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Litrico L, Van Dieren L, Cetrulo CL, Atlan M, Lellouch AG, Cristofari S. Improved sexuality and satisfactory lubrication after genital affirmation surgery using penile skin inversion in transgender women: A satisfaction study. J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg 2023; 86:8-14. [PMID: 37643527 DOI: 10.1016/j.bjps.2023.07.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Genital affirmation surgery (GAS) requests are consistently increasing in demand. The gold standard is penile skin inversion, using cutaneous grafting for neovagina creation. The aim is to achieve the most realistic results both physically and functionally. Different studies have contradictory results, and the use of lubrication is insufficiently clear, while the use of sigmoidoplasty has been defended for constant lubrication. AIMS Our aim was to evaluate transgender women's sexual function and lubrication after vaginoplasty by penile skin inversion. METHODS We performed a prospective study on 45 patients who underwent primary penile inversion vaginoplasty. Participants answered two questionnaires during the follow-up consultation: the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and an 18-item custom questionnaire. RESULTS The average FSFI score of our patients was 28.9, up to the cut-off defining a sexual disorder. Compared to the Wylomanski control group, no differences were found for the FSFI score and in the subgroups. Considering lubrication, 69% of the patients were satisfied or very satisfied with their lubrication. Furthermore, 53% reported a fluid release at each orgasm. CONCLUSION This study reported high satisfaction for both sexuality and lubrication, proning against penile inversion's GAS bad reputation concerning postoperative lubrication. A squirting effect was described for the first time and was present in 53% of our transpatients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorraine Litrico
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Sorbonne University, Paris, France; Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale 1148, Laboratoire de recherche vasculaire translationnelle, Bichat Hospital, Paris City University, France.
| | - Loïc Van Dieren
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Curtis L Cetrulo
- Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation Laboratory, Center for Transplantation Sciences, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America; Plastic and reconstructive surgery department, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States of America; Department of Plastic Surgery, Shriners Hospital for Children, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Michael Atlan
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Sorbonne University, Paris, France
| | - Alexandre G Lellouch
- Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation Laboratory, Center for Transplantation Sciences, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America; Plastic and reconstructive surgery department, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States of America; Department of Plastic Surgery, Shriners Hospital for Children, Boston, MA, United States of America; Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, European Georges Pompidou Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Sarra Cristofari
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Sorbonne University, Paris, France; Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale 1148, Laboratoire de recherche vasculaire translationnelle, Bichat Hospital, Paris City University, France
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Bond SM, Fouche T, Smith JR, Garza RM. Review of Health Insurance Policy Inclusivity of Gender Nonconforming and Nonbinary Individuals Seeking Gender-Affirming Health Care. Transgend Health 2022; 7:484-496. [PMID: 36644124 PMCID: PMC9829125 DOI: 10.1089/trgh.2020.0146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background An increasing number of individuals who present to health care professionals identify as transgender, gender nonconforming (GNC), and gender nonbinary (NB). GNC/NB individuals experience higher rates of discrimination in health care settings compared with their binary (e.g., trans male and trans female) counterparts. Outdated language excludes the nuances of gender identity. The goal of this study was to evaluate whether current terminology found in health insurance policies may be a barrier to gender-affirming health care for GNC/NB individuals. Methods Health insurance policies for a diverse subset of government (n=4) and private (n=6) payers were obtained in May 2020. Policies were reviewed independently by two members of the research team to determine whether each was supportive or unsupportive to GNC/NB individuals. An arbitrary scoring system was designed that allowed the reviewers to assign a specific number of points to each policy based on the aggregation of mention, coverage, and inclusivity. Results Most policies performed poorly as indicated by a support score less than zero. It was also noted that most policies used binary, gendered language, and terminology that excludes the unique gender identities of many GNC/NB individuals. Conclusions Most policies currently failed to provide clear, inclusive coverage to GNC/NB individuals for relevant and important aspects of their care. In their current state, these policies are a source of confusion, uncertainty, and discouragement for these individuals, which can present as a barrier to accessing quality, inclusive, gender-affirming health care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie M. Bond
- Section of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Chicago Medicine & Biological Sciences, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Tom Fouche
- Pritzker School of Medicine, University of Chicago Biological Sciences Division, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Jesse R. Smith
- Section of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Chicago Medicine & Biological Sciences, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Rebecca M. Garza
- Section of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Chicago Medicine & Biological Sciences, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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Vazquez IM, Labanca T, Arno AI. Functional, Aesthetic and Sensory Postoperative Complications of Female Genital Gender Affirmation Surgery: a Prospective Study. J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg 2022; 75:4312-4320. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bjps.2022.08.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Abstract
Genital gender affirming surgery is an effective treatment for gender dysphoria in transgender individuals. Optimization of medical and mental health conditions, including coordination with a patient's entire care team, is essential. Feminizing procedures include vaginoplasty (creation of female genitalia with a vaginal canal) and vulvoplasty (creation of female genitalia with a short or absent vaginal canal). Masculinizing procedures include metoidioplasty (construction of male genitals via local tissue rearrangement) and phalloplasty (creation of a phallus from extra-genital tissue). We aim to provide an overview of genital gender affirming surgery for providers who are interested in learning more about genital gender affirming surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia Y Li
- Department of Urology, 82579Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Alysen Demzik
- Department of Urology, 2331UNC School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Liem Snyder
- Department of Urology, 2331UNC School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Adeyemi A Ogunleye
- Department of Surgery, Division of Plastic Surgery, 2331UNC School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Annmarie Wang
- Department of Urology, 2331UNC School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Bradley D Figler
- Department of Urology, 2331UNC School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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Digestive Health in Sexual and Gender Minority Populations. Am J Gastroenterol 2022; 117:865-875. [PMID: 35537864 DOI: 10.14309/ajg.0000000000001804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
It has been over 50 years since the Stonewall Inn Riots in June 1969, a seminal event for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and other sexual and gender-diverse minorities (LGBTQI+, or lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and everyone else) rights movement. However, sexual and gender minority (SGM) individuals still face discrimination and harassment due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. As such, the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities has identified SGM communities as a "health disparity population." Broadly, there are higher rates of sexually transmitted infections, substance use and abuse, mental health conditions, obesity and eating disorders, certain cancers (breast, cervical, and anorectal), and cardiovascular disease in SGM communities. Transgender patients, especially those of color, are more likely to be uninsured, experience discrimination, and be denied health care than cisgender patients. In addition, SGM individuals have twice the risk of lifetime exposure to emotional, physical, and sexual trauma compared with heterosexuals. It is expected all these factors would negatively affect digestive health as well. This review summarizes the effects of social determinants of health and discrimination on health care access, highlights important digestive diseases to consider in the SGM population, and offers solutions to improve and prioritize the health of these communities. We aim to draw attention to SGM-specific issues that affect gastrointestinal health and spur research that is desperately lacking.
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A Systematic Approach to Incision Planning and Graft Excision in Gender-affirming Vaginoplasty. PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY-GLOBAL OPEN 2022; 10:e4103. [PMID: 35186642 PMCID: PMC8846344 DOI: 10.1097/gox.0000000000004103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Fifteen-Year Experience with the Ghent Technique of Penile Inversion Vaginoplasty. Plast Reconstr Surg 2021; 148:416e-424e. [PMID: 34432697 DOI: 10.1097/prs.0000000000008300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Demand for male-to-female gender-affirmation surgery is rising. Creation of a vaginal vault and a feminine vulva remains challenging, especially in circumcised patients. The authors present the 15-year results of the technique developed by the senior author (S.M.). METHODS A retrospective case review was performed of all penile inversion vaginoplasties carried out by the senior author between 2003 and 2017. Age, hormonal therapy time, body mass index, smoking, diabetes, circumcision, and the need for full-thickness skin grafts to lengthen the vaginal vault were investigated as potential risk factors for postoperative complications. RESULTS A total of 384 penile inversion vaginoplasties were retained, with 85.7 percent of patients requiring a full-thickness skin graft to lengthen the vaginal vault. Rectum perforation occurred in six patients (1.6 percent). Early revisions were necessary in 8.4 percent of patients and late revision surgery was performed in 37.1 percent of cases. There was no independent risk factor for early complications. Diabetes was an independent risk factor for late revision surgery. After vaginoplasty, 97.2 percent of patients reported being able to engage in penetrative intercourse, and 83.4 percent of patients reported having orgasms. CONCLUSIONS Vaginoplasty is possible in all trans women, with most patients being able to engage in penetrative intercourse and reach an orgasm. To reach the desired depth of 14 cm, the neovaginal vault is usually lined with full-thickness skin grafts from the scrotum and/or abdomen. Diabetes was the only independent risk factor for revision surgery. Rectal tears are a rare complication and can usually be managed conservatively. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Therapeutic, IV.
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Bernal Riquelme J, Falcon Naser N, Barros Puertas J, Arenas Kalil J, Cifuentes Arévalo M. Cirugías de afirmación de género en mujeres trans: resultados estéticos, sexuales y urinarios de una serie inicial de vaginoplastias. Actas Urol Esp 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.acuro.2020.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Use of right colon vaginoplasty in gender affirming surgery: proposed advantages, review of technique, and outcomes. Surg Endosc 2020; 35:5643-5654. [PMID: 33051762 DOI: 10.1007/s00464-020-08078-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Various methods have been described to create a functional neovagina with feminizing (male-to-female) gender affirming surgery. Intestinal vaginoplasty using ileal or colon segments confers natural mucus production and greater canal depth with primary vaginoplasty. In this work we describe an alternative approach to primary and salvage vaginoplasty using right colon. We focus on relative advantages compared to use of other bowel segments, and we review patient outcomes. METHODS Transgender women who had previously undergone primary vaginoplasty underwent laparoscopic right colon vaginoplasty at our center between 12/2017 and 7/2019. Demographic, medical, outcome, and satisfaction data was collected and retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS Twenty-two consecutive transgender women patients underwent laparoscopic right colon vaginoplasty. Mean age was 39.3 years. There were two intraoperative complications:1 injury of the ileocolic pedicle, and 1 minor bladder injury. Four of 22 patients (18.2%) had short-term complications (< 30 days): 3 had postoperative ileus/small bowel obstruction and 1 had intra-abdominal hemorrhage. All were managed conservatively. Six of 22 patients (27.3%) experienced a total of 14 long-term complications (> 30 days): 1 developed Crohn's (not involving the neovagina); 1 developed late small bowel obstruction (SBO) (managed conservatively); 5 developed neovagina prolapse; 4 developed stenosis (2 at the vaginal introitus, and 2 had extrinsic obstruction at the recto-vaginal junction (all underwent successful laparoscopic surgical correction); and 3 were diagnosed with diversion neovaginitis (all treated conservatively). All complications were successfully treated with conservative and/or surgical intervention. All (100%) patients reported satisfaction with neovagina function and appearance. CONCLUSION This is the only outcomes series of transgender women patients who have undergone right colon vaginoplasty, to date. Our study finding suggests that laparoscopic right colon for primary or salvage vaginoplasty has several important advantages over use of Sigmoid colon or Ileum, and is a reliable technique whose complications can be managed successfully, with favorable, satisfactory long-term outcomes.
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Real-time indocyanine green fluorescent angiography in laparoscopic sigmoid vaginoplasty to assess perfusion of the pedicled sigmoid segment. Fertil Steril 2019; 112:967-969. [PMID: 31731947 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2019.08.063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2019] [Revised: 08/19/2019] [Accepted: 08/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the feasibility of intraoperative use of indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescent angiography in laparoscopic intestinal vaginoplasty to determine intestinal segment perfusion and viability. DESIGN Intestinal vaginoplasty may be performed as a vaginal (re)construction procedure. During surgery, a pedicled intestinal segment is transferred caudally to line the neovaginal cavity. Most commonly, a sigmoid or ileal segment is used. In obtaining adequate mobility of the segment, arterial structures sometimes have to be sacrificed, with possible detrimental effects on segment perfusion and subsequently viability. ICG may be used as an aid to assess segment perfusion. We present a case series of six consecutive patients who underwent intestinal vaginoplasty with intraoperative use of ICG. SETTING Tertiary university hospital. PATIENT(S) Six transgender women undergoing laparoscopic sigmoid vaginoplasty with intraoperative use of ICG from October 2017 to October 2018. INTERVENTION(S) Intraoperative use of ICG in laparoscopic sigmoid vaginoplasty to determine sigmoid segment perfusion and viability. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Value and feasibility of ICG in this reconstructive procedure. RESULT(S) Intraoperative use of ICG demonstrated segment viability in five patients. In one patient, vascularization of the segment was deemed to be inadequate and reconstruction was aborted. CONCLUSIONS ICG fluorescent angiography may be used intraoperatively to assess perfusion of the pedicled sigmoid segment during sigmoid vaginoplasty.
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van der Sluis WB, Tuynman JB, Meijerink WJ, Bouman MB. Laparoscopic Intestinal Vaginoplasty in Transgender Women. Urol Clin North Am 2019; 46:527-539. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ucl.2019.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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