Vaginectomy

How common is vaginectomy?

This procedure is relatively uncommon. Providers can usually treat most vaginal cancer with radiation and chemotherapy. So, vaginectomy isn’t often necessary.

Vaginal cancer is rare. Less than 2% of cancers in the female genital tract are vaginal cancer.

What happens before vaginectomy?

Before surgery, your provider will examine you and ask about your medical history. They may tell you to stop taking certain medications, such as blood thinners, before the procedure. If you smoke or use tobacco products, ask your provider about quitting before surgery. Smoking and tobacco use can slow the healing process.

You’ll need to avoid eating or drinking anything the night before the surgery. Your provider will give you details about the procedure and how to prepare.

What happens during vaginectomy?

Your provider will give you general anesthesia through a vein in your arm. You will be asleep throughout the procedure and won’t feel pain during surgery. Your surgeon may perform this procedure vaginally (through your vaginal opening). They make several small incisions (cuts) to separate the vaginal tube from the tissues surrounding it. Depending on the technique, your provider may close or leave the vaginal opening.

Your provider may do this procedure laparoscopically. This means they use a long, thin instrument that looks like a telescope. Instead of going through your vaginal opening, your provider may make several small incisions in your abdomen. If you need other surgeries, your provider may do that surgery while you’re under general anesthesia. These additional procedures may include a hysterectomy to remove your uterus.

Some women choose to have a vaginoplasty following a vaginectomy. This is surgery to reconstruct a vagina. A vaginoplasty procedure allows women to have vaginal intercourse. If you’re interested in this procedure, talk to your provider. They will discuss your options, including when to get this additional surgery.

What happens after vaginectomy?

You’ll need to stay in the hospital after the procedure, usually for a few days but up to a week. The length of stay depends on the type of vaginectomy you had and whether you had other surgeries as well. While you’re in the hospital, your provider will monitor you and give you medications to relieve pain. These medications also reduce swelling and lower the risk of infection.

When you’re able to go home, your provider will tell you how to care for yourself and how to take care of your incisions. Follow your provider’s instructions carefully. You should limit physical activity for at least a few weeks. You’ll need to avoid lifting or carrying anything heavy. Your provider will tell you how long you should rest.

What are the advantages of vaginectomy?

Vaginectomy is an effective procedure to treat vaginal cancer. This surgery has a 95% survival rate two years following the procedure.

This procedure helps trans men live in a body that aligns with the gender with which they identify. Trans men who choose this procedure are generally very happy with the outcome.

Most transgender people who choose gender affirmation surgery are happy with the outcome. Depending on the procedure, studies show that 94% to 100% of people report satisfaction with their results.

What are the risks or complications of vaginectomy?

As with any surgery, there is a risk of complications. They include:

Excessive bleeding.

Infection.

Problems with defecating (pooping) or leaking stool.

Vaginal fistula (a hole between the vaginal area and other internal organs, such as the bladder).

Urinary retention.

In recent years, more transgender men have chosen to have this procedure. While the risk of complications used to be higher, the procedure is safer than ever before. There is a lower risk of complications now.

What is the recovery time after vaginectomy?

You can expect to have some pain in the first week or so following surgery. Talk to your provider about your pain relief options and what activities to avoid.

Your recovery time depends on your overall health and the type of surgery or surgeries you had. You’ll probably need to avoid physical activity for several weeks. This may include intense exercise, all sexual activity and any heavy lifting.