Sex reassignment surgery by Colon graft technique
Dr. Chettawut’s Vaginal Dilation Philosophy
Dr. Chettawut’s Vaginal Dilation Philosophy
Colon vaginoplasty is a surgical procedure used to create or reconstruct a vaginal canal using a segment of the colon. This method can be utilized as an alternative to skin grafts during sex reassignment surgery (SRS) or as a corrective measure for patients who experience unsatisfactory vaginal depth post-SRS.
During colon vaginoplasty, a segment of the sigmoid colon (approximately 20 cm) is selected. One end of the colon graft is closed while the other end is left open and is slid through the vaginal tunnel to be sutured to the vaginal opening.
For primary sex reassignment surgery, Dr. Chettawut typically recommends the standard SRS (Non-penile inversion SRS with skin graft technique) over primary colon vaginoplasty to avoid potential abdominal complications. However, primary colon vaginoplasty may be considered in selective cases with the following criteria:
Secondary colon vaginoplasty is used to treat patients who suffer from a short vagina (vaginal depth less than 4 inches) or a collapsed vagina. The causes of these conditions can include insufficient creation of the vaginal tunnel during the primary SRS, poor healing due to skin graft failure, or lack of proper vaginal dilation.
The colon graft is preferred over skin grafts in these cases because it brings its own blood supply, which aids in healing and provides self-lubrication.
Colon vaginoplasty is also applicable to biological women suffering from congenital absence of the vaginal canal, known as Vaginal Agenesis, Mullerian Agenesis, or Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser Syndrome (MRKH). This condition is characterized by the absence of the vaginal canal and uterus, while the ovaries remain intact.
Colon vaginoplasty is a versatile and effective surgical technique for both transgender and cisgender women requiring vaginal reconstruction. Whether used as an initial procedure or as a corrective measure, the colon graft offers several benefits, including adequate depth, self-lubrication, and minimal scarring.
Ready to learn more, or need support with your dilation routine? Contact Dr. Chettasak’s team at WIH International Hospital.