Limitations of PPV
Peritoneal vaginoplasty (PPV) is a surgical procedure used to create a functional and aesthetically pleasing vagina in individuals born with male anatomy, typically transgender women. However, the procedure does have several limitations, including:
-
Limited depth of the vagina: The depth of the vagina created using peritoneal vaginoplasty may be limited to around 6 inches - 14 cm which may be a concern for those who desire a deeper and more spacious vagina, or who wish to engage in sexual intercourse with a partner with a larger-than-average penis.
-
Not suitable for very overweight people: Due to the presence of visceral fat, which is internal fat that covers the peritoneal, the surgery may be difficult or impossible to perform in individuals who are very overweight.
-
Limited long-term data in transgender people: There is a lack of long-term data on the safety and effectiveness of PPV in transgender individuals. Therefore, it is important to consider this when deciding to undergo the procedure.
-
Initial dilation can be painful: The initial dilation process in the first weeks post-surgery can be uncomfortable or even painful. It is important for patients to be prepared for this and work with their surgeon to manage any pain or discomfort.
-
Not suitable for people with very small penis: Due to the need for sufficient skin to connect to the peritoneum, individuals with very small penis may not be good candidates for PPV.
-
Previous abdominal surgery: Previous abdominal surgery can damage the peritoneal making it unusable for vaginoplasty. Therefore it is important to inform the surgeon about the history of previous abdominal surgery.
-
Risk of complications: As with any surgical procedure, PPV carries a risk of complications such as infection, bleeding, and wound healing problems. These risks should be thoroughly discussed with a surgeon before making a decision to undergo the procedure.
PPV is not considered a high risk surgery.