title: The use of cultured autologous oral epithelial cells for vaginoplasty in male-to-female transsexuals: a feasibility, safety, and advantageousness clinical pilot study.
abstract: Various vaginoplasty methods in male-to-female transsexuals have been described, but none is ideal. The use of cultured autologous oral epithelium to cover the neovagina walls is presented. Six patients were operated on. Complications encountered were one case of low-located rectovaginal fistula that was treated conservatively; one case of partial glans necrosis resulting in a scarred but sensitive clitoris; one case of large labia majora requiring reduction; and one case of short vagina requiring surgical revision with autologous cultured oral cells that was successful. All patients had adequate vagina, experienced sexual intercourse, and were satisfied with results. Autologous cultured oral epithelium transplantation is feasible, safe, and advantageous. Satisfactory neovaginas were provided; the procedure is relatively easy to perform and provides a thin, mucosa-lined neovagina with a sufficient amount of secretion.
authors.affiliation: Rome and Perugia, Italy From the Departments of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome; and the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Perugia.
authors.forename: Luca A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Dessy
authors.forename: Marco
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mazzocchi
authors.forename: Federico
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Corrias
authors.forename: Simona
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ceccarelli
authors.forename: Cinzia
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Marchese
authors.forename: Nicolò
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Scuderi
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D002987:Clitoris / Q000601:surgery; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000637:transplantation*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009061:Mouth Mucosa / Q000166:cytology*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D014189:Transsexualism / Q000601:surgery*; D014621:Vagina / Q000601:surgery*; D014844:Vulva / Q000601:surgery