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Mañero Vazquez I, Labanca T, Herrero R. Double longitudinal myotomy in gender-affirming colovaginoplasty: an innovative surgical technique to prevent and treat neovaginal spasms. J Sex Med 2024; 21:342-349. [PMID: 38441522 DOI: 10.1093/jsxmed/qdae017] [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: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gender-affirming colovaginoplasty (GACv) presents excellent postoperative results. However, neovaginal spasms, reported as painful cramps, can affect the sexual life of patients. AIM The study sought to describe an innovative surgical technique and evaluate its impact on the prevention and treatment of neovaginal spasms. METHODS This was a single-center prospective observational study with 2 series of patients: (1) patients who underwent GACv with double myotomy (DM) for spasm prevention (series A), in which longitudinal myotomies were performed across the defunctionalized colon, transecting the taenias, and resecting 2 strips of the intestinal muscle layer of approximately 1- to 2-mm wide and tall, leaving intact colonic tissue between strips; and (2) patients who reported neovaginal spasms in whom intravaginal-DM was performed as treatment surgery (series B), in which the posterior wall of the neovagina was dissected from the rectum and transected by longitudinal myotomies, resecting 2 strips of endoluminal mucosa and submucosal muscle of approximately 1- to 2-mm wide and tall, and the colonic mucosa was subsequently closed. OUTCOMES Patient-reported outcomes and neovaginal examination were performed following standardized protocols. RESULTS In series A, 177 patients underwent GACv with the DM technique and were prospectively followed for a median time of 18 months (interquartile range, 13-60 months). No patients reported neovaginal spasms. In series B, 18 patients who reported neovaginal spasms after GACv were treated with intravaginal DM. After a median time of 35 months (interquartile range, 26-45 months), 83% (n = 15 of 18) reported remission of symptoms. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS Double longitudinal myotomy performed on the derived portion of the colon in colovaginoplasty is an easy-to-perform and safe technique that may prevent and treat postoperative neovaginal spasms. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS Our results presented certain limitations, mainly associated with a low prevalence of neovaginal spasms, which, being of personal perception, can be underdiagnosed. To the same extent, the fact that it is a monocentric experience limits the possibility of extrapolating it to other centers. Moreover, a more trained surgical team may be the cause of fewer postoperative complications. On the other hand, the fact of being a reference center for gender-affirming surgery, having our procedures protocolized, and the prospective nature of the study allowed us to obtain a certain homogeneity and granularity of the results. CONCLUSION DM is a safe procedure and appears to be highly effective for the prevention and treatment of neovaginal spasms after GACv. Routine use of this technique does not increase the operating time or postoperative complications. Multicenter, prospective studies are required to validate our results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iván Mañero Vazquez
- Department of Plastic Surgery, IM Gender, IM CLINIC, Institute of Plastic Surgery, Barcelona, 08174, Spain
| | - Trinidad Labanca
- Department of Plastic Surgery, IM Gender, IM CLINIC, Institute of Plastic Surgery, Barcelona, 08174, Spain
| | - Roberto Herrero
- Department of Plastic Surgery, IM Gender, IM CLINIC, Institute of Plastic Surgery, Barcelona, 08174, Spain
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Nandwana D, Hawes K, Zuend CF, Pope R. Neovaginal Human Papillomavirus Prevalence in Transfeminine Individuals: A Systematic Review. Obstet Gynecol 2023; 142:296-306. [PMID: 37411025 DOI: 10.1097/aog.0000000000005264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the prevalence of high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) and human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated abnormalities in the neovaginas of postvaginoplasty transfeminine patients to inform potential HPV-screening guidelines for this patient population. DATA SOURCES MEDLINE, ClinicalTrials.gov , the Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Google Scholar were searched through September 30, 2022. METHODS OF STUDY SELECTION The population included transfeminine individuals who had undergone vaginoplasty with an outcome of subsequent positive HPV diagnosis or HPV-related lesions. Randomized clinical trials, cohort studies, cross-sectional studies, and case reports available in English were included in the analysis. Identified articles were doubly screened, and accepted articles were doubly extracted. TABULATION, INTEGRATION, AND RESULTS Of 59 abstracts identified, 30 were screened for eligibility, of which 15 met the criteria for review. Included studies were assessed for vaginoplasty procedure type, time elapsed between vaginoplasty and HPV testing, HPV type, location and manner of sample collection, method of HPV diagnosis, and classification and location of HPV-associated neovaginal lesions. Studies were assigned a grade of evidence of very low, low, moderate, or high based on study design, precision, directness, and risk of bias. Prevalence of neovaginal hrHPV ranged from 8.3% to 20% in identified studies, and per-study prevalence of HPV-related neovaginal abnormalities ranged from 0% to 8.3% in patients. CONCLUSION The current body of research demonstrates that, after vaginoplasty, transfeminine individuals may develop neovaginal HPV infection with associated cytologic abnormalities or grossly apparent lesions. In some included studies, neovaginal HPV-associated lesions were highly advanced before they were identified. A small number of studies assessed neovaginal HPV prevalence in transfeminine individuals, with hrHPV prevalence ranging from 8.3% to 20%. However, broader conclusions about neovaginal HPV prevalence are limited by a lack of high-grade evidence in the existing literature. More rigorous prevalence research is needed to inform preventative care guidelines for transfeminine individuals at risk of developing HPV-related neovaginal complications. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION PROSPERO, CRD42022379977.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devika Nandwana
- School of Medicine and the Center for Global Health and Diseases, Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, and University Hospitals Urology Institute, Cleveland, Ohio
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Carroll R, Tan KKH, Ker A, Byrne JL, Veale JF. Uptake, experiences and barriers to cervical screening for trans and non-binary people in Aotearoa New Zealand. Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol 2023. [PMID: 37005094 DOI: 10.1111/ajo.13674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023]
Abstract
Little is known about experiences and barriers for trans and non-binary (TGNB) people eligible for cervical screening in Aotearoa New Zealand. AIMS To identify uptake, barriers and reasons for delaying cervical cancer screening among TGNB people in Aotearoa. MATERIALS AND METHODS The 2018 Counting Ourselves data on TGNB people assigned female at birth aged 20-69 years who had ever had sex, were analysed to report on experiences of those who were eligible for cervical screening (n = 318). Participants answered questions about whether they had taken part in cervical screening and reasons behind any delays in receiving the test. RESULTS Trans men were more likely than non-binary participants to report that they did not require cervical screening or were unsure if they needed it. For those who had delayed cervical screening, 30% did so due to feeling worried about how they would be treated as a trans or non-binary person and 35% due to another reason. Other reasons for delay related to general and gender-related discomfort, previous traumatic experiences, anxiety or fear of the test and pain. Material barriers to access included cost and lack of information. CONCLUSIONS The current cervical screening program in Aotearoa does not consider the needs of TGNB people, leading to delayed and reduced uptake of cervical screening. Health providers require education on the reasons TGNB people delay or avoid cervical screening in order to provide appropriate information and affirmative healthcare environments. The human papillomavirus self-swab may address some of the existing barriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rona Carroll
- Department of Primary Health Care and General Practice, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Kyle K H Tan
- Trans Health Research Lab, School of Psychology, University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand
- Faculty of Māori and Indigenous Studies, University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand
| | - Alex Ker
- School of Health, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Jack L Byrne
- Trans Health Research Lab, School of Psychology, University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand
| | - Jaimie F Veale
- Trans Health Research Lab, School of Psychology, University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand
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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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Van Gerwen OT, Aryanpour Z, Selph JP, Muzny CA. Anatomical and sexual health considerations among transfeminine individuals who have undergone vaginoplasty: A review. Int J STD AIDS 2022; 33:106-113. [PMID: 34615399 PMCID: PMC9713597 DOI: 10.1177/09564624211046997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
As acceptance of transgender and gender diverse individuals continues to increase, gender-affirming surgery, a cornerstone in the management of gender dysphoria, is becoming more readily available. HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) disproportionately affect these populations, but there are limited epidemiologic and management data on STIs in people who have undergone gender-affirming genital surgery such as vaginoplasty. This review will provide clinicians with anatomical details about the various vaginoplasty procedures currently being performed, complications associated with these procedures, and an overview of the current literature describing HIV/STI epidemiology among transfeminine individuals who have undergone vaginoplasty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia T Van Gerwen
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, 9968University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Zain Aryanpour
- Department of Medicine, 9967University of Alabama School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - John P Selph
- Department of Urology, 9968University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA.Increase
| | - Christina A Muzny
- Department of Medicine, 9967University of Alabama School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, USA
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Kloer C, Parker A, Blasdel G, Kaplan S, Zhao L, Bluebond-Langner R. Sexual health after vaginoplasty: A systematic review. Andrology 2021; 9:1744-1764. [PMID: 33882193 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2021] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vaginoplasty is a gender-affirming procedure for transgender and gender diverse (TGD) patients who experience gender incongruence. This procedure reduces mental health concerns and enhances patients' quality of life. A systematic review investigating the sexual health outcomes of vaginoplasty has not been performed. OBJECTIVES To investigate sexual health after gender-affirming vaginoplasty for TGD patients. DATA SOURCES MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and PsycINFO databases were searched, unrestricted by dates or study design. METHODS We included primary literature that incorporated TGD patients, reported sexual health outcomes after vaginoplasty intervention and were available in English. Outcomes included at least one of these sexual health parameters: sexual desire, arousal, sensation, activity, secretions, satisfaction, pleasure, orgasm, interferences, or aids. RESULTS Our search yielded 140 studies with 12 different vaginoplasty surgical techniques and 6,953 patients. The majority of these studies were cross-section or retrospective cohort observational studies (66%). 17.4%-100% (median 79.7%) of patients (n = 2,384) were able to orgasm postoperatively regardless of revision or primary vaginoplasty techniques. Female Sexual Function Index was the most used standardized questionnaire (17 studies, ranging from 16.9 to 28.6). 64%-98% (median 81%) of patients were satisfied with their general sexual satisfaction. The most common interference of sexual activity was dyspareunia. CONCLUSIONS The heterogenous methods of measuring sexual outcomes reflect the difficulty in comparing single-center surgical outcomes, encouraging the need for a standardized and validated metric for reporting sexual health after vaginoplasty for TGD patients. The most common sexual health parameter reported is sexual activity while therapeutic aids and pleasure were the least reported parameters. Future studies are needed to improve and expand methods of measuring sexual health, including prospective studies, validated questionnaires, and inclusive metrics. Systematic review registration number: PROSPERO 01/01/2021: CRD42021224014.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Kloer
- Hansjörg Wyss Department of Plastic Surgery, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY, USA.,Duke University School of Medicine, Duke Health Systems, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Augustus Parker
- NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Gaines Blasdel
- Department of Urology, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Samantha Kaplan
- Duke University School of Medicine, Duke Health Systems, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Lee Zhao
- Department of Urology, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Rachel Bluebond-Langner
- Hansjörg Wyss Department of Plastic Surgery, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
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Labanca T, Mañero I, Pannunzio M. Transgender patients: considerations for routine gynecologic care and cancer screening. Int J Gynecol Cancer 2020; 30:1990-1996. [PMID: 33109526 DOI: 10.1136/ijgc-2020-001860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 10/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last several years, demand for transgender care from gynecologists has increased significantly. Transgender people comprise a diverse group who do not identify with the sex they were assigned at birth. Worldwide, it is estimated that 25 million people identify as transgender. Some undergo hormonal and/or surgical treatment aiming to feminize or masculinize their bodies. Cross-sex hormone treatment for transgender women-individuals assigned as male at birth who identify themselves as women-includes exogenous estrogen and/or progestin administration in combination with anti-androgens, whereas testosterone is used for transgender men-individuals whose natal sex is women but identify themselves as men. Although it is usually rare, hormone-sensitive malignancies may arise, and long-term effects remain unknown. In addition, reconstructive surgeries may include breast augmentation and vaginoplasty (creation of a vagina) for transgender women, and chest masculinization surgery (bilateral mastectomy) and metoidioplasty (lengthening of the clitoris to create a microphallus) or phalloplasty (creation of a phallus) for transgender men. Evidence relating to breast and reproductive tract cancers in the trans population is limited and insufficient to estimate cancer prevalence, and recommendations for screening and preventive care depend on the patients' hormonal and surgical status. Even less information exists regarding the sub-set of individuals with genetic predisposition for these malignancies. In this review, we aimed to summarize current recommendations for gynecologists and gynecologic oncologists regarding cancer screening and personalized cancer-risk assessment in transgender people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trinidad Labanca
- Department of Gynecology, Hospital Municipal Dr. Bernardo Houssay, Buenos Aires, Argentina .,Department of Gynecology, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ivan Mañero
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Instituto de Cirugía Plástica Dr. Ivan Mañero, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marcelo Pannunzio
- Department of Gynecology, Hospital Municipal Dr. Bernardo Houssay, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Fein LA, Marbin SJ. Condylomata acuminata of the neovagina in a transgender woman treated with trichloroacetic acid. Int J STD AIDS 2020; 31:1011-1013. [PMID: 32693736 DOI: 10.1177/0956462420937161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Condylomata acuminata (genital warts) have been identified in transgender women after gender affirmation surgery. We describe a case of a 57-year-old transgender woman with biopsy-proven neovaginal condylomata acuminata following gender-affirmation vaginoplasty using the penile skin inversion technique. The patient was successfully treated with trichloroacetic acid. To our knowledge, this is the first case report demonstrating successful treatment of neovaginal condyloma with trichloroacetic acid. We provide a review of the relevant literature and highlight the evidence for the clinical utility of trichloroacetic acid in transgender women with condyloma of the neovagina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydia A Fein
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Staci J Marbin
- University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
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