ORIGINAL RESEARCH—SURGERY
Rectosigmoid Vaginoplasty: Clinical Experience and Outcomes in
86 Cases
Miroslav L. Djordjevic, MD, PhD, Dusan S. Stanojevic, MD, PhD, and Marta R. Bizic, MD
School of Medicine—University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
DOI: 10.1111/j.1743-6109.2011.02494.x
ABSTRACT
Introduction. There are several techniques for creation of a neovagina. However, rectosigmoid segment presents the
most natural substitute for vaginal tissue.
Aim. To evaluate the anatomical and functional results of sigmoid vaginoplasty and long-term sexual and psycho-
logical outcomes in 86 patients with vaginal absence.
Methods. Between April 2000 and February 2009, 86 patients, aged 18 to 57 years (mean 22) underwent rectosigmoid
vaginoplasty. Indications were vaginal agenesis (54), female transgenderism (27), and genital trauma (5). Rectosigmoid
segments ranging from 8 cm to 11 cm were isolated, to avoid excessive mucus production. Preferably, it should be
dissected distally first in order to check its mobility and determine the correct site for its proximal dissection. Stapling
device was used for the colorectal anastomosis as the safest procedure. Creation of perineal cavity for vaginal
replacement was performed using a simultaneous approach through the abdomen and perineum. Perineal skin flaps
were designed for anastomosis with rectosigmoid vagina for the prevention of postoperative introital stenosis.
Main Outcome Measures. Sexual and psychosocial outcomes assessment was based on the Female Sexual Function
Index, Beck Depression Inventory, and standardized questionnaires.
Results. Follow-up ranged from 8 to 114 months (mean 47 months). Good aesthetic result was achieved in 77 cases.
Neovaginal prolapse (7) and deformity of the introitus (9) were repaired by minor surgery. There was no excessive
mucus production, vaginal pain, or diversion colitis. Satisfactory sexual and psychosocial outcome was achieved in 69
patients (80.23%).
Conclusions. Rectosigmoid colon presents a good choice for vaginoplasty. According to our results, sexual function
and psychosocial status of patients who underwent rectosigmoid vaginoplasty were not affected in general, and
patients attained complete recovery. Djordjevic ML, Stanojevic DS, and Bizic MR. Rectosigmoid vaginoplasty:
Clinical experience and outcomes in 86 cases. J Sex Med 2011;8:3487–3494.
Key Words. Vaginal Agenesis; Transsexualism; Rectosigmoid Colon; Vaginal Reconstruction
Introduction
R
econstruction of the vagina is indicated in con-
genital vaginal agenesis (Mayer–Rokitansky–
Kuster–Hauser syndrome), sexual development
disorder, and transgenderism, as well as following
pelvic tumors or trauma. There are numerous pro-
cedures described in the literature, with inherent
advantages or disadvantages [1–10]. A variety of
tissues have been used for vaginoplasty, including
the split-thickness skin graft, full-thickness skin
graft, labial flaps, peritoneum, myocutaneous flaps,
bladder mucosa, buccal mucosa grafts, intestinal
segments, surgical modification of Frank’s dilation
method (Vecchietti), and penile/scrotal skin in trans-
sexual patients [2,3]. The principal objective of each
method is to create a vaginal cavity of adequate
diameter and length and appropriate axis to accom-
modate sexual intercourse. Traditionally, the most
common method of vaginal reconstruction has been
the split-thickness skin graft, first described by
McIndoe [1]. Despite a positive functional result,
3487
© 2011 International Society for Sexual Medicine J Sex Med 2011;8:3487–3494