Vaginectomy: Difference between revisions
Expanded article with more information and sources.
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'''Colpectomy''', '''colpocleisis''', and [[vaginectomy]] are all roughly synonymous terms meaning the closure/ | '''Colpectomy''', '''colpocleisis''', and [[vaginectomy]] are all roughly synonymous terms meaning the closure or removal of all or part of the vagina. This means the orifice, and not necessarily the external parts of the vulva. Sometimes a vaginectomy is done as a treatment for vaginal cancer, in which case it can be followed with a reconstruction of the vagina ([[vaginoplasty]]), if that is what the patient wants.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Taber's cyclopedic medical dictionary.|date=2013|publisher=F.A. Davis|others=Venes, Donald, 1952-, Taber, Clarence Wilbur, 1870-1968.|isbn=9780803629776|edition=Ed. 22, illustrated in full color|location=Philadelphia|oclc=808316462}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr5804a1.htm|title=Guidelines for Prevention and Treatment of Opportunistic Infections in HIV-Infected Adults and Adolescents, Recommendations from CDC, the National Institutes of Health, and the HIV Medicine Association of the Infectious Diseases Society of America|website=www.cdc.gov|access-date=2017-12-15}}</ref> Some [[transgender men]] and [[nonbinary]] people who were [[sexes#assigned female at birth|assigned female at birth]] have chosen to have a vaginectomy as part of their [[transition]], because they do not want to have a vagina. Trans people can choose to have surgical changes made to their clitoris to make it more penis-like ([[metoidioplasty]]), or have a full-size penis constructed ([[phalloplasty]]) in addition to the vaginectomy. They can also choose not to do so, in order to create a relatively smooth, featureless genital area ([[genital nullification]]).<ref name="meto_NBsurg">{{Cite web |title=Non-Binary Options For Metoidioplasty |author= |work=Metoidioplasty.net |date=8 April 2020 |access-date=28 June 2020 |url= https://www.metoidioplasty.net/non-binary.htm}}</ref> | ||
In a partial vaginectomy, they leave a small canal open, unsuitable for sexual penetration but able to drain menses if the uterus and ovaries are still intact. This makes it possible to keep the uterus. In the "radical" or "total" version, the uterus and cervix must be removed as well, because menstruating into a closed body cavity is very dangerous.<ref>[http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/269188-overview Surgical Treatment of Vaginal Cancer: eMedicine Obstetrics and Gynecology]</ref> (Not sure if removing both ovaries instead would do the trick, though!) This can be done at the same time, but may require a different surgeon, such as an OB-GYN to assist a urologist. | |||
At least for total vaginectomy, the doctor will also remove the vaginal mucosa walls, since they would continue to secrete into the closed body cavity. Different doctors have different methods for this, from excising the tissue (lengthy and bloody) to burning and cauterizing it (which requires special training). There is always a risk of missing a section which will continue to secrete and cause health risks, requiring follow-up surgery. | At least for total vaginectomy, the doctor will also remove the vaginal mucosa walls, since they would continue to secrete into the closed body cavity. Different doctors have different methods for this, from excising the tissue (lengthy and bloody) to burning and cauterizing it (which requires special training). There is always a risk of missing a section which will continue to secrete and cause health risks, requiring follow-up surgery. | ||
It is extremely rare for a trans man to get vaginal cancer after [[hormone therapy]] and [[hysterectomy]]. However, there are documented cases of that happening.<ref>[http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1743-6109.2009.01686.x/abstract CASE REPORTS: Vaginal Carcinoma in a Female-to-Male Transsexual] by Schenck TL, Holzbach T, Zantl N, Schuhmacher C, Vogel M, Seidl S, Machens H-G, and Giunta RE (Journal of Sexual Medicine: Volume 7, Issue 8, pages 2899–2902, August 2010)</ref> Anyone who has a vagina needs preventive screening for vaginal cancer. | |||
[[File:Vagina 1.jpg|thumb|200px|For definitions of anatomical terms used in this article, a diagram of a vulva, as seen in an adult who was assigned female at birth, and who has not had hormone therapy or surgery.]] | [[File:Vagina 1.jpg|thumb|200px|For definitions of anatomical terms used in this article, a diagram of a vulva, as seen in an adult who was assigned female at birth, and who has not had hormone therapy or surgery.]] | ||
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As for the vaginectomy itself, the tissue of the labia minora/small ridges are rolled over into the center where the vaginal opening used to be. This is not always perfectly symmetrical; some people end up with one side fused into the middle but the other side still being much like pre-surgery. This can also result in tissue that can grow hair being in the midline (which can be weird, especially if unexpected!). There is usually still a small cavity/dip where the vaginal opening used to be. Scars are likely not super visible. If you had urethral lengthening, your new opening is probably not very visible at all. | As for the vaginectomy itself, the tissue of the labia minora/small ridges are rolled over into the center where the vaginal opening used to be. This is not always perfectly symmetrical; some people end up with one side fused into the middle but the other side still being much like pre-surgery. This can also result in tissue that can grow hair being in the midline (which can be weird, especially if unexpected!). There is usually still a small cavity/dip where the vaginal opening used to be. Scars are likely not super visible. If you had urethral lengthening, your new opening is probably not very visible at all. | ||
== Complications and aftercare == | |||
Complications can include, blood loss; scarring; damage to bladder, urethra or colon; and post-op depression typically associated with prolonged anesthesia. After surgery, use of a neck pillow or inflatable doughnut is recommended to not place pressure on the perineum area for 3 weeks. | |||
== Recovery == | == Recovery == | ||
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==External links== | ==External links== | ||
* [https://madgenderscience.wiki/wiki/Vaginectomy The vaginectomy article on the Mad Gender Science wiki, which is the source of the original text of this article.] | * [https://madgenderscience.wiki/wiki/Vaginectomy The vaginectomy article on the Mad Gender Science wiki, which is the source of the original text of this article.] | ||
* [https://www.susans.org/wiki/Vaginectomy The vaginectomy article on the Susan's Place Transgender Resources wiki, which is another source of text in this article.] | |||
==References== | |||
{{reflist}} | |||
[[Category:Transition]] | [[Category:Transition]] | ||