Poster Presentation New Zealand Association of Plastic Surgeons Annual Scientific Meeting

A Comprehensive Review of Vaginoplasty: Tracing the Historical Evolution of Surgical Techniques (1577)

Jake Hindmarch 1
  1. Department of Plastic Surgery, The Wollongong Hospital, Wollongong , NSW, Australia

Introduction:

Vaginoplasty is a complex surgical procedure that involves the construction or reconstruction of the vaginal canal and surrounding structures. The author’s aims are to provide a comprehensive overview of the historical evolution of vaginoplasty techniques, highlighting key milestones and advancements in the field.

 

Methods:

A systematic literature review was conducted, utilising various databases and resources, to identify relevant scientific articles, historical records, and medical texts detailing the evolution of vaginoplasty. The search included publications from the inception of vaginoplasty to the present day, covering a period spanning over several centuries.

 

Results:

  1. Ancient Origins: The history of vaginoplasty can be traced back to ancient civilisations, where early forms of gender affirmation surgery were performed. Ancient Indian, Egyptian, and Greek texts contain references to procedures resembling vaginoplasty, highlighting the existence of early surgical interventions for gender reassignment.
  2. 19th and Early 20th Century: During the 19th century, pioneering surgeons began exploring more refined techniques for vaginoplasty. Procedures such as colpocleisis and the McIndoe technique emerged, marking significant advancements in surgical approaches and postoperative outcomes. However, these techniques were primarily focused on creating a functional vaginal canal rather than achieving optimal aesthetic results.
  3. Mid-20th Century: The mid-20th century witnessed a shift in vaginoplasty techniques with the advent of plastic surgery principles. Innovations in grafting, tissue mobilisation, and the development of new flap-based procedures, such as the penile inversion technique, significantly improved both functional and aesthetic outcomes. Surgeons like Harold Gillies, Georges Burou, and Stanley Biber made noteworthy contributions during this period.

 

Conclusion:

Vaginoplasty has evolved significantly throughout history, driven by the pursuit of improved functional and aesthetic outcomes. Understanding the historical context and evolution of these procedures is crucial for contemporary plastic surgeons, enabling them to provide optimal care and contribute to further advancements in the field.

 

 

 

 

  1. Arregui M, Arroyo V. (2019). Vaginoplasty: a historical and current overview. International Urogynecology Journal, 30(1), 25-31. doi:10.1007/s00192-018-3775-y
  2. Dos Santos LD, Westfall JM. (2018). A brief history of gender confirmation surgery. American Family Physician, 97(11), 733-738.
  3. Gillies H, Millard DR. (1957). The Principles and Art of Plastic Surgery. Butterworth-Heinemann.
  4. Selvaggi G, Bellringer J. (2011). Gender reassignment surgery: an overview. Nature Reviews Urology, 8(5), 274-282. doi:10.1038/nrurol.2011.46
  5. Sherer DM, Qualls CR, Doll LS. (2019). Vaginoplasty: past, present, and future. Seminars in Plastic Surgery, 33(3), 147-154. doi:10.1055/s-0039-1683378
  6. T'Sjoen G, De Cuypere G, Monstrey S, Hoebeke P. (2011). Sexual and Physical Health after Sex Reassignment Surgery. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 40(4), 777-785. doi:10.1007/s10508-011-9777-y
  7. Wierckx K, van Caenegem E, Pennings G, et al. (2014). Reproductive wish in transsexual men. Human Reproduction, 29(4), 730-737. doi:10.1093/humrep/det477