Refinement of recto-sigmoid colon vaginoplasty using a three-dimensional laparoscopic technique

Abstract

To investigate the feasibility, safety, and outcomes of three-dimensional (3D) laparoscopic vaginoplasty with a rectosigmoid colon flap for vaginal reconstruction. Following appropriate preoperative patient counseling, 17 consecutive patients underwent vaginoplasty using a 3D laparoscopic system. Perioperative and postoperative outcomes were retrospectively evaluated. Between September 2016 and February 2020, 17 patients underwent 3D laparoscopic vaginoplasty with a rectosigmoid colon flap. Of them, 15 (88%) were transgender female patients, and 2 (12%) were cisgender female patients with congenital deformities. Among the 15 transgender patients, 12 (80%) underwent de novo surgeries and 3 (20%) underwent re-do surgeries. The mean age at the time of operation was 33.0 years, and the mean total operation time was 529 +/- 128 minutes. The initial intraoperative mean vaginal depth was 15.2 +/- 1.3 cm, and the 30-day readmission rate was 5.9% (1/17 cases). The mean follow-up duration was 24.8 months. Perioperative and postoperative outcomes suggest that 3D laparoscopic rectosigmoid colon vaginoplasty is a potentially acceptable, effective, and safe method for vaginal reconstruction.