Vaginectomy Explained
Vaginectomy is a FTM Surgery procedure that removes the vaginal lining and closes the vagina. Many Metoidioplasty and Phalloplasty Surgeons believe that Vaginectomy reduces complications and have made the procedure standard when performing Urethral Lengthening. Here's important information for those who are considering bottom surgery with UL but need more information about Vaginectomy.
How Vaginectomy Is Performed
Incisions are made inside the vagina and the vaginal mucosa is carefully removed, either with excision or ablation. The vaginal walls are sutured together and the vaginal opening is closed (perineoplasty.) Operative time is 2-3 hours. Laparoscopic and robot-assisted laparoscopic Vaginectomy are emerging methods.
Total Vaginectomy refers to the removal of the entire vaginal muscle/canal and this procedure is rarely performed in gender-affirming surgery. One of the few surgeons in North America who offers Total Vaginectomy is Dr. Christopher Salgado. Some surgeons in Europe also perform Total Vaginectomy.
Vaginectomy is usually combined with Hysterectomy, Metoidioplasty or Phalloplasty. If you're considering combining Hysterectomy and Vaginectomy, and are planning to pursue further bottom surgery, be sure to discuss this with the surgeon who will be performing your Metoidioplasty or Phalloplasty as some UL techniques utilize vaginal tissue that would be removed by a prior Vaginectomy.
Reasons for Having a Vaginectomy
There are several reasons why trans men and non-binary individuals opt to have a Vaginectomy, including:
- The desire to have the vagina removed and have a male perineum.
- To eliminate the secretions produced by vaginal mucosa.
- To eliminate pain from a gynecological condition.
- To eliminate the need for speculum exams or Pap tests.
- To reduce complications related to urethral lenthening.
Safety of Vaginectomy
There is very little published data regarding the safety of FTM Vaginectomy, but Surgeons at the Institute of Urology London reported that complications with Vaginectomy population are few and easy to manage. They also reported a high satisfaction rate among FTM patients regarding aesthetics and clitoral erection and sensation.
Vaginectomy Recovery
Length of hospital stay, recovery time and time off work all depend on if Vaginectomy was combined with another surgery or done on its own. Some pain is normal but this typically diminishes significantly within two weeks. Restrictions on prolonged sitting, cycling, swimming, hot tubbing, heavy lifting, and sexual activities will also vary based on the procedures done.
While Vaginectomy is not a strict requirement for genital gender surgery, most surgeons will require it if UL is also being performed. Those pursuing UL without Vaginectomy must be advised about the likelihood of urethral complications.
Last updated: 10/04/23
