Vaginectomy: Let's talk about it openly

You may feel a little scared, shocked, and even sad when you hear the word 'Vaginectomy'. That's very normal. Any woman is nervous and uncomfortable when they hear that their vagina, which is a very sensitive part of their body, is being surgically removed. But we need to understand that this is often done as a treatment for a serious, life-threatening condition like vaginal cancer. So today, let's talk about this in a very simple and friendly way to dispel all your fears, doubts, and questions.

Simply put, what is a vaginectomy?

Vaginectomy is a surgical procedure that removes all or part of your vagina. Doctors usually recommend this surgery as a last resort. That is, if other treatments for a condition like vaginal cancer, such as radiation therapy or chemotherapy, have not worked.

As we all know, the vagina is an important part of the female reproductive system. It is like a tube made of muscle. It extends to the cervix. So, the doctor will decide what kind of surgery you need based on the location of the cancer, its size, the stage of the cancer, and whether it has spread.

What happens before the surgery?

Before surgery, your doctor will examine you thoroughly and discuss your complete medical history. He or she will ask you to stop taking certain medications, especially blood thinners, a few days before surgery.

If you are a smoker, it is very important to talk to your doctor about quitting the habit, as smoking can delay the healing of your wounds. You will also be advised not to eat or drink anything the night before your surgery. Your doctor will explain all of this to you.

How is the surgery performed?

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

The surgeon can perform this operation in several ways.

• Through the vagina: Several small incisions are made inside the vagina, and the vagina is separated from the surrounding tissue and removed.
• Laparoscopically: This involves making several small incisions in the abdomen and inserting a thin tube (laparoscope) with a camera attached, through which the surgery is performed.

In some cases, this surgery may require other surgeries, such as a hysterectomy, to be performed at the same time. All of this is done while you are under anesthesia.

Vaginal Reconstruction (Vaginoplasty)

Some women choose to undergo a vaginal reconstruction surgery (vaginoplasty) after a vaginectomy. This surgery allows them to have vaginal sex again. If you are interested in this, feel free to discuss it openly with your doctor. He or she will explain your options and the best time to have the surgery.

What happens after the surgery?

After surgery, you will need to stay in the hospital for a few days, possibly up to a week. This time depends on the type of surgery you had and whether you have had other surgeries. During your stay in the hospital, the medical staff will take good care of you. They will give you medication to reduce pain, reduce swelling, and reduce the risk of infection.

After you go home, your doctor will give you detailed instructions on how to care for your incisions. Following these instructions exactly is essential for a speedy recovery. You will need to limit physical activity for a few weeks. You should especially avoid lifting heavy objects or doing strenuous exercise. Your doctor will tell you exactly how long you need to rest.

What are the risks and benefits of this surgery?

Like any surgery, vaginectomy surgery can have some risks. However, it also has great benefits.

• The main advantage: This is a very effective way to treat vaginal cancer. The survival rate after two years after this surgery is as high as 95%.

• Possible complications:
• Excessive bleeding.
• Infections in cuts.
• Difficulty defecating or inability to control bowel movements.
• Vaginal fistula - This is a hole between the area where the vagina used to be and another organ, such as the bladder.
• Inability to completely empty urine (urinary retention).

When to see a doctor immediately

If you experience any of the following symptoms after you go home after surgery, you should call your doctor immediately.

• Bleeding or excessive swelling from the abdominal area.
• Redness, swelling, or fever near the incision (these may be signs of infection).
• An unbearable, severe stomach ache.
• Inability to control urine or stool.

If you've had vaginal reconstruction surgery and are experiencing pain during sex, tell your doctor about it as well. It could be a sign of another complication.

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