Do histologic changes in the skin-lined neovagina of male-to-female transsexuals really occur?

Ann Plast Surg. 2007 Nov;59(5):546-9. doi: 10.1097/01.sap.0000258953.00234.50.

Abstract

Controversy exists on whether or not the epidermal keratinizing squamous epithelium of skin grafts and flaps applied to line a neovagina changes histologically to a nonkeratinizing mucosal type squamous epithelium after vaginoplasty in male-to-female transsexuals. To end this discussion, the aim of this study was to objectify the short-term and long-term histologic aspect of this neovaginal epithelial lining. Biopsies were taken from the epithelium lining of the neovagina of 9 male-to-female transsexuals, from the moment of vaginoplasty up to 14 years after. These were stained with hematoxylin-eosin and periodic acid-Schiff stain for histologic comparison to normal vaginal biopsies. Because no changes that might have been induced by local influences or hormonal therapy were found, we concluded that short-term and long-term changes in the histologic aspect of inverted skin flaps do not occur after penile and scrotal skin vaginoplasty in male-to-female transsexuals.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Histology
  • Hormones / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Keratosis / therapy
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Mucous Membrane / pathology*
  • Penis / surgery
  • Plastic Surgery Procedures / methods*
  • Scrotum / surgery
  • Surgical Flaps
  • Transsexualism / surgery*
  • Vagina / anatomy & histology
  • Vagina / metabolism
  • Vagina / surgery*

Substances

  • Hormones