Vaginectomy: Difference between revisions

'''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.