{"id":30690,"date":"2026-10-27T13:35:35","date_gmt":"2026-10-27T13:35:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/drrichardfakin.com\/?p=30690"},"modified":"2026-10-27T15:36:55","modified_gmt":"2026-10-27T15:36:55","slug":"colovaginoplasty-technique-results-and-recovery","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/drrichardfakin.com\/en\/blog\/colovaginoplastia-tecnica-resultados-y-recuperacion\/","title":{"rendered":"Colovaginoplasty: technique, results and recovery"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Colovaginoplasty is a gender-affirming surgical technique that uses tissue from the sigmoid colon to reconstruct the vaginal canal. It is one of the vaginal reconstruction options that may be considered, depending on each patient\u2019s anatomy. Understanding how it differs from penile inversion, as well as the outcomes and post-operative care, helps in preparing a specialist assessment.<\/p>\n

Dr Richard Fakin performs this procedure as part of his work in gender-affirming surgery. His training in genital surgery included a placement in Bangkok in 2015, working alongside Dr Preecha at the Preecha Aesthetic Centre and King Chulalongkorn University Hospital. This article explains how the procedure is carried out and recounts the experiences of Emmy and Alexia, two patients who share different stages of their recovery.<\/p>\n

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What is a colovaginoplasty? It is a reconstruction of the vaginal canal using a segment of the sigmoid colon, part of the large intestine. The tissue retains its ability to produce mucus. The procedure involves bowel surgery and genital reconstruction, so whether it is appropriate depends on the patient\u2019s anatomy, medical history and a specialist assessment.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

How does Dr Richard Fakin perform colovaginoplasty using the sigmoid colon?<\/h2>\n\n

The technique described by Dr Richard Fakin\u2019s clinic involves using a segment of the sigmoid colon measuring approximately 14 centimetres. This tissue forms the new vaginal canal: one end is closed off and the other is connected to the vaginal opening. The continuity of the colon is restored to maintain its intestinal function.<\/p>\n\n

The procedure is carried out using laparoscopy, a surgical technique involving small abdominal incisions, in collaboration with specialists in colorectal surgery. Reconstruction of the vaginal canal is incorporated into the planning of the external genital anatomy.<\/p>\n\n

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When is colovaginoplasty recommended over other techniques?<\/h2>\n

According to Dr Fakin\u2019s vaginoplasty webpage, sigmoid colon interposition is usually recommended when the penis is smaller. The clinic explains that the choice of technique depends on each patient\u2019s anatomical characteristics.<\/p>\n

The availability of tissue and anatomical characteristics help to determine which procedure may be considered. The Dr Fakin\u2019s vaginoplasty page<\/a> describes the techniques available and the individual assessment process.<\/p>\n

Colovaginoplasty or penile inversion: what are the differences?<\/h2>\n

Colovaginoplasty uses a segment of the sigmoid colon, whilst penile inversion primarily uses genital skin to form the vaginal canal. This choice affects the characteristics of the lining tissue and the surgical approach.<\/p>\n

\n\n\n
Aspect<\/th>Colovaginoplasty<\/th>Penile inversion<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>\n
Tissue of the duct<\/td>Segment of the sigmoid colon<\/td>Mainly genital skin<\/td><\/tr>\n
Humidity<\/td>Intestinal mucus secretion<\/td>It does not produce intestinal mucus<\/td><\/tr>\n
Intestinal approach<\/td>Yes<\/td>Not usually<\/td><\/tr>\n
Aftercare<\/td>Check-ups and dilations as required<\/td>Check-ups and dilations as required<\/td><\/tr>\n<\/tbody><\/table><\/div>\n

What results can be expected following a colovaginoplasty?<\/h2>\n

The outcome of colovaginoplasty should be assessed in terms of both the reconstruction of the vaginal canal and the external genital anatomy. According to information published by Dr Fakin, the appearance of the vulva may be comparable to that of penile inversion. Intestinal tissue also provides a specific benefit: the production of secretions that help to keep the cavity moist.<\/p>\n

Natural lubrication using tissue from the sigmoid colon<\/h3>\n

The intestinal tissue continues to produce mucus and provides moisture to the vaginal canal. The clinic itself points out that intestinal secretions may resemble vaginal discharge. This characteristic is one of the differences that becomes apparent when comparing the two techniques.<\/p>\n

Vaginal depth and external appearance<\/h3>\n

The segment of intestine described by the clinic measures approximately 14 centimetres. This measurement refers to the tissue used in the procedure and should not be confused with a guaranteed final depth. Reconstruction of the vulva and vaginal canal is planned according to the patient\u2019s anatomy.<\/p>\n

To explore this topic further, the clinic\u2019s blog features another article on Vaginoplasty results, experiences and real-life testimonials<\/a>. That content examines the evolution from a broader perspective and complements this explanation, which focuses on the sigmoid colon.<\/p>\n

What is recovery like after a colovaginoplasty? Real-life experiences<\/h2>\n

Recovery following a colovaginoplasty involves hospitalisation, medical follow-up and care of the neovagina. Dr Fakin\u2019s official website sets out the following timeframes for vaginoplasty in general, without providing a separate timeline for the sigmoid colon technique.<\/p>

The clinic\u2019s information also states that vaginoplasty is carried out under general anaesthesia. The times shown in the table are approximate and may vary depending on the specific procedure performed and each patient\u2019s recovery.<\/p>\n

\n\n\n
Stage<\/th>Published guidelines on vaginoplasty<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>\n
Hospitalisation<\/td>Discharge in about a week\u2019s time<\/td><\/tr>\n
Social activity<\/td>Around 14 days<\/td><\/tr>\n
Back to work<\/td>Between 4 and 6 weeks<\/td><\/tr>\n
Full recovery<\/td>Between 2 and 3 months<\/td><\/tr>\n<\/tbody><\/table><\/div>\n

Emmy: her experience with colovaginoplasty in Madrid<\/h3>\n

Emmy, from Greece, explains in a video recorded around two weeks after her operation that she underwent a colovaginoplasty using a sigmoid colon interposition performed by Dr Fakin. She explains that she travelled to Madrid, underwent pre-operative tests and spent several days recovering in hospital.<\/p>\n

In her case, she recalls that the operation lasted between four and five hours and that she was in hospital for approximately six days. Her account helps to explain how the trip was organised and what the first few days of her post-operative recovery were like, without treating these times as a fixed schedule for other patients.<\/p>\n