Our Summary

This research paper is about a study conducted to test the effectiveness of a surgical procedure called total laparoscopic sigmoid vaginoplasty (TLSV) on women who were born without a vagina. The procedure was carried out on 10 women at the Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital between April 2013 and July 2016. The results showed that the surgery was successful with minimal blood loss, a reasonable operation time, and an average hospital stay of 8 days. The newly constructed vaginas had a mean length of 13.4 cm. Eight of the women became sexually active after the surgery. One patient had complications including infection and narrowing of the new vagina, but this was managed using a vaginal mould. In conclusion, the study suggests that TLSV is a good option for women with congenital absence of the vagina as it is minimally invasive, has a quick recovery time, and satisfactory cosmetic results.

FAQs

  1. What is the total laparoscopic sigmoid vaginoplasty (TLSV) procedure?
  2. What were the results of the study on TLSV conducted at the Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital?
  3. What are the potential complications of the TLSV procedure and how can they be managed?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor may advise a patient undergoing vaginoplasty to follow post-operative care instructions carefully, including avoiding strenuous activity, keeping the surgical area clean and dry, and attending follow-up appointments to monitor healing and address any concerns promptly. It is also important for patients to communicate openly with their healthcare provider about any discomfort, pain, or other symptoms they may experience during the recovery process.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for vaginoplasty include:

  1. Women born with a congenital absence or underdeveloped vagina (Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser syndrome)
  2. Transgender women seeking gender-affirming surgery to create a vagina
  3. Women experiencing vaginal atrophy or vaginal laxity due to aging or childbirth
  4. Women with vaginal injuries or scarring from trauma or surgery
  5. Women with gender dysphoria seeking to align their physical appearance with their gender identity

It is important for patients considering vaginoplasty to undergo a thorough evaluation by a qualified healthcare provider to determine their candidacy for the procedure and discuss the potential risks and benefits.

Timeline

Before vaginoplasty:

  1. Consultation with a healthcare provider to discuss the procedure and determine if the patient is a suitable candidate for vaginoplasty.
  2. Pre-operative tests and evaluations to assess the patient’s overall health and to ensure they are physically prepared for surgery.
  3. Emotional preparation and counseling to address any concerns or fears the patient may have about the procedure.
  4. Consent forms signed and financial arrangements made.
  5. Pre-operative instructions given to the patient regarding fasting, medication, and other preparations for the surgery.

After vaginoplasty:

  1. Recovery period in the hospital, typically around 1-2 weeks, depending on the individual patient and the specific surgical technique used.
  2. Pain management and monitoring for any potential complications such as infection or bleeding.
  3. Follow-up appointments with the healthcare provider to assess healing progress and address any concerns or issues that may arise.
  4. Physical therapy and dilator use to help maintain the newly created vagina and prevent scarring or narrowing.
  5. Resuming sexual activity, usually after about 6-8 weeks, once the healing process is complete and the healthcare provider gives the green light.
  6. Long-term follow-up care to monitor the success of the surgery and address any ongoing concerns or complications that may arise.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with vaginoplasty?
  2. How long is the recovery process after vaginoplasty?
  3. Will I need to follow any specific post-operative care instructions?
  4. How soon after the surgery can I resume sexual activity?
  5. Will I need to undergo any additional procedures or treatments in the future?
  6. What are the expected results of the surgery in terms of vaginal function and appearance?
  7. How many vaginoplasty procedures have you performed in the past?
  8. Can you provide me with before and after photos of previous patients who have undergone vaginoplasty?
  9. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery?
  10. Are there any alternative treatment options for my condition that I should consider?

Reference

Authors: Wang J, Wei G, Yi Z, Liu M, Wu W, Hu W, Zheng J, Yao X, Li Y. Journal: ANZ J Surg. 2021 Jan;91(1-2):E20-E24. doi: 10.1111/ans.15786. Epub 2020 Apr 27. PMID: 32338816