Vaginal Surgery in Delhi, India

The following conditions make a good candidate for vagina surgery:

• Cancer patients who have undergone surgery or radiation treatments for the reproductive system
• Women with congenital abnormalities of the reproductive tract
• Physical trauma or injury
• Prolapsed vaginal wall
• Vaginal laxity
• Transgender individuals undergoing gender confirmation surgery
• Pain with sexual activity
• Diminished sensation during intercourse
• Improve contour or appearance of the genitals

The doctor may not recommend vagina surgery for the following reasons:

1. Obesity
2. Unrealistic expectations from the surgery
3. Poorly-controlled diabetes
4. Planning for pregnancy soon
5. Weak immune system
6. Heart condition
7. History of medical conditions

Vaginal surgery can be a major operation that requires careful preparation. The doctor will tell the surgical procedure in detail, and one should ask about the potential risk and benefits of the surgery. The doctor may also suggest some lifestyle changes a few months before the surgery, like quitting smoking, as it may delay the healing process and may cause complications during the surgery. They may also prescribe some tests before the surgery. Apart from this, other preparations may be required for the vagina surgery, including:

• Reviewing the personal and family history of medical conditions
• Physical examination
• Lab tests like blood, lipid, hormones etc
• Avoid taking anti-inflammatory drugs
• Wear loose clothing
• Taking photos to compare before and after results
• Avoid alcohol or smoking a few days before the surgery
• Leave all the jewellery at home before going to the hospital
• Stop taking blood-thinning medications for two weeks before the surgery
• Not to eat or drink after midnight before the surgery
• Pre-arranging a ride home after the surgery

Vagina surgery is generally performed under general anaesthesia, meaning that a patient will be unconscious during the whole surgery. However, depending on the condition, the surgeon may use the following surgical techniques:

Vaginoplasty

The procedure is performed to repair or create the vagina. The surgical procedure is mainly done for gender confirmation in transgender. During the procedure, the surgeon makes a vaginal cavity between the rectum and urethra. The surgeon then uses the skin of the penis and scrotum to build the inner and outer labia of the vagina and uses the tissues from the foreskin to create a new opening for the vagina. The surgery is also performed to repair injuries after childbirth and repair congenital disabilities.

Labiaplasty

Also known as labia minora reduction, Labiaplasty is a plastic surgery done to alter the inner and outer labia. The surgery can be performed by different procedures: edge resection and wedge resection. In edge resection, the surgeon trims the excess edge of the labia. In wedge resection, the surgeon cuts wedge-shaped slivers of skin from the centre of the labia minor and sutures the skin together with absorbable stitches. 

Like any other major surgery, there are some risks and complications associated with vagina surgery. These may include:

• Seroma 
• Hematoma
• Vaginal stenosis
• Skin discolouration
• Tissue necrosis in the vagina and labia
• Blood clot
• Urinary problem
• Scarring
• Change in skin sensation
• Pelvic pain
• Damaged organ or blood vessel
• Loss of sexual pleasure
• Poor cosmetic results
• Vesicovaginal fistula

Recovery from vagina surgery may take up to two months. Patients may experience swelling and discomfort for the first few days. Labia swelling is normal and will gradually go away after six weeks. Moreover, one can also expect vaginal discharge in the first four weeks after the surgery. The doctor will provide detailed post-operative instructions for a speedy recovery. These may include:

• Avoid strenuous activities for at least six weeks
• Don’t sit for a prolonged period
• Apply ice on the swelling for 20 minutes multiple times a day to reduce swelling
• No sexual intercourse for at least three months
• Maintain proper hygiene of the genital area
• Use stool softener to prevent constipation
• Take pain medications
• Use vaginal dilators as instructed by the doctor
• Avoid alcohol or smoking.
• Follow up with the doctor to examine the results of the surgery

Reviewed by Dr. Ankita Chandna, Associate Director, Obstetrics And Gynaecology on 22-June-2022

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