Our Summary

This research paper is a review of studies about a type of surgery called bowel vaginoplasty. This procedure is mainly used to create a new vagina for male-to-female transgender individuals or for females who were born without a vagina. The researchers looked at studies published between January 2016 and February 2018.

Out of 251 studies, only 34 met the criteria to be included in this review. The researchers then evaluated the quality of these studies and the evidence they provided. They found that all the studies were non-randomized and had a high risk of bias. This means the studies may not perfectly represent the real-world outcomes of the surgery.

The review found that the surgery, which uses a piece of the bowel to create a new vagina, has low rates of failure and doesn’t usually need to be redone. It also doesn’t require regular dilation, a process to keep the new vagina open. Furthermore, when performed using laparoscopic techniques (through small incisions), it results in a better appearance of the abdomen after surgery and a shorter hospital stay.

In conclusion, the review suggests that bowel vaginoplasty is a safe and effective procedure with excellent long-term results. However, the researchers highlighted the need for more studies with better methodology and larger sample sizes to confirm these findings. They also suggest using standardized evaluation tools, such as the Female Sexual Function Index, in future studies.

FAQs

  1. What is bowel vaginoplasty and who is it mainly used for?
  2. What were the main findings of this review on bowel vaginoplasty?
  3. Why did the researchers suggest the need for more studies on bowel vaginoplasty?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about vaginoplasty is to carefully follow post-operative care instructions to ensure proper healing and reduce the risk of complications. This may include avoiding strenuous activities, keeping the surgical area clean and dry, taking prescribed medications as directed, and attending follow-up appointments with the surgeon. It’s also important to communicate any concerns or changes in symptoms to the doctor promptly.

Suitable For

Typically, patients who are recommended for vaginoplasty include male-to-female transgender individuals and females who were born without a vagina. These individuals may experience gender dysphoria or physical discomfort due to their anatomy and may benefit from surgical intervention to create a functional and aesthetically pleasing vagina. It is important for patients to undergo a thorough evaluation by a qualified healthcare provider to determine if they are suitable candidates for vaginoplasty and to discuss the potential risks and benefits of the procedure.

Timeline

Before the surgery, the patient typically undergoes psychological evaluation, hormone therapy, and hair removal in the genital area. The patient also receives counseling and education about the procedure and post-operative care.

After the surgery, the patient can expect a hospital stay of a few days for monitoring and recovery. They may experience pain, swelling, and bruising in the surgical area, which can be managed with medication. The patient will need to follow a strict post-operative care plan, which may include vaginal dilation exercises to prevent the new vagina from closing up.

Over time, the patient will gradually regain sensation in the new vagina and may experience improved sexual function and satisfaction. Follow-up visits with the surgeon will be necessary to monitor healing and address any complications that may arise. With proper care and adherence to post-operative instructions, the patient can expect to have a successful outcome and improved quality of life.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about vaginoplasty include:

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with bowel vaginoplasty?
  2. How long is the recovery process after surgery and what can I expect during this time?
  3. Will I need to undergo any additional procedures or treatments after the surgery?
  4. How soon after surgery can I resume sexual activity?
  5. What are the long-term outcomes and success rates of bowel vaginoplasty?
  6. Are there any specific lifestyle changes or restrictions I should follow post-surgery?
  7. Will I need to undergo regular follow-up appointments and monitoring after the procedure?
  8. How experienced are you in performing bowel vaginoplasty and what is your success rate with this procedure?
  9. Can you provide me with before-and-after photos of previous patients who have undergone bowel vaginoplasty?
  10. Are there any alternative treatment options or surgical techniques that may be more suitable for my individual case?

Reference

Authors: Georgas K, Belgrano V, Andreasson M, Elander A, Selvaggi G. Journal: J Plast Surg Hand Surg. 2018 Oct;52(5):265-273. doi: 10.1080/2000656X.2018.1482220. Epub 2018 Jul 24. PMID: 30039726