Name of the Procedure:

Construction of artificial vagina; with graft

Summary

This procedure involves creating or reconstructing a vagina using a graft, typically for individuals who do not have a vagina due to congenital absence, trauma, or certain surgeries. A graft, often taken from the patient’s own tissue or from a donor, is used to form the vaginal canal.

Purpose

The procedure addresses medical conditions such as Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome, gender-affirming surgery for transgender women, or reconstruction after trauma or cancer-related surgery. The goal is to create a functional and anatomically appropriate vagina.

Indications

• Congenital conditions like MRKH syndrome.
• Gender dysphoria in transgender women seeking gender-affirming surgery.
• Reconstruction after trauma or oncological surgery.
• Patients experiencing psychological distress or physical discomfort due to the absence or damage of the vagina.

Preparation

• Patients may need to fast for several hours before the surgery.
• Medication adjustments, notably stopping certain blood thinners.
• Pre-operative consultations, including psychological assessments and medical evaluations.
• Imaging studies or other diagnostic tests to assess pelvic anatomy.

Procedure Description

1. Anesthesia: General anesthesia is administered.
2. Incision and Preparation: A surgical site is prepared, and the required incisions are made.
3. Harvesting Graft: Tissue grafts are harvested from areas such as the thigh, buttock, or bowel.
4. Creation of Vaginal Canal: A space for the new vaginal canal is created between the bladder and rectum.
5. Insertion of Graft: The harvested graft is shaped and sutured into place to form the new vaginal canal.
6. Closure: Incisions are closed, and dressings are applied.

Duration

The procedure typically takes between 2 to 4 hours.

Setting

The procedure is performed in a hospital or an outpatient surgical center.

Personnel

• Skilled surgeons specialized in reconstructive or gender-affirming surgery.
• Anesthesiologists.
• Surgical nurses and technicians.
• Post-operative care team.

Risks and Complications

• Common: Infection, bleeding, and pain.
• Rare: Graft rejection, fistula formation, narrowing or stenosis of the neovagina, and damage to surrounding organs.
• Long-term: Scar tissue formation, which might require additional procedures.

Benefits

• Creation of a functional and anatomically appropriate vaginal canal.
• Enhanced psychological well-being and body image.
• Potential for sexual function.

Recovery

• Hospital stay for several days post-surgery.
• Instructions on wound care, activity restrictions, and hygiene.
• Possible use of vaginal dilators to maintain the canal.
• Regular follow-up appointments for monitoring.

Alternatives

• Non-surgical options like vaginal dilators alone (less effective for some conditions).
• Alternative surgical techniques (e.g., laparoscopic approaches, use of different graft materials).
• Benefits of the described procedure often include a more natural and functional outcome, but it may involve more extensive recovery compared to simpler alternatives.

Patient Experience

• Post-operative pain managed with medications.
• Discomfort and swelling are common initially but subside over time.
• Long-term follow-up care is essential for optimal outcomes and to address any complications.
• Emotional and psychological support may be beneficial and is often part of comprehensive care.