 and July 2021. Two of the patients had this surgery as their first gender confirmation procedure, while the other three had it as a follow-up procedure after an initial surgery (penile skin inversion) didn’t work as expected.

The results were promising: there were no complications after the surgery, and patients only had to stay in the hospital for an average of 3 days. In the six months after their surgery, none of the patients experienced vaginal stenosis (a condition where the vagina narrows or shortens). The average depth of the created vagina was 6 inches and all had a healthy surface.

This suggests that the laparoscopic pedicled peritoneal flap vaginoplasty could be a good first option for gender confirmation surgeries, especially for patients who don’t have enough skin in the penile and scrotal area for the traditional procedure, or for those whose initial penile skin inversion procedure didn’t work as planned.

FAQs

  1. What is laparoscopic pedicled peritoneal flap vaginoplasty?
  2. What were the outcomes of the patients who underwent laparoscopic pedicled peritoneal flap vaginoplasty in this study?
  3. Who are the ideal candidates for laparoscopic pedicled peritoneal flap vaginoplasty as per the study?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about vaginoplasty is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully to ensure proper healing and minimize the risk of complications. This may include keeping the surgical site clean and dry, taking prescribed medications as directed, and attending follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider. It is also important to communicate any concerns or changes in symptoms to your healthcare team promptly.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended vaginoplasty include transgender individuals undergoing male-to-female gender affirmation surgery. This may include individuals with inadequate penoscrotal skin or those who have had failed penile skin inversion procedures. Vaginoplasty may be recommended as a primary procedure for individuals seeking gender affirmation surgery, or as a secondary deepening procedure for those who have had previous unsatisfactory surgical outcomes.

Timeline

Before Vaginoplasty:

  • Patient undergoes pre-operative consultations and evaluations with a gender affirming surgeon and mental health professional
  • Patient may undergo hormone therapy and hair removal in preparation for surgery
  • Patient discusses surgical options and goals with their healthcare team
  • Patient undergoes pre-operative tests and evaluations to ensure they are a suitable candidate for surgery

After Vaginoplasty:

  • Patient is monitored closely in the hospital post-surgery for any complications
  • Patient is provided with pain management and wound care instructions
  • Patient may need to wear a catheter for a period of time post-surgery
  • Patient undergoes regular follow-up appointments with their surgeon to monitor healing and address any concerns
  • Patient may undergo dilation therapy to maintain vaginal depth and width
  • Patient experiences physical and emotional changes as they adjust to their new anatomy and identity

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with laparoscopic pedicled peritoneal flap vaginoplasty?
  2. How long is the recovery period after this surgery?
  3. What kind of follow-up care will be required after the procedure?
  4. How will the sensation in the newly created vagina compare to the sensation in the previous genital area?
  5. Are there any specific instructions or restrictions that need to be followed post-surgery?
  6. How will the appearance of the vagina change over time and what can be done to maintain or enhance its appearance?
  7. What are the potential long-term effects or complications that may arise from this surgery?
  8. How will this surgery impact sexual function and what can be done to address any potential issues?
  9. Are there any alternative surgical options available for gender affirmation vaginoplasty?
  10. What qualifications and experience do you have in performing laparoscopic pedicled peritoneal flap vaginoplasty surgeries?

Reference

Authors: Sachan A, Jain P, Sharma P, Goel V. Journal: Indian J Plast Surg. 2022 Jul 18;55(2):211-215. doi: 10.1055/s-0042-1749407. eCollection 2022 Apr. PMID: 36017411