Things you need to know about vaginectomy surgery

You may have been a little shocked when you heard this word. Vaginectomy... It means surgical removal of the vagina. We know that this is a really difficult and sensitive topic to talk about. But being fully informed about such things will help to eliminate the fear and doubt that arises in connection with it. So today, we will talk about this very simply, in a way that you can understand, as if you were talking to a close friend.

Simply put, what is Vaginectomy?

Vaginectomy is a surgical procedure that removes all or part of your vagina. This is not a common surgery. Doctors usually recommend this surgery for women with vaginal cancer, especially if other treatments (radiation therapy, medications) have failed to control the cancer.

The vagina is an important part of the female reproductive system. It is a tube made of muscle. It extends from the external genitalia (vulva) to the opening of the uterus (cervix). So, the doctor will decide which part to remove based on the location of the cancer, its size, the stage of the cancer, and whether it has spread to other parts of the body.

What are the main types of this surgery?

The type of surgery varies depending on the type of cancer. Let's look at the main types.

What happens before the surgery?

If you decide to have this type of surgery, your doctor will examine you carefully, take your complete medical history, and then advise you on how to prepare for the surgery.

• Medications: If you are taking certain medications, such as blood thinners, you will be asked to stop taking them a few days before surgery, as they may increase bleeding during surgery.
• Smoking: If you are a smoker, it is very important to quit before surgery. Smoking can delay wound healing.
• Food and Drink: You will be advised not to eat or drink anything the night before surgery. This is to prevent stomach contents from entering the airway during anesthesia.

Your doctor will explain all of this to you clearly. Ask him or her about any questions or concerns you may have.

What happens during the surgery?

Before the surgery begins, you will be given general anesthesia. This means that you will be put to sleep by a drug given into a vein in your arm. This means that you will not feel any pain during the surgery.

Now let's see how the surgeon performs this operation. There are several methods for doing so.

1. Vaginally: The surgeon makes several small incisions through the vaginal opening and carefully separates the vagina from the surrounding tissue.

2. Through the abdomen (Laparoscopically): This is similar to keyhole surgery. Here, the surgery is performed by making several small incisions in the abdomen and inserting a thin, long instrument (laparoscope) with a camera attached. This method does not require large incisions.

Sometimes, other surgeries may need to be performed at the same time as this surgery. For example, if the cancer is near the uterus, a hysterectomy may be performed at the same time.

Vaginal Reconstruction (Vaginoplasty)

Some women choose to undergo a vaginal reconstruction surgery (vaginoplasty) after a vaginectomy. This surgery allows them to have vaginal intercourse again. This is a completely personal decision. If you are interested in this, talk to your doctor about it. He or she will explain to you what your options are and when the best time to have the surgery is.

What happens after the surgery? How long does it take to recover?

After the surgery, you will need to stay in the hospital for a few days, possibly up to a week. The length of time depends on the type of surgery you had and whether you had other surgeries at the same time.

• In the hospital: During your stay in the hospital, medical staff will monitor you closely. You will be given medications to control pain, reduce swelling, and reduce the risk of infection.
• After you get home: Before you go home, you will be given instructions on how to care for your incisions and how to take care of your body. It is very important to follow these instructions exactly .
• Rest: You will need to limit physical activity for several weeks. You should avoid lifting heavy objects (for example, buckets of water, gas cylinders), and strenuous exercise. Your doctor will tell you how long you should rest.

It is normal to have some pain for the first week or so. Talk to your doctor about painkillers you can take and activities you should avoid. The time it takes to fully recover will vary depending on your overall health and the nature of the surgery.

What are the risks and complications of this surgery?

Like any surgery, vaginectomy can have some risks and complications, but these do not occur in everyone.

When to see a doctor immediately

Once you return home after surgery, you should pay close attention to any changes in your body. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately .

• If there is excessive bleeding or swelling in the abdominal area.
• If you show signs of infection such as fever , redness, and swelling around the incisions.
• If you experience severe, unbearable abdominal pain .
• If you have urinary or fecal incontinence.

If you have had vaginoplasty, tell your doctor if you experience pain during sex. This could be a sign of another complication, such as a fistula.

Facing a surgery like this can be both physically and mentally challenging, so it's important to talk openly about your feelings, fears, and concerns with your doctor, your family, and someone you trust.