Our Summary

This research paper discusses a case of a woman who was born without a vagina, a rare condition known as vaginal agenesis. The patient had previously undergone unsuccessful attempts at vaginal reconstruction using tissue grafts. In this case, the surgeons used a robot-assisted procedure to create a new vagina using a piece of the woman’s bowel. The procedure was largely successful, though it required some traditional open surgery due to complications. After the surgery, she was given a vaginal stent and a catheter. Her recovery was smooth and follow-ups showed that the reconstructed vagina was functioning as expected. The study concludes that using a robotic-assisted procedure for this type of surgery is possible and safe, but requires significant surgical expertise.

FAQs

  1. What is vaginal agenesis and how common is it?
  2. What does the robotic-assisted procedure for vaginal reconstruction entail?
  3. What does the recovery process look like after a robotic-assisted vaginal reconstruction surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about vaginoplasty is to follow all post-operative care instructions closely to promote proper healing and reduce the risk of complications. This may include taking prescribed medications, avoiding strenuous activities, and attending follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider. Additionally, maintaining good hygiene in the surgical area and keeping it clean and dry can also help prevent infections and promote healing. It is important to communicate any concerns or unusual symptoms to your healthcare provider promptly.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended vaginoplasty include:

  1. Individuals with vaginal agenesis or other congenital abnormalities that result in the absence or underdevelopment of the vagina.
  2. Transgender women seeking gender-affirming surgery to create a functional and aesthetically pleasing vagina.
  3. Women who have experienced trauma or injury to the vaginal area and require reconstruction surgery.
  4. Individuals with gender dysphoria who wish to align their physical characteristics with their gender identity through vaginoplasty.
  5. Patients with vaginal stenosis or other conditions that cause narrowing or scarring of the vaginal canal, resulting in pain or difficulty with sexual intercourse or other activities.

Timeline

Before Vaginoplasty:

  1. Patient is diagnosed with vaginal agenesis, a rare condition where the vagina is absent or underdeveloped.
  2. Patient undergoes unsuccessful attempts at vaginal reconstruction using tissue grafts.
  3. Patient is deemed a candidate for vaginoplasty.

After Vaginoplasty:

  1. Patient undergoes robot-assisted vaginoplasty procedure using a piece of the bowel to create a new vagina.
  2. Some traditional open surgery is required due to complications during the procedure.
  3. Patient is given a vaginal stent and a catheter post-surgery.
  4. Patient experiences a smooth recovery process.
  5. Follow-up appointments show that the reconstructed vagina is functioning as expected.
  6. Study concludes that robot-assisted vaginoplasty is possible and safe, but requires significant surgical expertise.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with vaginoplasty?

  2. What is the success rate of vaginoplasty in patients with similar conditions?

  3. What is the recovery process like after vaginoplasty?

  4. How long will it take to see the full results of the surgery?

  5. Will I need to use a vaginal stent or catheter after the procedure, and for how long?

  6. What type of follow-up care will be necessary after the surgery?

  7. Are there any specific lifestyle changes or restrictions I need to follow post-surgery?

  8. Will I experience any changes in sexual function or sensation after vaginoplasty?

  9. How experienced are you in performing vaginoplasty procedures, particularly in cases like mine?

  10. Are there any alternative treatment options or procedures that I should consider?

Reference

Authors: Gundeti MS, Kumar R, Mohammad M. Journal: J Pediatr Urol. 2021 Apr;17(2):273-274. doi: 10.1016/j.jpurol.2021.01.023. Epub 2021 Jan 26. PMID: 33602611