Vaginectomy is a surgery to remove all or part of the vagina. It is one form of treatment for individuals with vaginal cancer or rectal cancer that is used to remove tissue with cancerous cells. It can also be used in gender affirmation surgery. Some people born with a vagina who identify as trans men or as nonbinary may choose vaginectomy in conjunction with other surgeries to make the clitoris more penis-like (metoidioplasty), construct of a full-size penis (phalloplasty), or create a relatively smooth, featureless genital area (genital nullification). If the uterus and ovaries are to remain intact, vaginectomy will leave a canal and opening suitable for draining menstrual discharge. Otherwise, as in genital nullification, a hysterectomy must be performed to avoid the danger of retaining menstrual discharge within the body. In the latter case, thorough removal of vaginal lining is necessary to avoid continued secretion within the body. In addition to vaginectomy in humans, there have been instances of vaginectomy in other animals to treat vaginal cancer. Uses Vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia Total or partial vaginectomy along with other procedures like laser vaporization can be used in the treatment of vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia. These procedures remove the cancerous tissue and provide tissue samples to help identify underlying/invasive cancer while maintaining structure and function of the vagina. This surgery along with radiation therapy used to be the optimal treatment for high-grade vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia. However, high rates of recurrence and severe side effects such as vaginal shortening, bleeding and sepsis have narrowed its uses. A partial upper vaginectomy is still the treatment of choice for certain cases of vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia as it has success rates ranging from 69-88%. Rectal cancer A vaginectomy is often necessary to remove all cancerous tissue associated with rectal cancer. Depending on the extent of rectal cancer, a total or partial vaginectomy may be indicated to improve long-term survival. Following the surgery and removal of rectal tumors, vaginal and rectal reconstructive surgery can improve healing and may help with self-image and sexual function. Genital gender affirming surgery Although there has not been a consensus on the standard treatment for penis construction in transgender men, a vaginectomy is a vital step in many of the various techniques. Depending on the reconstructive surgeon and which method is used, the basic outline of the procedure involves taking skin from an area of the body like the forearm or abdomen