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Stojanovic B, Horwood G, Joksic I, Bafna S, Djordjevic ML. Management of vaginoplasty canal complications. Curr Opin Urol 2024:00042307-990000000-00167. [PMID: 38898785 DOI: 10.1097/mou.0000000000001204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW Increasing uptake of gender affirming surgery has allowed for a wider breadth of publication examining complications associated with vaginoplasty. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of complications associated with vaginoplasty procedures, focusing on intraoperative, early postoperative, and delayed postoperative complications across different surgical techniques. RECENT FINDINGS Intraoperative complications such as bleeding, injury of the rectum, urethra and prostate, and intra-abdominal injury are discussed, with insights into their incidence rates and management strategies. Early postoperative complications, including wound dehiscence, infection, and voiding dysfunction, are highlighted alongside their respective treatment approaches. Moreover, delayed postoperative complications such as neovaginal stenosis, vaginal depth reduction, vaginal prolapse, rectovaginal fistula, and urinary tract fistulas are assessed, with a focus on their etiology, incidence rates, and management options. SUMMARY Vaginoplasty complications range from minor wound issues to severe functional problems, necessitating a nuanced understanding of their management. Patient counseling, surgical approach, and postoperative care optimization emerge as crucial strategies in mitigating the impact of complications. Standardizing complication reporting and further research are emphasized to develop evidence-based strategies for complication prevention and management in vaginoplasty procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Borko Stojanovic
- Belgrade Center for Urogenital Reconstructive Surgery
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Geneviève Horwood
- Belgrade Center for Urogenital Reconstructive Surgery
- Department of Obstetrics, gynecology and newborn care, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Ivana Joksic
- Hospital for Gynecology and obstetrics, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Sandeep Bafna
- Belgrade Center for Urogenital Reconstructive Surgery
- Apollo Hospitals Chennai, India
| | - Miroslav L Djordjevic
- Belgrade Center for Urogenital Reconstructive Surgery
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Serbia
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Bene NC, Ferrin PC, Xu J, Dy GW, Dugi D, Peters BR. Tissue Options for Construction of the Neovaginal Canal in Gender-Affirming Vaginoplasty. J Clin Med 2024; 13:2760. [PMID: 38792302 PMCID: PMC11122258 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13102760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Gender-affirming vaginoplasty (GAV) comprises the construction of a vulva and a neovaginal canal. Although technical nuances of vulvar construction vary between surgeons, vulvar construction is always performed using the homologous penile and scrotal tissues to construct the corresponding vulvar structures. Therefore, the main differentiating factor across gender-affirming vaginoplasty techniques is the tissue that is utilized to construct the neovaginal canal. These tissue types vary markedly in their availability, histology, and ease of harvest and have different advantages and disadvantages to their use as neovaginal lining. In this narrative review, the authors provide a comprehensive overview of the tissue types and associated operative approaches used for construction of the neovagina in GAV. Tissue choice is guided by several factors, such as histological similarity to natal vaginal mucosa, tissue availability, lubrication potential, additional donor site morbidity, and the specific goals of each patient. Skin is used to construct the neovagina in most cases with a combination of pedicled penile skin flaps and scrotal and extra-genital skin grafts. However, skin alternatives such as peritoneum and intestine are increasing in use. Peritoneum and intestine are emerging as options for primary vaginoplasty in cases of limited genital skin or revision vaginoplasty procedures. The increasing number of gender-affirming vaginoplasty procedures performed and the changing patient demographics from factors such as pubertal suppression have resulted in rapidly evolving indications for the use of these differing vaginoplasty techniques. This review sheds light on the use of less frequently utilized tissue types described for construction of the neovaginal canal, including mucosal tissues such as urethral and buccal mucosa, the tunica vaginalis, and dermal matrix allografts and xenografts. Although the body of evidence for each vaginoplasty technique is growing, there is a need for large prospective comparison studies of outcomes between these techniques and the tissue types used to line the neovaginal canal to better define indications and limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas C. Bene
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
- Transgender Health Program, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Peter C. Ferrin
- Department of Surgery, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Jing Xu
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Geolani W. Dy
- Transgender Health Program, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
- Department of Urology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Daniel Dugi
- Transgender Health Program, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
- Department of Urology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Blair R. Peters
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
- Transgender Health Program, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
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Berger LE, Lava CX, Spoer DL, Huffman SS, Martin T, Bekeny JC, Fan KL, Lisle DM, Del Corral GA. The Effect of Obesity on Vaginoplasty Outcomes. Ann Plast Surg 2024; 92:447-456. [PMID: 38319959 DOI: 10.1097/sap.0000000000003808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Some surgeons use body mass index criteria within the patient selection processes before vaginoplasty, thereby limiting access to select obese patients. We sought to better characterize the effect of obesity on postoperative outcomes across multiple vaginoplasty techniques. METHODS A single-center retrospective review of all transfeminine patients undergoing primary vaginoplasty procedures from December 2018 to July 2022 was conducted. Patients were stratified into cohorts according to the World Health Organization Obesity Class criteria. Data regarding demographics, comorbidities, operative details, postoperative complications, and all-cause revision were collected. RESULTS A total of 237 patients met the inclusion criteria. Average follow-up duration was 9.1 ± 4.7 months. Multivariate regression revealed that patients with class I and class II/III obesity were associated with higher odds of developing vaginal stenosis (class I: odds ratio [OR], 7.1 [ P = 0.003]; class II/III: OR, 3.4 [ P = 0.018]) and all-cause revision (class I: OR, 3.7 [ P = 0.021]; class II/III: OR, 4.8 [ P = 0.027]). Undergoing either robotic peritoneal or robotic intestinal vaginoplasty was associated with lower odds of delayed wound healing (peritoneal: OR, 0.2 [ P < 0.001]; intestinal: OR, 0.2 [ P = 0.011]). Lastly, adherence to dilation regimen was negatively associated with development of vaginal stenosis (OR, 0.04; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Patients with obesity may be at a higher risk of developing vaginal stenosis after vaginoplasty, which may ultimately necessitate operative revision. Although patients with obesity may remain surgical candidates, proper preoperative counseling and adherence to postoperative vaginal dilation regimens are critical to optimizing outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Taylor Martin
- Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC
| | - Jenna C Bekeny
- From the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC
| | - Kenneth L Fan
- From the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC
| | - David M Lisle
- Division of Colorectal Surgery, Department of General Surgery, MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center, Baltimore, MD
| | - Gabriel A Del Corral
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC
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Robinson IS, Zhao LC, Bluebond-Langner R. Robotics in Gender Affirming Surgery: Current Applications and Future Directions. Semin Plast Surg 2023; 37:193-198. [PMID: 38444954 PMCID: PMC10911895 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1771302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
Genital surgery for the treatment of gender dysphoria has undergone significant evolution since its inception in the first half of the 20th century. Robotic approaches to the pelvis allow for improved visualization and reduced abdominal wall morbidity, making the robotic surgical system a very useful tool in the gender affirming genital surgeon's armamentarium. In penile inversion vaginoplasty, robotically harvested peritoneal flaps can be used to augment the vaginal canal, thereby leading to improved vaginal depth, as well as improve operative efficiency by facilitating a two-surgeon approach. In transgender men, the robotic approach to vaginectomy assists with visualization to confirm complete obliteration of the vaginal canal. Robotic surgery will play a central role in the continued evolution of the field of gender affirming surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel S. Robinson
- Hansjörg Wyss Department of Plastic Surgery, New York University Langone Health, New York, New York
| | - Lee C. Zhao
- Department of Urology, New York University Langone Health, New York, New York
| | - Rachel Bluebond-Langner
- Hansjörg Wyss Department of Plastic Surgery, New York University Langone Health, New York, New York
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Berger LE, Lava CX, Huffman SS, Spoer DL, Martin T, Fan KL, Del Corral GA. Does method matter? Characterizing the effect of preoperative hair removal method on outcomes following penile inversion vaginoplasty. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PLASTIC SURGERY 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s00238-023-02059-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/28/2023]
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Dy GW, Dugi DD, Peters BR. Skin Management During Robotic Peritoneal Flap Vaginoplasty for Penoscrotal Hypoplasia Secondary to Pubertal Suppression. Urology 2023; 173:226-227. [PMID: 36592702 DOI: 10.1016/j.urology.2022.12.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To demonstrate an approach to skin management in cases of gender-affirming vaginoplasty in the setting of penoscrotal hypoplasia. Gender-affirming penile inversion vaginoplasty is a procedure that has traditionally relied upon the use of local genital tissues to both construct the vulva and line the neovaginal canal. Improved and earlier access to pubertal suppression has resulted in an increasing number of individuals presenting for vaginoplasty with penoscrotal hypoplasia and significantly less skin available to accomplish the goals of vaginoplasty. Robotic-assisted gender-affirming peritoneal flap vaginoplasty is one solution that has emerged to help address the challenge of limited skin and provide an alternative source of neovaginal lining. Although this technique provides valuable peritoneal tissue that is used to line a large portion of the neovaginal canal, external vulvar construction remains a challenge. Amid a growing number of cases of penoscrotal hypoplasia secondary to pubertal suppression, there is a need for resources that illustrate strategies to deal with these challenging scenarios. In this video the authors demonstrate their approach to vulvar construction in the setting of penoscrotal hypoplasia secondary to pubertal suppression. METHODS This video demonstrates an approach to skin management during robotic peritoneal flap vaginoplasty in the setting of limited genital skin secondary to pubertal suppression at Tanner stage 2. RESULTS Penile inversion vaginoplasty typically relies upon the penile skin tube reaching and reconstructing the introitus, and forming the distal aspect of the neovaginal canal. However, in most cases of penoscrotal hypoplasia secondary to pubertal suppression, there will not be enough length of penile skin to reach or construct the introitus. In these cases, the inverted penile skin tube is also often also too narrow in caliber to accommodate passage of a dilator for neovaginal dilation. These clinical scenarios are challenging and often require construction of the introitus with skin graft, complete splitting of the ventral penile skin tube and optimization of remaining skin to form other critical vulvar structures (labia minora and clitoral hood). CONCLUSION As individuals with penoscrotal hypoplasia continue to present for gender-affirming vaginoplasty procedures, it is important to adjust traditional approaches to vulvar construction and optimize strategies to manage cases with limited genital skin. In this video the authors present their approach to skin management and vulvar construction in gender-affirming vaginoplasty with penoscrotal hypoplasia secondary to pubertal suppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geolani W Dy
- Division of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR; Oregon Health & Science University, Transgender Health Program, Portland, OR; Department of Urology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR
| | - Daniel D Dugi
- Division of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR; Oregon Health & Science University, Transgender Health Program, Portland, OR; Department of Urology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR
| | - Blair R Peters
- Division of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR; Oregon Health & Science University, Transgender Health Program, Portland, OR; Department of Urology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR.
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