Our Summary

This research paper is a review of past studies on male-to-female transgender surgery, specifically focusing on vaginoplasty - a procedure that creates a vagina. The study was done to gather more information on how these surgeries work and how they can be improved to reduce complications and enhance the results for patients. The researchers looked at a variety of databases and ended up analyzing 46 relevant studies, which included data from 3716 surgeries.

The findings showed that complications were relatively low. For example, only 2% of surgeries resulted in a fistula (an unwanted hole between two organs), 14% in stenosis and strictures (narrowing or tightening), 1% in tissue death, and 4% in prolapse (where organs slip out of place).

On the positive side, patients reported high levels of satisfaction with the surgery results. 93% were happy with the overall results, 87% with how their new vagina functioned, and 90% with how it looked. 70% of patients reported being able to have an orgasm. Only 1% regretted having the surgery.

The study concludes that the different surgical methods used for this type of surgery have proven to be safe and effective overall. The researchers mention the need for further studies to compare these different methods and create best-practice guidelines.

FAQs

  1. What was the purpose of this research on vaginoplasty?
  2. What types of complications were reported from the studies on vaginoplasty surgeries and how common were they?
  3. What were the satisfaction rates reported by patients who underwent vaginoplasty?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might give a patient about vaginoplasty is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully to reduce the risk of complications and promote proper healing. This may include keeping the surgical area clean and dry, avoiding strenuous activities, and attending follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider. It is also important to communicate any concerns or changes in symptoms to your doctor promptly.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for vaginoplasty include individuals who are transgender and seeking gender-affirming surgery to align their physical appearance with their gender identity. These patients may experience gender dysphoria, discomfort, or distress related to their assigned sex at birth. Vaginoplasty can help these individuals achieve a more authentic and comfortable gender expression.

In addition, vaginoplasty may be recommended for individuals who have undergone genital trauma or have a congenital condition affecting the development of their genitalia. These patients may benefit from vaginoplasty to improve their quality of life, sexual function, and overall well-being.

It is important for patients considering vaginoplasty to undergo a thorough evaluation by a multidisciplinary team, including mental health professionals, endocrinologists, and surgeons, to ensure they are well-informed about the risks and benefits of the procedure and are prepared for the physical and emotional changes that may result from surgery. Ultimately, the decision to undergo vaginoplasty should be made collaboratively between the patient and their healthcare providers to ensure the best possible outcome.

Timeline

Before vaginoplasty, a patient typically undergoes a series of consultations with their healthcare provider to discuss their goals, expectations, and medical history. They may also undergo hormone therapy and psychological evaluations to ensure they are mentally and physically prepared for surgery.

During the surgery, which can last several hours, the patient is placed under general anesthesia. The surgeon creates a vagina using penile and scrotal tissue, reshaping it to resemble the appearance and function of a biological vagina. The procedure may also involve the creation of a clitoris and labia.

After surgery, the patient will typically stay in the hospital for a few days for monitoring and recovery. They will be given pain medication and antibiotics to prevent infection. The patient will need to follow post-operative care instructions, which may include avoiding strenuous activities, keeping the surgical site clean, and attending follow-up appointments with their surgeon.

In the weeks and months following surgery, the patient will experience gradual healing and changes in the appearance and sensation of their new vagina. They may also undergo dilation therapy to prevent the narrowing of the vaginal canal. Over time, the patient will be able to resume sexual activity and experience the full benefits of their new anatomy.

Overall, vaginoplasty can have a positive impact on a patient’s physical and emotional well-being, allowing them to align their body with their gender identity and improve their 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 vaginoplasty?
  2. What is the recovery process like after vaginoplasty and how long does it typically take?
  3. How long do the results of vaginoplasty typically last?
  4. What are the different surgical techniques used for vaginoplasty and which one would be most suitable for me?
  5. What are the requirements for candidacy for vaginoplasty, such as hormone therapy or psychological evaluations?
  6. What are the potential changes in sexual function after vaginoplasty and how can I expect my sexual experiences to change?
  7. What kind of follow-up care is required after vaginoplasty?
  8. What are the costs associated with vaginoplasty and are there any financing options available?
  9. Are there any lifestyle changes or restrictions I should be aware of after vaginoplasty?
  10. Can you provide me with before and after photos of patients who have undergone vaginoplasty to have a better idea of the potential results?

Reference

Authors: Manrique OJ, Adabi K, Martinez-Jorge J, Ciudad P, Nicoli F, Kiranantawat K. Journal: Ann Plast Surg. 2018 Jun;80(6):684-691. doi: 10.1097/SAP.0000000000001393. PMID: 29489533