A vaginectomy is a surgery that removes all or part of the vagina. It's a treatment option for vaginal cancer or precancer (vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia).
When doctors remove only part of the vagina, it’s called a partial vaginectomy. When they remove the entire vagina, it’s called a total vaginectomy. When they remove the entire vagina and surrounding tissue, it’s called a radical vaginectomy.
Doctors usually perform a total or radical vaginectomy only when the cancer doesn’t respond to other treatments, like radiation.
A vaginectomy is a surgery that removes all or part of the vagina, also known as the birth canal. It's one of the treatment options for vaginal cancer.
Vaginectomies aren't a common surgery. First, vaginal cancer is rare, representing 1% to 2% of gynecological cancers. Second, the surgery is complicated and has a difficult recovery. Doctors usually perform it only when cancer doesn’t respond to other treatments, like radiation.
Depending on the size, location, and stage of cancer, doctors may need to remove the entire vagina or just part of it. When only part of the vagina is removed, it's typically the upper portion.
Doctors may recommend a vaginectomy if you have vaginal cancer that has not responded to other treatments.
Small tumors or precancerous spots are more likely to be treated with:
You may be a candidate for a vaginectomy if:
A woman who wants to have a baby in the future would not be a good candidate for a vaginectomy. Like other gynecologic surgeries, a vaginectomy can affect fertility.
If you wish to continue having vaginal sex after a vaginectomy, you should talk to your doctor about options for reconstructing the vagina.
A vaginectomy is a serious and complicated surgery that has a difficult recovery. Doctors almost always try to treat vaginal cancer with other methods before performing a vaginectomy.
In cases where the cancer has spread beyond the vagina, doctors may recommend extra management.
Chemotherapy uses drugs to stop the growth of cancer cells. Doctors may try to treat your vaginal cancer with chemotherapy before recommending a vaginectomy. Chemotherapy can also be used after a vaginectomy.
Also called a lymph node dissection, this is a surgery to remove lymph nodes. Cancer uses lymph nodes as a path to spread to other tissues and organs. Removing lymph nodes helps to stop that from happening.
Removing and examining the lymph nodes also allows doctors to see if the cancer has already spread.
Doctors consider this surgery a last resort. They only use it in patients whose cancer returns after treatment.
The surgery involves removing several organs from the pelvis. The recovery is considered extremely difficult and has a high morbidity rate.
Radiation therapy uses high-energy x-rays to kill cancer cells. With radiation, doctors can precisely target the tumor without destroying nearby healthy tissue.
Doctors almost always try radiation first before performing a vaginectomy. Radiation therapy can also be used after a vaginectomy.
This surgery removes the cervix, or the opening to the uterus. Most vaginal cancer starts at the top of the vagina near the cervix. In rare cases, doctors may need to remove the cervix in addition to the vagina.
If most or all of the vagina is removed during vaginectomy, doctors can rebuild the vagina using tissue from other parts of the body. This allows a woman to continue having vaginal sex.
A vaginectomy has many possible side effects. The number of side effects that you experience depends on how much tissue doctors removed during surgery and how well your body recovers. Most side effects are temporary.
Side effects of the procedure include:
Your doctor will likely use screenings, exams, or biopsies to determine if a vaginectomy is right for your size and stage of cancer. These can include:
You're also likely to receive radiation to try to treat the cancer before your doctor would perform a vaginectomy.
A vaginectomy takes place in a hospital under general anesthesia. You may need to fast or stop certain medications in the hours or days before your procedure. Your doctor will give you specific instructions during a preoperative appointment.
A vaginectomy usually takes two to three hours. It could take longer if your doctor is also removing lymph nodes or the cervix.
You will need to spend time in recovery following the surgery. You may also need to stay in the hospital for a night or two.
A vaginectomy occurs in a hospital under general anesthesia. Doctors typically use one of two surgical methods:
Both types of surgery require general anesthesia. General anesthesia affects your entire body. You are not awake during the surgery, and doctors use a special airway device to help you breathe. Side effects, such as nausea and drowsiness, are possible, and you will need to spend time in recovery.
Recovery after a vaginectomy can take four to six weeks or more. During this time, it is important to follow your doctor’s instructions closely. Doctors typically tell their patients to:
For many women, a vaginectomy can cause sexual changes.
If part of the vagina is removed, the vaginal canal may be shorter or narrower after surgery. This can make vaginal sex painful. If the entire vagina is removed, doctors can use tissue from other parts of the body to rebuild the vagina. This can allow you to continue having vaginal sex.
Recovery from surgery can be taxing on the body and the mind. It can be particularly difficult for women who have a prolonged recovery or sexual side effects. Your doctor may recommend therapy to help with emotional struggles.
Infection and blood clots are possible after a vaginectomy. You should call your doctor if you have symptoms of an infection or a blood clot, including:
Lymphedema is also a possible complication after a vaginectomy. That occurs when one or both legs swell with the fluid that the removed lymph nodes would have drained. You should call your doctor if you notice the following symptoms:
The experts at UPMC provide complete care for vaginal cancer. At UPMC, you can expect:
By UPMC Editorial Staff. Last reviewed on 2026-08-11.
