Vaginectomy in Romania

There are several types of vaginectomy:

• Partial vaginectomy – only the upper part of the vagina is removed

• Total vaginectomy – the entire vagina is removed

• Radical vaginectomy – the entire vagina, along with the supporting tissues around it are removed.

The type of vaginectomy you will undergo depends on several factors, such as the severity of your cancer and the affected areas.

There are several methods that your doctor can use to perform vaginectomy, including laparoscopic surgery, robotic-assisted surgery, or open surgery. Today, laparoscopic surgery and robot-assisted surgery are the preferred methods as they require shorter recovery times. All of these surgical methods can be combined with a vaginal approach, which involves inserting small surgical tools directly through the vaginal canal.

Vaginectomy is generally performed under general anesthesia, after you are anesthetized; your surgeon will make an incision inside the vagina or in the abdomen (depending on the surgical method your surgeon uses). Then, the vagina is carefully removed, either with laser or cautery. Once your surgeon is finished, they will suture the vaginal walls together and close the vaginal opening. The procedure can be slightly different for cancer patients and for transgender men.

For cancer treatment, vaginectomy is usually followed with a vaginal reconstruction (also called vaginoplasty) using skin and muscle from other parts of the body, to restore the appearance of your genitals. For female-to-male sex reassignment surgery, the procedure is usually performed before “bottom surgery,” such as phalloplasty (construction of a penis).

You may need to stay in the hospital for one to three days following a vaginectomy. It is recommended that you stay in Romania for around 10 to 14 days after you are discharged from the hospital as you need to allow your body to recover before traveling. You also need to attend follow-up checkups where your doctor monitors your condition.

The total recovery time after vaginectomy can take at least 6 weeks. During these 6 weeks, you should avoid heavy lifting and other strenuous activities. However, you may be able to return to your normal activity and work (office job) within two to four weeks. Your doctor will go over the expected recovery times and restrictions.

Your doctor will give you post-operative instructions. It is important that you follow everything in the instruction to avoid complications and to make your recovery time quicker. Here are some of the things you need to keep in mind:

• Avoid baths, hot tubs, or swimming pools for about six weeks

• Do not sit for a long period of time or cycle until your doctor allows you to

• Avoid sexual activities for several weeks

• Your doctor will prescribe medicines, make sure to take it as directed

• While you are on pain medications, it is best that you avoid driving.

Sexual intercourse is usually still possible after vaginectomy. However, a lubrication aid may be required.

The effectiveness of Vaginectomy within Romania can be gauged using distinct measures such as the rate of survival, how often the disease re-emerges, and the general lifestyle of the patient after the procedure. A number of considerations significantly influence these figures, for example, the general health condition of the patient, the disease's advancement and character, and the surgical team's proficiency and expertise.

Broadly, Vaginectomy is proven to be exceptionally successful in managing different types of cancer present in the women's reproductive organs, specifically when the disease is identified at an early stage. Vaginectomy is a safe procedure with high success rates. With the advancement of medical technology, the procedure is proven to be less risky than previously thought.

For vaginal cancer treatments, the alternatives may include:

• Local excision – this procedure involves taking out cancer along with some nearby normal tissue.

• Hysterectomy – during this procedure, all or parts of the uterus is removed.

• Radiation therapy – high-energy X-rays or other particles are used to destroy cancer cells.

• Chemotherapy – medications are used to destroy and kill cancer cells.

• Trachelectomy – this is a procedure to remove the cervix. However, it is rarely done to treat vaginal cancer.

For male-to-female sex reassignment surgery, some transgender men choose not to undergo a vaginectomy and/or phalloplasty as part of their gender transition process. Many transgender men choose to use hormone therapy.