Our Summary

This research paper presents the case of a 50-year-old woman who had a rare recurrence of cervical cancer in her vaginal cuff eight years after her initial surgery. The treatment she received is still a subject of debate. In this case, the woman underwent surgery to remove her vagina (vaginectomy) and then had it reconstructed (vaginoplasty) using a specially engineered biomaterial graft. Post-surgery, the patient was given three cycles of chemotherapy. The patient showed no signs of the disease 18 months after the surgery and had resumed a satisfactory sex life eight months after the operation. This is the first recorded case of using this particular method of surgery for late-stage recurrence of cervical cancer following a vaginectomy.

FAQs

  1. What procedure did the 50-year-old woman undergo to treat her recurrent cervical cancer?
  2. How long after her vaginoplasty surgery did the patient show no signs of the disease?
  3. Is this the first recorded case of using vaginoplasty with a biomaterial graft for late-stage recurrence of cervical cancer following a vaginectomy?

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 physical activity, keeping the surgical area clean and dry, and attending follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider. It is also important to communicate any concerns or unusual symptoms with your healthcare team to ensure prompt treatment if needed.

Suitable For

Vaginoplasty is typically recommended for patients who have experienced trauma to the vaginal area, have congenital abnormalities affecting the vagina, or are transgender individuals seeking gender-affirming surgery. In the case of the 50-year-old woman with recurrent cervical cancer, vaginoplasty was recommended as a treatment option after a vaginectomy to reconstruct the vagina and improve quality of life.

In general, patients who are considering vaginoplasty should be in good overall health and have realistic expectations about the outcomes of the surgery. They should also have a thorough understanding of the risks and potential complications associated with the procedure. It is important for patients to discuss their goals and concerns with their healthcare provider to determine if vaginoplasty is the right option for them.

Timeline

  • Before vaginoplasty:
  1. Patient is diagnosed with cervical cancer and undergoes initial surgery to remove affected tissue.
  2. Patient undergoes follow-up appointments and monitoring for recurrence.
  3. Patient experiences a rare recurrence of cervical cancer in the vaginal cuff eight years after initial surgery.
  • After vaginoplasty:
  1. Patient undergoes surgery to remove the vagina (vaginectomy) and reconstruct it using a specially engineered biomaterial graft (vaginoplasty).
  2. Patient receives three cycles of chemotherapy post-surgery.
  3. Patient shows no signs of the disease 18 months after surgery.
  4. Patient resumes a satisfactory sex life eight months after the operation.
  5. This case represents the first recorded instance of using this specific method of surgery for late-stage recurrence of cervical cancer following a vaginectomy.

What to Ask Your Doctor

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

  1. What is the purpose of the vaginoplasty procedure in my case?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with vaginoplasty?
  3. What is the expected recovery time and post-operative care for vaginoplasty?
  4. Will I experience any changes in sensation or sexual function after vaginoplasty?
  5. What are the long-term results and outcomes of vaginoplasty in cases similar to mine?
  6. Are there any alternative treatments or procedures that I should consider?
  7. How experienced are you in performing vaginoplasty procedures?
  8. Will I need any additional treatments or therapies following vaginoplasty?
  9. How will vaginoplasty impact my overall quality of life?
  10. What can I expect in terms of follow-up care and monitoring after vaginoplasty?

Reference

Authors: Lin Y, Zhou J, Dai L, Cheng Y, Wang J. Journal: J Obstet Gynaecol Res. 2017 Sep;43(9):1493-1497. doi: 10.1111/jog.13375. Epub 2017 Jul 10. PMID: 28691384