radical vaginectomy?

Question

my sister is getting a radical vaginectomy. What can she expect? she has cancer

Answer 1

Removal of a part of or the entire vagina is an option for some cancers (partial or radical vaginectomy). It depends on the stage of the disease and the surgeons will decide the type of surgery to be performed.

Surgery to remove the cancer from your body is primarily used for early-stage vaginal cancer that's limited to the vagina or, in selected cases, nearby tissue. Because many important organs are located in your pelvis, surgery to remove larger tumors would require removal of these organs. For this reason, your doctor may attempt to control your cancer through other treatment methods first. Types of surgery that may be used in women with vaginal cancer include:

* Removal of small tumors or lesions. Cancer limited to the surface of the vagina may be cut away using a scalpel or a laser. Your surgeon may also remove a small amount of healthy tissue to ensure that all of the cancer cells have been removed.
* Removal of the vagina (vaginectomy). Removing part of the vagina (partial vaginectomy) or the entire vagina (radical vaginectomy) may be necessary to remove all of the cancer. Depending on the extent of your cancer, your surgeon may recommend surgery to remove your uterus and ovaries (hysterectomy) and nearby lymph nodes (lymphadenectomy) at the same time as your vaginectomy.
* Removal of the majority of the pelvic organs (pelvic exenteration). This extensive surgery may be an option if cancer has spread throughout your pelvic area or if your vaginal cancer has recurred. During pelvic exenteration, the surgeon removes many of the organs in the pelvic area, including the bladder, ovaries, uterus, vagina, rectum and the lower portion of the colon. Openings are created in your abdomen to allow urine (urostomy) and waste (colostomy) to exit your body and collect in ostomy bags.

If your vagina is completely removed, you may choose to undergo surgery to construct a new vagina. Surgeons use pieces of skin, sections of intestine or flaps of muscle from other areas of your body to form a new vagina. With some adjustments, a reconstructed vagina allows you to have vaginal intercourse. However, a reconstructed vagina won't be the same as your own vagina. For instance, a reconstructed vagina lacks natural lubrication and creates a different sensation when touched due to changes in surrounding nerves. Reconstructive surgery to create a new vagina after treatment of the cancer is an option. Postoperative radiation (external beam) may be needed to irradiate microscopic disease in the pelvic nodes.

You have to carry out full treatment and please be supportive to your sister and give encouragement. Apart from the difficulties, the disease can be cured and please do not worry. -

Answer 2

Radical Vaginectomy

Answer 3

WOW!! I hope you mean Hysterectomy!!!
This is something you need to ask the doctor about.
Go with her to appts. and be very supportive during this difficult time in her life!

google it.
The more you know, the better informed we are.
Research.

I have never heard of this.
This is something only her doctor and you and her can discuss together. I advise you go with her.