Removal of an entrapped large metallic dilator from the sigmoid neovagina in a male-to-female transsexual using a laparoscopic approach

INTRODUCTION: To describe the role of laparoscopy for removal of entrapped vaginal metallic dilator (20 cm in length and 3.5 cm in diameter) in a case of male-to-female transsexual. PRESENTATION OF THE CASE: The patient was a 24-year old male-to-female transsexual, presented with entrapment and upward migration of the vaginal metallic dilator 1 week before admission. She underwent gender reassignment surgery with sigmoid vaginoplasty 8 month before admission. After 3-port transperitoneal laparoscopic abdominopelvic exploration, through an incision over the sigmoid vagina the dilator was extracted. The sigmoid vagina was repaired with free-hand intracorporeal laparoscopic suturing and knot-tying techniques in two layers and the dilator was removed by extending the site of umbilical port. The operative time was 70 min. DISCUSSION: Up to 60% of rectosigmoidal or vaginal foreign bodies can be extracted transanally or transvaginally with adequate sedation. When surgical exploration is indicated, a longitudinal laparatomy is performed to extract the foreign body. To reduce the associated morbidity of an open procedure in our patient, we performed a laparoscopic approach for complete abdominal exploration for possible presence of intestinal or sigmoidal injuries together with removal of this large metalic dilator. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic approaches in cases of neovaginal foreign body are useful when the endovaginal approaches have failed, especially in transsexual patients, to prevent another major open surgery. (C) 2012 Surgical Associates Ltd. Published by Elsevier Ltd.