Sexual Function Following Bowel Vaginoplasty

PurposeWe review our 23-year experience with bowel vaginoplasty, with particular attention to postoperative quality of life and sexual function.Materials and MethodsWe reviewed the records of 57 patients who underwent bowel replacement vaginoplasty between 1980 and 2004. A total of 42 patients had the Mayer-Rokitansky syndrome, of whom 6 had varying forms of intersexuality, 6 had undergone surgery for pelvic malignancy, 1 had aphallia, 1 had cloacal exstrophy and 1 was the survivor of a conjoined twin separation. Replacement vaginoplasty was done using sigmoid colon in 39 patients, ileum in 9 and cecum in 9. Followup ranged from 18 months to 24 years, with a mean of 8.8 years. Outcome was evaluated by retrospective chart review, and the FSDQ, a validated, IRB approved instrument, was used to evaluate postoperative sexual function.ResultsAmong the 57 patients postoperative sexual function was evaluated in 44, 9 were lost to followup and 4 were considered too young for evaluation. Of the 44 patients 36 responded to the FSDQ, 6 refused and 2 were unable to complete the questionnaire adequately. Of the 36 patients who responded 15 were married and 31 were sexually active. On a scale of 0 to 5, 28 patients (78%) reported sexual desire, 33% sexual arousal, 33% sexual confidence and 28 (78%) sexual satisfaction. In addition, 20 patients (56%) reported frequent orgasms, 8 (22%) occasional orgasms and 8 (22%) no orgasms. A total of 32 patients (89%) reported adequate lubrication for intercourse and 2 reported dyspareunia. Two of the 36 patients performed home dilation and required estrogen suppositories. A total of 34 patients used home douching and 20 required pads for mucus production.ConclusionsIt appears that isolated bowel segments provided excellent tissue for vaginal replacement. For technical reasons we believe that colonic segments, particularly sigmoid, are preferable to small bowel. Sexual function following bowel vaginoplasty appears to be adequate and durable.