Vaginectomy: Procedure, Types, and Recovery
Updated: 3 days ago
Medically reviewed by Dr. Baraa Alnahhal, MD · Last reviewed: October 2026
Vaginectomy is surgery to remove all or part of the vagina, used mainly to treat vaginal cancer that has not responded to other treatments [1]. It can be done through the vaginal opening or laparoscopically, under general anesthesia [1]. Recovery involves a hospital stay, several weeks of limited physical activity, and monitoring for complications such as bleeding or infection [1].
Quick Answer: What is a vaginectomy?
A vaginectomy is surgery that removes vaginal tissue, usually to treat vaginal cancer that has not responded to radiation or chemotherapy [1]. It may be partial, total or radical, depending on the cancer's location, size and stage [1]. It is done under general anesthesia and can take up to two hours, followed by a hospital stay and weeks of limited activity [1].
What the research says
Vaginectomy had fewer major complications than pelvic exenteration for a vaginal cervical cancer recurrence. In a propensity-matched retrospective study of 15 women who had vaginectomy and 30 who had pelvic exenteration for isolated recurrent cervical cancer, major postoperative complications were less frequent after vaginectomy (p = 0.027); median overall survival was 39 vs 18 months, a difference that was not statistically significant (p = 0.161) (Vizzielli et al., Ann Surg Oncol, 2021) [2].
Surgery that removes part of the vagina carries a high complication rate. In a retrospective review of 54 women who had vaginectomy during resection of anorectal tumors, 83% had surgical complications and 41% had vaginal complications; of 23 women surveyed, 6 could have intercourse afterward and 9 could not, and only 20% of patients remembered a preoperative discussion of possible sexual effects (Hendren et al., Dis Colon Rectum, 2007) [3].
Immediate reconstruction may support a return to sexual activity. In a retrospective cohort of 22 women who chose vaginal reconstruction with a flap after abdominoperineal resection (19 partial and 3 total vaginectomies), minor complications occurred in 6 of 22 and 70% returned to sexual activity (Johal et al., J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg, 2022) [4].
Understanding Vaginectomy
Vaginectomy is a procedure to remove all or part of the vagina. You may need one if you have vaginal cancer. Your provider usually tries other treatments first, such as radiation therapy, surgery to remove only the cancer, or chemotherapy, and may recommend vaginectomy if those treatments do not work [1]. Because vaginal cancer can usually be treated with radiation and more limited surgery, vaginectomy is relatively uncommon [1].
The choice depends on the location and size of the cancer, its stage and whether it has spread [1]. There are three main types, based on how much tissue is removed:
Preparation and Procedure
Your healthcare provider will tell you how to prepare for surgery [1]. Typical instructions cover:
When to stop eating and drinking before surgery.
When to adjust or stop certain medications.
Stopping smoking or using nicotine products.
What to wear to your procedure.
Planning for a hospital stay and for help at home after surgery.
The procedure is done under general anesthesia, given through a vein in your arm, so you are asleep and feel no pain [1]. Surgeons use one of two main approaches:
Transvaginal approach: The surgeon works through the vaginal opening, with no incisions on the outside of the body. The vagina is separated from the surrounding tissue and removed through the opening. Depending on the technique, the vaginal opening may be closed off [1].
Laparoscopic approach: The surgeon makes a few small incisions in the abdomen and inserts a long, thin instrument with a camera. The abdomen is usually inflated with carbon dioxide so the pelvic organs are easier to see. All or part of the vagina is then removed through the abdominal incisions or the vaginal opening [1].
Surgery can take up to two hours, depending on the type of vaginectomy [1]. If having vaginal intercourse in the future matters to you, raise it with your care team before surgery. After a vaginectomy you may choose to have a vaginoplasty, which is surgery to create a vagina [1], and your provider can explain your options, including when to have it.
Risks and Complications
As with any major surgery, a vaginectomy carries risks. The main benefit is that it can treat vaginal cancer when other methods have not worked [1], but you should know about the possible complications:
Potential Complication | Description |
Excessive Bleeding | Significant blood loss during or after the procedure. |
Infection | Bacterial infection at the surgical site or within the pelvis. |
Fecal Incontinence | Leaking stool or being unable to hold it in [1]. |
Vaginal Fistula | An abnormal opening between the vagina and another organ. |
Urinary Retention | Not being able to empty the bladder normally [1]. |
Recovery and Long-Term Outlook
You will stay in the hospital after the procedure, and how long depends on the type of vaginectomy you had [1]. While you are there, your care team monitors you and gives medication to relieve pain and lower the risk of infection [1]. When you go home, your provider will explain how to care for yourself and your incisions. Follow those instructions carefully.
Expect some pain during the first week or so [1]. Recovery time varies with how much of the vagina was removed and whether you needed other surgeries [1]. You will probably need to avoid physical activity for several weeks, including intense exercise, heavy lifting and all sexual activity [1]. Give yourself plenty of time to rest, and talk to your provider about pain relief and which activities to avoid.
When to Contact Your Provider
After the procedure, call your provider right away if you have [1]:
Excessive bleeding
Swelling in your abdominal area
Fever, redness and swelling near the incision (signs of infection)
Severe abdominal pain
Difficulty peeing or pooping normally
Conclusion
Vaginectomy can treat vaginal cancer when other methods do not work. It is a major operation with a recovery of several weeks, so it helps to talk with your care team beforehand about what to expect, including how it may affect sexual function and whether vaginal reconstruction is an option. After surgery, follow your provider's recovery instructions closely to help prevent complications.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary reason for a vaginectomy?
A vaginectomy is mainly performed to treat vaginal cancer that has not responded to other treatments such as radiation therapy or chemotherapy.
What is the difference between a partial and total vaginectomy?
A partial vaginectomy removes only the upper part of the vagina, while a total vaginectomy removes the entire vagina. A radical vaginectomy removes the entire vagina along with the tissue or organs around it.
How is the surgery performed?
The surgery is done under general anesthesia, either through the vaginal opening (transvaginal approach) or through a few small incisions in the abdomen (laparoscopic approach).
How long does a vaginectomy take?
A vaginectomy can take up to two hours, depending on the type of vaginectomy. Ask your surgeon what to expect for your procedure.
Will I need to stay in the hospital after a vaginectomy?
Yes. You will stay in the hospital so your care team can monitor you and manage pain and infection risk. How long depends on the type of vaginectomy you had.
What are the main risks of a vaginectomy?
Risks include excessive bleeding, infection, leaking stool or being unable to hold it in, a vaginal fistula, and not being able to empty the bladder.
Can I have vaginal intercourse after a vaginectomy?
A total vaginectomy removes the vaginal canal, but you can discuss vaginal reconstruction (vaginoplasty) with your provider. Vaginoplasty is surgery to create a vagina so that vaginal intercourse is possible.
How long is the recovery period?
Recovery varies with how much of the vagina was removed and whether other surgeries were needed. Plan to avoid intense exercise, heavy lifting and all sexual activity for several weeks.
When should I call my doctor during recovery?
Call your provider right away if you have excessive bleeding, swelling in the abdomen, fever, redness or swelling near the incision, severe abdominal pain, or trouble peeing or pooping normally.
Is a vaginectomy a common surgery?
No. Vaginal cancer can usually be treated with radiation and surgery that removes only the cancer, so vaginectomy is relatively uncommon.
Related Reading
What Is Vaginal Cancer? A Plain-Language Guide to the Rare Cancer of the Birth Canal explains vaginal cancer symptoms, diagnosis and treatment options.
Phalloplasty: Reconstructive Surgery for Penile Construction describes penile construction surgery, often staged with vaginectomy.
Gender Dysphoria: What It Is, Diagnosis & Treatment covers gender dysphoria and the range of gender-affirming care.
Hysterectomy (Surgical Removal of the Uterus) explains uterus removal surgery, its types and recovery.
References
Cleveland Clinic. Vaginectomy. Cleveland Clinic. Last updated December 15, 2025. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/22862-vaginectomy
Vizzielli G, Tortorella L, Conte C, et al. Is a Vaginectomy Enough or is a Pelvic Exenteration Always Required for Surgical Treatment of Recurrent Cervical Cancer? A Propensity-Matched Study. Ann Surg Oncol. 2021;28(6):3281-3290. PMID 33063258. https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-020-09207-w
Hendren SK, Swallow CJ, Smith A, et al. Complications and sexual function after vaginectomy for anorectal tumors. Dis Colon Rectum. 2007;50(6):810-816. PMID 17309001. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10350-006-0867-9
Johal KS, Mishra A, Alkizwini E, et al. Immediate vaginal and perineal reconstruction after abdominoperineal excision using the Inferior Gluteal Artery Perforator Flap (V-IGAP). J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg. 2022;75(1):137-144. PMID 34657821. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bjps.2021.08.024
Medical disclaimer
The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Comments