This procedure, together with a real-life experience and hormone therapy, has proven to be effective treatment for transsexualism or severe Gender Identity Disorder. This is a combination of several surgeries, some of them irreversible, thus proper evaluation should be made by a qualified mental health practitioner.
Pre-Op Instructions:
- Discontinue hormone therapy at least 2 weeks before surgery to avoid risk of thrombus formation
- Smoking & drinking of alcohol should be stopped at least 1 month prior to surgery
- Must have letter of recommendation for surgery from a mental health practitioner
- Consultation with specialist
- Must avoid fluid or food intake for 8 hrs prior to surgery
- Anesthesia
- General anesthesia
Duration:
- Surgery lasts approximately 5-8 hrs with an in-patient stay of 10-14 days.
Procedure:
- Creation of anatomically realistic external female genitalia complete with labia and clitoris and vaginal cavity with penile skin inversion or colon vaginoplasty. The vaginal tunnel is created between the urethra/ prostate gland/ bladder and the rectum. The depth of this newly created space is normally between 5-7 inches from the beginning to the end of recto-vesical pouch (depends on patient’s penile length).
- A portion of the glans (head of penis), with its nerves & vessels intact, is converted into a clitoris (functional in sensation & appearance).
- Excess erective tissue around urethra is removed to avoid symptoms that stem from engorged erectile tissue during sexual arousal.
Post-Op Instructions:
- Only a liquid diet is allowed 5-7 days after surgery. Avoid high fiber drinks or dairy products as these may induce defecation.
- Legs should be kept separated when sleeping for about a week.
- Clean neo-vagina with antiseptic solution
- Start walking 5-7 days post-op
- Use of dilator (from small to larger size) – dilate for 30 minutes at least 2x every day
- No sexual intercourse at least 2 months after surgery
- Hormone therapy may be resumed 1 week after surgery (before resuming, consultation with an endocrinologist is highly advised)
