V10-01: Novel Vaginoplasty Technique: Inversion Of Penile Skin And Use Of Scrotal Graft Without Sacrospinal

V10-01: Novel Vaginoplasty Technique: Inversion Of Penile Skin And Use Of Scrotal Graft Without Sacrospinal Fixation

Video

INTRODUCTION

The current gold standard in vaginoplasty for gender confirmation is the penile skin inversion technique. The three main challenges of this surgery are: maximal vaginal length, prevention of neovaginal prolapse and optimal cosmetic appearance. We present this video is to show our technique for vaginoplasty using scrotal graft and a modified dissection that prevents neovaginal prolapse, avoiding sacrospinal fixation.

METHODS

The patient was prepped in lithotomy position. A full–thickness skin graft was harvested from the scrotum, encapsulated, defatted, and sutured over a vaginal dilator. Scroto-perineal flap and penile flaps were designed and elevated, and the penis was degloved. Bilateral orchiectomy was performed. The vaginal cavity was then created using both blunt and sharp dissection with the aid of the Lowsley retractor allowing to fit a 15 x 4cm vaginal dilator. The neoclitoris was fashioned from the dorsal glans penis and dissected on the dorsal neurovascular pedicle incorporating Buck’s fascia. The bulbospongiosus and ischiocavernosus muscles were resected, and the corpus spongiosum was separated from the corpora cavernosa, completely dissecting the latter. The spongiosa from the urethral bulb was then resected. Neurovascular bundle of glans was plicated and then sutured to the rectus fascia. The urethra was shortened and spatulated ventrally to create a neomeatus. The penile skin flap was then sutured to the scrotal perineal flap in a layered fashion. The scrotal skin graft was sutured to the penile flap with multiple W-plasties. The distal portion of the urethra is then used to create the vestibulum. An incision was made in this portion of the urethral plate to expose the neoclitoris. Two penrose drains were placed in the vagina. The labia majora were then closed in a layered fashion. The vagina was packed with two Sulfamylon–soaked vaginal packs and lubricating jelly.

RESULTS

The case took 360 minutes. EBL was 200 mL. Vaginal packing was removed on day 5, and patient was discharged on day 6. Final vaginal length was 13cm. Out of our 46 cases in the last two years, only one morbidly obese patient experienced a degree of neovaginal prolapse.

CONCLUSION

The combination of perineal flap and scrotal graft allows for a significant lengthening of the neovaginal cavity. The extended dissection of the recto-prostatic space, up to the level of the pouch of Douglas, allows for omission of sacrospinal fixation, thus reducing the risk of damage to the pudendal neurovascular bundle.

Funding: none