What does vaginectomy mean?
Vaginectomy is the surgical removal of the vagina, an uncommon but important operation most often discussed in the treatment of vaginal or vulvar cancer and other serious conditions. The procedure may involve removal of all or part of the vagina and can be followed by reconstructive surgery. It should not be confused with a hysterectomy, which removes the uterus, although both operations may be performed in the same patient. In medical writing and patient information, “vaginectomy” is precise and descriptive rather than euphemistic. The term is formed from “vagina,” from Latin for a sheath or covering, and the combining element “-ectomy,” meaning excision or removal. Its relatives include vaginal, vaginism, vaginoplasty, and vaginology. Although relatively uncommon in everyday speech, vaginectomy is useful to know because it names a distinct and consequential operation whose meaning differs importantly from that of several better-known surgical procedures.
nounA surgical operation involving the removal of the vagina, typically performed to treat cancer or another serious disease. It is distinct from a hysterectomy, which involves removal of the uterus.
- The surgical removal of the vagina.
"The patient underwent a vaginectomy and reconstructive surgery as part of her treatment."
"The medical team recommended a vaginectomy after further testing confirmed the extent of the disease."
"Her medical record described a total vaginectomy followed by reconstruction."
The standard plural in formal medical and general English usage.
"The surgeon discussed two possible vaginectomies with the patient."
A vaginectomy removes the vagina itself, while a hysterectomy removes the uterus—two operations whose names are often mistaken for each other.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does vaginectomy come from?
The word is an English medical formation combining Latin vagina, meaning “sheath” or “covering,” with the Greek-derived suffix -ectomy, meaning excision or removal. The suffix is associated with Greek ektomē, “a cutting out,” ultimately formed from elements meaning “out” and “to cut.” The shared root has produced related forms such as vaginal, vaginism, vaginoplasty, and vaginology.
Related word forms
How vaginectomy is actually used
This is a formal medical term used in oncology, gynecology, surgery, and patient health information. It is not a euphemism, and its use is generally clinical rather than conversational.
Easily confused with vaginectomy
A vaginectomy removes the vagina, whereas a hysterectomy removes the uterus, although the procedures may be performed together in some cancer treatments.
A vaginectomy removes the vagina, while vaginoplasty reconstructs or repairs it without removing it.