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Care of the Post-vaginoplasty Patient: Management of Complications and Common Gynecologic Issues

  • Care for the Transgender Patients (C Ferrando, Section Editor)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the surgical complications associated with penile-inversion vaginoplasty surgery as well as the management required to address these complications. We also review common gynecologic problems after penile-inversion vaginoplasty.

Recent Findings

The incidence of reoperation is not low after penile-inversion vaginoplasty with the literature revealing incidence rates as high as 50% in certain cohorts. However, the majority of these reoperations are for cosmesis. Despite these reported complications, most patients “[feel] positive about their genitals” and “would do this operation again” when asked post-operatively.

Summary

Overall, penile-inversion vaginoplasty is a safe procedure, albeit with a high incidence of patients undergoing subsequent treatment or surgery. Most complications are considered minor and can be managed in the outpatient setting. Reoperations are mostly revision surgery for cosmesis. It is important to counsel patients pre-operatively about all of the possible complications that may arise after vaginoplasty. All patients should be surgically optimized to reduce these complications.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Center for Urogynecology and Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Ave, Desk A81, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA

    Olivia H. Chang

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  1. Olivia H. Chang
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Correspondence to Olivia H. Chang.

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Chang, O.H. Care of the Post-vaginoplasty Patient: Management of Complications and Common Gynecologic Issues. Curr Obstet Gynecol Rep 9, 120–128 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13669-020-00290-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13669-020-00290-0

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