Our Summary

This study looked at a surgical procedure called penile inversion vaginoplasty, which is often used for gender reassignment in transgender women. The researchers wanted to determine if using extra skin in the surgery affected the results, as some surgeons believe it improves the appearance, while others think it can make the area less sensitive and cause the skin to shrink.

They studied 100 patients, some of whom had the extra skin used in their surgery and some who didn’t. They measured the depth of the newly constructed vagina at different times after the surgery and recorded patients’ satisfaction with the appearance, function, and their own perception of their genitals.

They found that after one year, the average depth of the new vagina was slightly less than immediately after surgery, with the biggest decrease in the first three weeks. However, the use of extra skin didn’t make a significant difference to the depth, appearance, function, or patients’ feelings about their genitals. Therefore, they concluded that the arguments for and against using extra skin in this surgery are not supported by their findings.

FAQs

  1. What is penile inversion vaginoplasty and who often undergoes this procedure?
  2. Does using extra skin in penile inversion vaginoplasty surgery affect the results in terms of depth, appearance, function, or patients’ satisfaction?
  3. What were the study’s conclusions regarding the use of extra skin in penile inversion vaginoplasty?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might tell a patient undergoing skin graft surgery to follow post-operative care instructions carefully, including keeping the graft site clean and protected, avoiding excessive movement or stretching of the area, and taking prescribed medications to prevent infection and promote healing. It is also important to attend follow-up appointments to monitor the healing process and address any concerns.

Suitable For

Skin graft surgery is typically recommended for patients who have experienced severe burns, extensive wounds, or skin loss due to trauma or surgery. It may also be recommended for patients with certain skin conditions, such as skin cancer, to help reconstruct and repair damaged skin. Additionally, skin graft surgery may be used in cosmetic procedures to improve the appearance of scars or to reconstruct areas of the body affected by congenital abnormalities.

Timeline

  • Before skin graft surgery:
  1. Consultation with a surgeon to discuss the procedure and determine if the patient is a good candidate for skin graft surgery.
  2. Pre-operative preparation, which may include blood tests, imaging studies, and medication adjustments.
  3. Signing of consent forms and discussion of potential risks and complications.
  4. Marking of the donor site and the area where the skin graft will be placed.
  5. Anesthesia administration before the surgery begins.
  • After skin graft surgery:
  1. Immediate post-operative care, which may include monitoring of vital signs, pain management, and wound care.
  2. Recovery in the hospital or outpatient setting for a few days to a week, depending on the extent of the surgery.
  3. Follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor the healing process and remove any sutures or dressings.
  4. Physical therapy or rehabilitation to regain strength and mobility in the area where the skin graft was placed.
  5. Long-term follow-up care to monitor for any complications or issues with the skin graft, such as infection or rejection.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about skin graft surgery include:

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with skin graft surgery?
  2. How long is the recovery process and what can I expect during this time?
  3. Will there be scarring after the surgery and how can it be minimized?
  4. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery and are there any potential side effects?
  5. How long will it take for the skin graft to fully heal and what follow-up care will be needed?
  6. Will the skin graft affect the sensation or function of the area where it is placed?
  7. Are there any alternative treatments or procedures that could be considered instead of skin graft surgery?
  8. What are the success rates of skin graft surgery for my specific condition or situation?
  9. How experienced is the surgeon in performing skin graft surgeries and what is their success rate?
  10. Are there any specific post-operative instructions or precautions I should follow to ensure optimal healing and results?

Reference

Authors: Buncamper ME, van der Sluis WB, de Vries M, Witte BI, Bouman MB, Mullender MG. Journal: Plast Reconstr Surg. 2017 Mar;139(3):649e-656e. doi: 10.1097/PRS.0000000000003108. PMID: 28234830