Gender Affirming Graft Only Vaginoplasty

Area of Science:

• Surgical techniques in gender affirmation
• Reconstructive urology
• Plastic surgery

Background:

• Gender affirming graft-only vaginoplasty utilizes penile and scrotal skin for external genitalia.
• The vaginal canal is constructed using a full-thickness skin graft.

Discussion:

• This technique allows for the use of penile skin for external genitalia construction.
• The vaginal canal is created entirely from a skin graft, typically from the inner scrotum.
• External genitalia are formed from penile skin and scrotal flaps, with specific reconstruction of the clitoris and labia.

Key Insights:

• Penile skin is reserved for external genitalia, while a full-thickness skin graft creates the vaginal canal.
• The procedure involves meticulous reconstruction of the labia majora, labia minora, and clitoris.
• Advantages include ample tissue for external genitalia and a robust skin-to-graft anastomosis.

Outlook:

• This technique can be modified for patients with variations in penile or scrotal anatomy.
• Further research may explore long-term outcomes and patient satisfaction.
• The graft-only approach provides a viable option for gender affirming vaginoplasty.