A vaginectomy is a removal of the vaginal canal. We honor a patient’s decision to preserve their vagina or front hole when it aligns with their gender affirming goals. That said, whenever a urethral lengthening is performed, Dr. Ley requires a vaginectomy due to the very high risk of complications. Patients who opt for a simple meta can also get a vaginectomy if they choose, though it is not required.

Patients who get a vaginectomy with a metoidioplasty can have both procedures conducted on the same day. That said, in order to undergo a vaginectomy, a patient must have undergone a hysterectomy, or removal of the uterus, beforehand. The removal of one or both of the ovaries, known as an oophorectomy, is not required.