Patients’ Priorities Regarding Female-to-Male Gender Affirmation Surgery of the Genitalia—A Pilot Study of 47 Patients in Sweden

How do different navigation systems affect emergency response time? A prospective simulation study

OBJECTIVE

There has not been a theoretical test run in Germany that compares different navigation systems with an industry solution (MapTrip112). The aim of this study was to compare navigation systems to elucidate whether the emergency response time (ERT) was reduced and, consequently, whether the adherence to the travel time improved.

DESIGN

Prospective, simulation study, cross-sectional study.

SETTING

Offices of the Institute of Occupational Medicine, Social Medicine and Environmental Medicine, Goethe University Frankfurt (60 590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany). The situation-adaptable industry navigation solution MapTrip112 was tested in its 'Lights and Siren(s) (L&S)' mode in comparison to the TomTom and Google Maps navigation systems. MapTrip112 was set to calculate a route that takes special emergency rights of way into account.

OUTCOME MEASURES

All three navigation systems simultaneously calculated the distances and durations of fictitious routes. Three scenarios were tested: the University Hospital Frankfurt (60 596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany) and the Central Fire Station 1 (60435 Frankfurt am Main, Germany) served as the starting points for the urban routes, while the Odenwald Health Centre (64 711 Erbach, Germany) served as the starting point for rural routes. The routes' endpoints were arbitrarily chosen locations inside the customary operational radius. The routes were selected for short and long distances as well as for different periods, including weekdays, weekends and evening rush hour (4-7 pm), in the German cities of Frankfurt am Main and Odenwaldkreis (Southern Hesse).

RESULTS

The time and distance were calculated for a total of 4650 trips. When comparing travel times and distances between rural and urban areas as well as between weekdays and weekends, statistically significant results were obtained (p<0.001). With time advantages ranging from 23.5 s to 300.5 s (4.75% to 50% of the travel time) on weekdays and weekends, MapTrip112 consistently outperformed both TomTom and Google Maps. For city missions, MapTrip112 achieved time gains of up to 50% over its competitors, with significant advantages during the rush hours and around specific locations such as the University Hospital Frankfurt and Fire Station 1.

CONCLUSION

MapTrip112 always achieved the fastest routes although these were not always accompanied by a shortened distance. These findings underscore MapTrip112's superiority in providing efficient routing solutions across various scenarios. For this reason, the use of this software should be considered in practice and investigated in real-world conditions in further studies.

Is size in the eye of the beholder? Visual estimation of penis size among transgender and cisgender people and implications for genital gender-affirming surgery and sexual medicine

BACKGROUND

Transgender men (TM) seeking gender-affirming phalloplasty and transgender women (TW) seeking vaginoplasty and desiring insertive intercourse must consider penis size. Evidence has shown that, at least among cisgender men (CM), penile dimensions tend to be poorly estimated. In transgender patients desiring gender-affirming surgery, inaccuracy in estimation of penis dimensions may lead to unnecessary morbidity: for TW, trauma to the neovagina; for TM with excess girth, an inability to insert. Studies on the accuracy with which transgender and cisgender patients estimate penis size are limited.

AIM

To assess the degree of accuracy with which CM and CW, as well as TM and TW, visually estimate the size of the human penis, including length, width, and girth.

METHODS

There were 142 participants included (25 TM, 47 TW, 30 CM, and 40 CW; net mean ± SD age, 36.6 ± 11.2 years). Participants were shown these models and asked to estimate length, width, and midshaft girth by visual inspection of 6 realistic models of a penis and scrotum of varying lengths and widths. We evaluated the accuracy of the visual measurements by comparing mean perceived dimensions with the actual dimensions of each model.

OUTCOMES

We used a multivariate model of all 3 bias dimensions to test for differences in average bias among gender groups (CM, CW, TM, and TW).

RESULTS

TM significantly overestimated length across the longest models. TW significantly overestimated length in the longer 3 models. All groups except for TM significantly underestimated girth in at least 1 model. No groups significantly underestimated width. CM, CW, and TM significantly overestimated width in all 6 models.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

When transgender patients use numbers to express penis size (either in neophallus or vaginal depth based on perceived partner size), the result is likely to be larger than expected. Use of realistic penis models as a decision-making tool may help manage patient expectations and surgery decision making preoperatively and improve postoperative patient satisfaction and safety.

STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS

To our knowledge, this is the first study to assess visual estimation in penis size in TM and CM, as well as TW and CW. The penile models in our study were shown side by side and in the flaccid state despite having dimensions more consistent with an erect penis, which may have influenced estimations across all dimensions.

CONCLUSION

Men and women (cisgender and transgender) tend to significantly overestimate penis length and width.

[Genital gender affirming surgery in trans men]

OBJECTIVE

Genital surgery for masculinisation in the context of gender incongruence is characterised by the reconstruction of male genitalia using multiple surgical techniques - free flap phalloplasty, pedicled flap phalloplasty or metaoidioplasty - which this article aims to describe.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A narrative review of the literature on these trans surgeries was carried out.

RESULTS

Each technique has specific advantages and disadvantages, and does not produce the same results in terms of surgical risks, size of the reconstructed phallus, sensitivity, sexual function and urinary function.

CONCLUSION

This surgical decision must therefore be shared with the person concerned, based on a clear understanding of their expectations and objectives. Long-term follow-up is recommended.

Genitourinary vascularized composite allotransplantation for gender affirmation in trans men: An anatomical feasibility study

PURPOSE

Gender affirmation in trans men requires multiple staged procedures. The final masculinizing step involves phalloplasty or metoidioplasty and further incorporation of penile and testicular prostheses. However, these are functionally suboptimal and associated with high complication rates. Therefore, we sought to investigate the anatomical feasibility of one-stage genitourinary vascularized composite allotransplantation (GUVCA) for such gender-affirming surgeries.

METHODS

Twenty fresh cadaveric dissections were performed to delineate the neurovascular anatomy of the proposed GUVCA. Specifically, in donors (n = 14), besides the penis and scrotum, the GUVCA included an inferior bladder patch with the urinary sphincter, prostate, seminal vesicles, as well as a strip of the pubic bone. In trans men recipients, osteotomies of the pubic bone to match that of the donor GUVCA were required. Five cadaveric GUVCA transplants were then performed to simulate one-stage gender affirmation surgery.

RESULTS

The GUVCA required (1) vascular anastomoses between the recipient's deep inferior epigastric, external pudendal, and superficial circumflex iliac (or superficial inferior epigastric) vessels to the donor's internal pudendal, external pudendal and genitofemoral vessels respectively; (2) neurosynthesis between the recipient pudendal and dorsal clitoral nerves to the donor pudendal and genitofemoral nerves; and (3) urinary bladder anastomosis at the bladder neck, upstream of the urinary sphincter. Average donor measurements (length (cm), diameter (mm)) were: external pudendal artery (2.5, 2.0) and vein (2.0, 3.5), internal pudendal artery (15.0, 4.0), pudendal (15.0, 3.0) and genitofemoral nerves (8.0, 2.0).

CONCLUSIONS

We have described the anatomical basis for a one-stage GUVCA in trans masculine genitourinary reconstruction.

Supporting Gender-Related Medical Decision Making for Transgender and Gender-Diverse Individuals: A Scoping Review

Purpose

Transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) individuals and their families face numerous challenging decisions. To better understand their decision processes, we conducted a scoping review of the existing literature and of decision-support tools in use at pediatric gender-care clinics.

Methods

We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus CINAHL, PsychINFO, and EBM Reviews for studies that were original research focused on decisions, decision making, or decision support for TGD individuals and/or their families. All studies were reviewed for inclusion by at least two researchers. Additionally, we reviewed clinical tools used to support decision making by TGD youth and their families.

Results

We retrieved 3306 articles. Thirty-two met criteria for data extraction. Studies focused on three major decisions: gender-confirming surgery, fertility preservation, and gender-affirming hormone therapy. Several themes that cut across clinical topics emerged: decision-making processes, decision-making roles, and sources of decision support. Only three articles focused on decision-support interventions, two of which discussed development of support tools and one evaluated a class designed to help with surgical decision making. None of the clinical tools reviewed met criteria for a decision aid.

Conclusions

There is a dearth of studies related to decision support interventions, an absence validated by the resources currently in clinical use. This scoping review suggests an opportunity for the development of tools to aid in the decision-making processes for TGD youth and their families.

Comparison of surgical outcomes and urinary functioning after phalloplasty with versus without urethral lengthening in transgender men

Background: Phalloplasty in transgender men is performed with or without Urethral Lengthening (UL). To create clear expectations in the choice of UL, an overview and comparison of outcomes is useful. Aims: To provide and compare surgical outcomes and urinary functioning after phalloplasty with versus without UL in transgender men. Methods: A single-center, retrospective chart review was conducted among transgender men who underwent phalloplasty with or without UL between 01-2013 and 10-2020. Primary outcomes were differences in complication and reoperation rates. Secondary outcomes were end-stages of voiding at last follow-up and differences in voiding analyses pre- and postoperatively. Results: Of 136 men, 91 (67%) underwent phalloplasty with, and 45 (33%) without UL. Wound infection (31 vs. 16%, p = 0.06) and partial flap loss (35 vs. 13%, p = 0.008) were predominately seen after UL. In the UL group, 43% urethral fistulas and 60% urethral strictures were observed, relative to one man without UL who had a urethral fistula (both p < 0.001). Meatal or perineal orifice stenosis was seen in 29% with versus 11% without UL (p = 0.02). Reoperation was needed in 81% with versus 27% without UL (p < 0.001). At follow-up, 80/91 (88%) after UL reached end-stage of voiding, with 60/80 (75%) able to void while standing and 20/80 (25%) having a definitive urethrostomy. The remaining 11/91 (12%) men were awaiting further treatment for urological complications. The men able to void while standing had a median of one reoperation (range 0-6), and a significant decrease in maximum flow rate on postoperative uroflowmetry (21.4 vs. 29.8 mL/s, p < 0.001). After phalloplasty without UL, all men had a definitive perineostomy without changes in voiding analyses. Discussion: The choice for or against UL during phalloplasty has become more relevant over the years. This comparison of surgical outcomes and urinary functioning can be useful in the shared decision-making process to come to the most suitable choice of phalloplasty.

Medicine as constraint: Assessing the barriers to gender-affirming care

In this commentary, we describe the way in which science has been used to constrain transgender peoples’ access to gender-affirming care. The required diagnosis of gender dysphoria is rooted in both the historical assumption that psychological distress is an inherent aspect of being transgender and the incorrect notion that gender-affirming care is a panacea for the mental health issues that transgender people may experience, regardless of whether these mental health issues are related to their being transgender. We provide recommendations for how to address these barriers to care moving forward.

"Postulating Penis: What Influences the Interest of Transmasculine Patients in Gender Affirming Penile Reconstruction Techniques?"

BACKGROUND

The limitations of metoidioplasty and phalloplasty have been reported as deterrents for transgender and other gender expansive individuals (T/GE) desiring gender affirming surgery, and thus penile transplantation, epithesis, and composite tissue engineering (CTE) are being explored as alternative interventions.

AIM

We aim to understand the acceptability of novel techniques and factors that may influence patient preferences in surgery to best treat this diverse population.

METHODS

Descriptions of metoidioplasty, phalloplasty, epithesis, CTE, and penile transplant were delivered via online survey from January 2020 to May 2020. Respondents provided ordinal ranking of interest in each intervention from 1 to 5, with 1 representing greatest personal interest. Demographics found to be significant on univariable analysis underwent multivariable ordinal logistic regression to determine independent predictors of interest.

OUTCOMES

Sexual orientation, gender, and age were independent predictors of interest in interventions.

RESULTS

There were 965 qualifying respondents. Gay respondents were less likely to be interested in epithesis (OR: 2.282; P = .001) compared to other sexual orientations. Straight individuals were the least likely to be interested in metoidioplasty (OR 3.251; P = .001), and most interested in penile transplantation (OR 0.382; P = .005) and phalloplasty (OR 0.288, P < .001) as potential interventions. Gay and queer respondents showed a significant interest in phalloplasty (Gay: OR 0.472; P = .004; Queer: OR 0.594; P = .017). Those who identify as men were more interested in phalloplasty (OR 0.552; P < .001) than those with differing gender identities. Older age was the only variable associated with a decreased interest in phalloplasty (OR 1.033; P = .001). No demographic analyzed was an independent predictor of interest in CTE.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

A thorough understanding of patient gender identity, sexual orientation, and sexual behavior should be obtained during consultation for gender affirming penile reconstruction, as these factors influence patient preferences for surgical interventions.

STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS

This study used an anonymous online survey that was distributed through community channels and allowed for the collection of a high quantity of responses throughout the T/GE population that would otherwise be impossible through single-center or in-person means. The community-based methodology minimized barriers to honesty, such as courtesy bias. The survey was only available in English and respondents skewed young and White.

CONCLUSION

Despite previously reported concerns about the limitations of metoidioplasty, participants ranked it highly, along with CTE, in terms of personal interest, with sexual orientation, gender, and age independently influencing patient preferences, emphasizing their relevance in patient-surgeon consultations. A. Parker, G. Blasdel, C. Kloer et al. "Postulating Penis: What Influences the Interest of Transmasculine Patients in Gender Affirming Penile Reconstruction Techniques?". J Sex Med 2022;19:385-393.

An Option for Shaft-Only Gender-Affirming Phalloplasty: Vaginal Preservation and Vulvoscrotoplasty. A Technical Description

SUMMARY

Genital masculinizing gender-affirming surgery is a growing field. Because of a spectrum of gender identity, gender expression, sexual expression, patient desires, and patient tolerance for complications, options for surgery vary accordingly. Shaft-only phalloplasty avoids urethral lengthening, but may still be accompanied by hysterectomy, vaginectomy, scrotoplasty, clitoroplasty (burying of the clitoris), glansplasty, and placement of erectile devices and testicular implants. Patients who desire retention of vaginal canal patency are candidates for vaginal preservation vulvoscrotoplasty; however, there is a paucity of literature describing the procedure and its outcomes. In this article, the authors review the technique used by the senior author at Oregon Health and Science University and report surgical outcomes for four patients. Future studies regarding patient-recorded outcome measures, aesthetics, sexual function, urologic function, patient satisfaction, and conversion to other options will help surgeons better understand patients pursuing gender-affirming surgery through shaft-only phalloplasty.

A pilot retrospective CT angio study of the internal pudendal arteries in male bodies, for the purpose of penis transplantation to trans men

Literature reports four successful cases where penile transplantation has been performed for cis men. To date, no penis transplantation has ever been attempted for trans men. Modern surgical techniques for penis reconstruction for (trans) men with gender incongruence present multiple drawbacks, and sometimes fail to meet patients' expectations. Penis transplantation could represent an alternative solution. With the aim of planning penis transplantation to trans men, a previous study from our same group suggested a surgical technique for explantation of penis and associated vessels, nerves and urethra en-bloc from a cadaver: further radiographic imaging of vascular anatomy was recommended. To measure length and diameter of the internal pudendal arteries at three set points in biological males, in order to confirm its viability for transplantation. A retrospective examination of existing CT images visualizing the internal pudendal arteries in 12 bodies, assigned male at birth, was performed. Diameters were measured in three points: 1. the take off of the artery; 2. distal to its rectal branch; and, 3. at the bifurcation of the two terminal branches of the artery, i.e. the bulbourethral artery and the dorsal artery of the penis. Mean diameters of the selected points were 2.4 mm, 1.9 mm, and 1.5 mm on both sides. Mean lengths of internal pudendal arteries were 111.2 mm on the left, and 120.1 mm on the right side. Diameters of the internal pudendal artery is sufficient for arterial anastomosis at all measured points. Lengths are sufficient to reach recipient vessels.

[Prosthetics after construction of the outer genitalia for transmen]

BACKGROUND

Growing awareness of gender identity issues and a rising prevalence of female-to-male transsexualism is increasing demand for surgical solutions that deliver both aesthetically and functionally satisfying outer genitalia for transmen.

OBJECTIVE

This article summarizes the available prosthetic options, describes different surgical approaches and reviews the outcome of prosthetics for transmen with a focus on penile prosthesis in phalloplasty.

METHODS

Current international standards of care, reviews and original publications are critically reviewed and correlated with our own experience with more than 400 transmen at two interdisciplinary referral centres in Frankfurt, Germany and London, UK.

RESULTS

Despite of a wide range of different phalloplasty techniques and prosthetic types, the currently most used technique is implantation of a three-piece, inflatable penile prosthesis in a radial-free-flap phalloplasty. There is still an ongoing debate about the number of implanted penile prosthesis cylinders, the use of customised corporoplasty-windsocks for the cylinder(s), and the location for the placement of the reservoir. At present there is only one penile prosthesis design for use in phalloplasties and long-term results are still pending.

CONCLUSION

There is still no ideal implant available for the use in phalloplasties. The current literature does not provide evidence-based treatment algorithms, which is also due to a lack of prospective randomised studies and validated measurement tools for the postoperative outcome. Initial data for the first transmen-specific penile prosthesis as well as an increase of transgender studies might lead to an improvement of treatment and the quality-of-life of the affected transmen.

Surgical Outcomes Following Gender Affirming Penile Reconstruction: Patient-Reported Outcomes From a Multi-Center, International Survey of 129 Transmasculine Patients

BACKGROUND

Current literature on surgical outcomes after gender affirming genital surgery is limited by small sample sizes from single-center studies.

AIM

To use a community-based participatory research model to survey a large, heterogeneous cohort of transmasculine patients on phalloplasty and metoidioplasty outcomes.

METHODS

A peer-informed survey of transmasculine peoples' experience was constructed and administered between January and April 2020. Data collected included demographics, genital surgery history, pre- and postoperative genital sensation and function, and genital self-image.

OUTCOMES

Of the 1,212 patients completing the survey, 129 patients underwent genital reconstruction surgery. Seventy-nine patients (61 percent) underwent phalloplasty only, 32 patients (25 percent) underwent metoidioplasty only, and 18 patients (14 percent) underwent metoidioplasty followed by phalloplasty.

RESULTS

Patients reported 281 complications requiring 142 revisions. The most common complications were urethrocutaneous fistula (n = 51, 40 percent), urethral stricture (n = 41, 32 percent), and worsened mental health (n = 25, 19 percent). The average erect neophallus after phalloplasty was 14.1 cm long vs 5.5 cm after metoidioplasty (P < .00001). Metoidioplasty patients report 4.8 out of 5 erogenous sensation, compared to 3.4 out of 5 for phalloplasty patients (P < .00001). Patients who underwent clitoris burial in addition to primary phalloplasty did not report change in erogenous sensation relative to primary phalloplasty patients without clitoris burial (P = .105). The average postoperative patient genital self-image score was 20.29 compared with 13.04 for preoperative patients (P < .00001) and 21.97 for a historical control of cisgender men (P = .0004).

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

These results support anecdotal reports that complication rates following gender affirming genital reconstruction are higher than are commonly reported in the surgical literature. Patients undergoing clitoris burial in addition to primary phalloplasty did not report a change in erogenous sensation relative to those patients not undergoing clitoris burial. Postoperative patients report improved genital self-image relative to their preoperative counterparts, although self-image scores remain lower than cisgender males.

STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS

These results are unique in that they are sourced from a large, heterogeneous group of transgender patients spanning 3 continents and dozens of surgical centers. The design of this study, following a community-based participatory research model, emphasizes patient-reported outcomes with focus on results most important to patients. Limitations include the recall and selection bias inherent to online surveys, and the inability to verify clinical data reported through the web-based questionnaire.

CONCLUSION

Complication rates, including urethral compromise and worsened mental health, remain high for gender affirming penile reconstruction. Robinson IS, Blasdel G, Cohen O, et al. Surgical Outcomes Following Gender Affirming Penile Reconstruction: Patient-Reported Outcomes From a Multi-Center, International Survey of 129 Transmasculine Patients. J Sex Med 2021;18:800-811.

Infrapubic Insertion of Penile Implants in Transmen After Phalloplasty

OBJECTIVE

To describe the infrapubic approach to penile prosthesis insertion in transmen after phalloplasty.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

After verifying phalloplasty vascular pedicle anatomy and reliable micturition, patients may be considered for implant surgery. Specific modifications of the infrapubic approach to penile prosthesis insertion as well as individualization of commercially available implants are performed intraoperatively to help reduce the risk of postoperative complications.

RESULTS

In our single surgeon series (MLC) using the infrapubic approach with these specific implants after phalloplasty, 17/107 (16%) patients from October 2017 to November 2020 required revision surgery after mean follow-up of 79.8 weeks.

CONCLUSION

Our infrapubic prosthesis insertion after phalloplasty technique with modifications to commercially available implants may help reduce the risk of postoperative complications.

Metoidioplasty: Surgical Options and Outcomes in 813 Cases

INTRODUCTION

Metoidioplasty is a variant of phalloplasty for transmen that includes the creation of the neophallus from a hormonally enlarged clitoris, urethral lengthening and scrotoplasty. The procedure results in male appearance of genitalia, voiding in standing position and preserved sexual arousal, but without possibility for penetrative intercourse. We evaluated outcomes of metoidioplasty at our center, based on latest surgical refinements.

METHODS

During the period of 14 years (from February 2006 to April 2020), 813 transmen with mean age of 24.4 years and mean body mass index of 24.6, underwent one stage metoidioplasty. Hysterectomy was simultaneously performed in 156, and mastectomy in 58 cases. Hysterectomy, mastectomy and metoidioplasty were done as a one-stage procedure in 46 transmen. Patients are divided in 5 groups, depending on the type of urethroplasty. Postoperative questionnaires were used to evaluate cosmetic and functional outcomes, as well as patients' satisfaction.

RESULTS

Follow-up ranged from 16 to 180 months (mean 94 months). Mean surgery time was 170 minutes and mean hospital stay was 3 days. Length of the neophallus ranged from 4.8 cm to 10.2 cm (mean 5.6 cm). Urethroplasty was complication-free in 89.5% of cases, and ranged between 81% to 90.3% in different groups. Urethral fistula and stricture occured in 8.85% and 1.70% of cases, respectively. Other complications included testicular implant rejection in 2%, testicular displacement in 3.20% and vaginal remnant in 9.60% of cases. From 655 patients who answered the questionnaire, 79% were totally satisfied and 20% mainly satisfied with the result of surgery. All patients reported voiding in standing position and good sexual arousal of the neophallus, without possibility for penetrative intercourse due to small size of the neophallus.

CONCLUSION

Metoidioplasty has good cosmetic and functional outcomes, with low complication rate and high level of patients' satisfaction. In transmen who request total phalloplasty after metoidioplasty, all available phalloplasty techniques are feasable.

Surgical outcomes of testicular prostheses implantation in transgender men with a history of prosthesis extrusion or infection

Background: Testicular prostheses implantation may be used for neoscrotal augmentation in transgender men. In current literature, explantation rates range from 0.6% to 30% and most are a result of infection or extrusion. Information on the surgical path of individuals after prosthesis explantation is scarce. Aim: To assess the frequency and success rate of testicular prosthesis implantation after previous explantation due to infection or extrusion. Methods: All transgender men who underwent testicular prosthesis explantation between January 1991 and December 2018 were retrospectively identified from a departmental database. A retrospective chart study was conducted, recording demographics, surgical and prosthesis characteristics, reoperations, and outcomes. Results: A total of 41 transgender men were included who underwent testicular prosthesis explantation in the study time period. Of these, 28 (68%) opted for new prosthesis implantation. Most explanted prosthesis had a volume ≥30cc and were replaced with an equally sized one. The postoperative course was uneventful in 19 out of 28 (68%) individuals. Explantation of one or both prostheses occurred in 7 out of 28 (25%) individuals, because of infection (n = 3, 11%) or extrusion (n = 4, 14%). Patients that experienced complications had more often a history of smoking (p = 0.049). The explantation rate was lower if a smaller or lighter prosthesis was reimplanted (p = 0.020). Discussion: Most patients opt for testicular prosthesis implantation after previous explantation due to extrusion or infection. Explantation rates are higher than after the primary implantation procedure. Results of current study can be used to inform individuals on postoperative outcomes.

Piloting a Genital Affirmation Surgical Priorities Scale for Trans Masculine Patients

Purpose: Many transgender men seek surgical interventions to create male genitalia. Currently, there is no standardized tool to assess individual goals and expectations for such reconstructive genital surgery. The purpose of this study was to develop and pilot a genital affirmation surgical priorities scale (GASPS) in transgender men seeking metoidioplasty and/or phalloplasty. Methods: The research team developed the GASPS and piloted it with 63 patients seeking reconstructive genital surgery. The scale was constructed after a comprehensive literature review identified key areas of importance, including size, erogenous and tactile sensation, interest in penetrative sex, ability to urinate standing up, and maintenance of orgasmic function. Results were then tabulated and analyzed to look for trends. Results: Sixty three consecutive patients, mean age 24.98 years (standard deviation [SD]=5.87), were administered the assessment. On the 5 point Likert scale, patients were most concerned about being able to stand to urinate (mean=4.38, SD=1.06) and erotic sensation (mean=4.21, SD=0.8). The ability to engage in penetrative intercourse (mean=3.98, SD=1.34), tactile sensation (mean=3.93, SD=1.01), and penis length (mean=3.37, SD=1.18), and girth (mean=3.09, SD=1.20) were not universally considered to be important and responses varied widely. Most patients (86%) stated they had a history of being able to orgasm, and 8% did not know. Feedback suggested that scale use helped patients clarify goals for surgery. Conclusion: GASPS use confirmed the diversity of patient priorities and the importance of individualized goal assessment. It also confirmed previous reports that standing to urinate is a major genital affirmation motivation for many transgender men.

Patient reported outcome measures and quality of life assessment in genital gender confirming surgery

Transgender and gender nonbinary (TGNB) individuals may seek genital gender confirming surgery (GCS) as part of their transition. Outcomes of genital GCS may include gender congruence, sexual functioning and satisfaction, urinary symptoms, aesthetic satisfaction, and overall quality of life, among others. Despite a wide number of studies on results of vaginoplasty, metoidioplasty, phalloplasty, and other genital GCS, data regarding patient reported outcomes are limited. To date, there is no patient reported outcome measure (PROM) validated within the TGNB population to assess subjective outcomes of GCS. In this review, we aim to describe existing tools being utilized to report outcomes following GCS, assessing the merits and limitations of each.

Urethral Reconstruction in Anterolateral Thigh Flap Phalloplasty: A 93-Case Experience

BACKGROUND

Urethral reconstruction in anterolateral thigh flap phalloplasty cannot always be accomplished with one flap, and the ideal technique has not been established yet. In this article, the authors' experience with urethral reconstruction in 93 anterolateral thigh flap phalloplasties is reported.

METHODS

Ninety-three anterolateral thigh phalloplasties performed over 13 years at a single center were retrospectively reviewed to evaluate outcomes of the different urethral reconstruction techniques used: anterolateral thigh alone without urethral reconstruction (n = 7), tube-in-tube anterolateral thigh flap (n = 5), prelaminated anterolateral thigh flap with a skin graft (n = 8), anterolateral thigh flap combined with a free radial forearm flap (n = 29), anterolateral thigh flap combined with a pedicled superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator flap (n = 38), and anterolateral thigh flap combined with a skin flap from a previous phalloplasty (n = 6). Seventy-nine phalloplasties were performed for female-to-male sex reassignment surgery. The others were performed in male patients with severe penile insufficiency.

RESULTS

Urethral complication rates (fistulas and strictures) were as follows: tube-in-tube anterolateral thigh flap, 20 percent; prelaminated anterolateral thigh flap, 87.5 percent; free radial forearm flap urethra, 37.9 percent; superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator urethral reconstruction, 26.3 percent; and skin flap from previous phalloplasty, 16.7 percent.

CONCLUSIONS

When tube-in-tube urethra reconstruction is not possible (94.2 percent of cases), a skin flap such as the superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator flap or the radial forearm flap is used for urethral reconstruction in anterolateral thigh phalloplasties. Flap prelamination is a second choice that gives high stricture rates. If a penis is present, its skin should be used for urethral reconstruction and covered with an anterolateral thigh flap. With these techniques, 91.86 percent of patients are eventually able to void while standing.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic, IV.

Gender-Affirming Surgery in Persons with Gender Dysphoria

The landscape of gender dysphoria has changed dramatically in recent years secondary to increased societal acceptance, legislative changes, and medical providers' increased awareness of the associated psychosocial burden associated with the diagnosis. National and global advocacy efforts, in conjunction with expanded third-party insurance coverage, have resulted in new health care opportunities for patients suffering from gender dysphoria. Delivering quality, streamlined health care to these patients requires a complex multidisciplinary approach, involving multiple medical and mental health disciplines, including plastic surgeons. To accommodate the expanding demand for gender-affirmation surgery, academic medical centers specializing in these procedures are gradually emerging. Advancing surgical techniques in the setting of rising patient demand encourage plastic surgeons to increasingly provide high-quality health care to this diverse patient population in an effort to optimize psychosocial functioning and minimize the burden of gender dysphoria. Although the current literature is replete with the evolving surgical and technical approaches to gender-affirming surgery, there remain critical gaps in the plastic surgery literature describing the delivery of comprehensive care to these patients. To address these gaps, the authors establish a framework that plastic surgeons can use to guide their management of patients with gender dysphoria to optimize surgical and psychosocial outcomes. First, the authors describe a timeline of events that have shaped present-day transgender medicine and characterize the current role of the plastic surgeon in the management of gender dysphoria. Subsequently, the authors discuss psychosocial and ethical considerations surrounding gender dysphoria. Finally, the authors discuss the future scope of transgender medicine.

En Bloc Surgical Dissection for Penile Transplantation for Trans-Men: A Cadaveric Study

INTRODUCTION

The surgical techniques currently available for penile reconstruction for trans-men with gender dysphoria present with multiple drawbacks and often fail to meet patients' expectations. Literature reports three cases where penile transplantation has been performed for cis-men, with the last two cases being considered successful.

AIM

To determine whether an en bloc surgical dissection can be performed in a male cadaver, in order to include structures necessary for penile transplantation (from a deceased donor male) to a recipient with female genitalia in gender affirmation surgery.

METHOD

The study was conducted in the form of explorative dissections of the genital and pelvic regions of three male cadavers preserved in phenol-ethanol solution.

RESULTS

The first two dissections failed to explant adequately all the relevant structures. The third dissection, which was performed along the pubic arch and through the perineum, succeeded in explanting the relevant structures: it, in fact, allowed for identification and adequate transection of urethra, vessels, dorsal nerves, crura of corpora cavernosa, and bulb of corpus spongiosum, in en bloc explantation of male genitalia.

CONCLUSIONS

It is possible to explant the penis and associated vessels, nerves, and urethra en bloc from a cadaver. This study suggests a surgical technique for en bloc explantation aiming for transplantation of the penis from a cadaveric donor male to a recipient with female genitalia.

The anatomy of the musculocutaneous latissimus dorsi flap for neophalloplasty

In transgender surgery, the ideal neophallus is one that: (a) is constructed using a reproducible procedure, (b) possesses tactile and erogenous sensation, (c) is large and rigid enough (naturally, or using a prosthesis) to permit penetrative intercourse, (d) leaves acceptable donor site morbidity, (e) results in esthetically satisfactory appearance, and (f) allows for voiding while standing. The musculocutaneous latissimus dorsi (MLD) flap has favorable results in the area of neophalloplasty. Among its advantages are acceptable donor site appearance, stiffness sufficient for intercourse, and esthetically satisfactory genital appearance. The anatomy of the MLD flap supports the creation of a neophallus for transsexual anatomy revision. Herein, we give an overview of the advantages and disadvantages of the procedure, and the anatomical details and surgical steps involved. Novel illustrations were created from standard surgical text descriptions to clarify this topic for surgical training and patient understanding and decision making. A review of the relevant literature regarding the anatomy, procedure development, and outcomes is presented. The MLD flap uses part of the latissimus dorsi muscle with branches of the thoracodorsal vessels and nerve to construct a neophallus. A thin strip of muscle around the pedicle is harvested, resulting in a slightly curvilinear scar. The blood supply is connected to the femoral artery and saphenous vein or the deep inferior epigastric artery and vein, while the nerve is connected to the ilioinguinal nerve or the obturator nerve. The MLD flap for neophalloplasty is a reliable graft with a well concealed scar and low donor site morbidity. Clin. Anat. 31:152-159, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.