Gangdong Sacred Heart Hospital LGBTQ+ Center Expands Indications for Robotic Peritoneal Vaginoplasty

Customized Treatments for Disorders of Sex Development and Vaginal Reconstruction

On July 2, Gangdong Sacred Heart Hospital announced that its LGBTQ+ Center is expanding the indications for robotic peritoneal vaginoplasty, a surgery previously performed for patients with congenital vaginal agenesis.

Medical staff at Kangdong Sacred Heart Hospital LGBTQ+ Center. Kangdong Sacred Heart Hospital

The center recently began providing customized reconstructive treatments not only for patients with Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome—a rare congenital disorder where the vagina and uterus do not develop—but also for patients with disorders of sex development (DSD) who either lack a vagina or have an underdeveloped vagina, as well as for patients requiring vaginal reconstruction after gynecologic cancer surgery.

Disorders of sex development refer to a group of conditions where the development of chromosomes, gonads, or genitalia differs from typical patterns. Since each patient has unique anatomical structures and functional characteristics, individual assessment and a multidisciplinary approach are essential. Not all patients require surgery; the need for reconstructive procedures is determined through consultation and evaluation.

Robotic peritoneal vaginoplasty is a surgical technique that reconstructs the vagina using peritoneal tissue from the abdominal cavity. The peritoneum, which has properties similar to mucous membranes, is advantageous for vaginal reconstruction due to its ability to maintain vaginal length and tissue flexibility. Utilizing a robotic surgical system enables precise dissection even in the confined pelvic area, thereby reducing the risk of injury to surrounding organs.

The LGBTQ+ Center at Gangdong Sacred Heart Hospital operates a multidisciplinary care system led by the plastic surgery department, with participation from obstetrics and gynecology, urology, colorectal surgery, endocrinology, and psychiatry. Treatment plans are developed by comprehensively considering not only the patient’s anatomical characteristics but also functional needs and psychosocial circumstances.

Kim Kyulhee, Director of the LGBTQ+ Center at Gangdong Sacred Heart Hospital, stated, "For patients with congenital vaginal agenesis or disorders of sex development, tailored approaches are critical since each patient has different anatomical features and treatment goals." She added, "Through multidisciplinary collaboration, we are determining the most appropriate treatment direction for each patient. Based on our accumulated experience with various patients requiring genital reconstruction, such as those with MRKH syndrome and DSD, we plan to further expand patient-centered care."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.