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Orozco-Poore C, Keuroghlian AS. Neurological Considerations for "Nerve-Sparing" Cosmetic Genital Surgeries Performed on Children with XX Chromosomes Diagnosed with 21-Hydroxylase Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia and Clitoromegaly. LGBT Health 2023; 10:567-575. [PMID: 37319358 DOI: 10.1089/lgbt.2022.0160] [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] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is most often caused by adrenal deficiency of 21-hydroxylase (21-OH). The resulting increase in androgens can cause clitoromegaly in fetuses with XX chromosomes. 21-OH CAH is the most common reason for cosmetic clitoroplasty in childhood. "Nerve-sparing" (NS) clitoral reduction surgeries are described as offering optimal cosmesis, while sparing sensation and nerve function. The methods used to demonstrate NS surgery efficacy, however, such as electromyography and optical coherence tomography, do not evaluate the small-fiber axons that comprise the majority of axons in the clitoris and that transduce sexual pleasure. Although some data show sparing of a portion of the main dorsal nerve trunk of the clitoris, the overall neurobiological consequences of elective clitoral reductions have received little attention. NS surgeries remove dorsal nerve branches that transduce sexual sensation, as well as the corpora cavernosa and cavernous nerve, which provide clitoral autonomic function. While most outcome studies focus on surgeons' perceptions of cosmetic results, studies that assess small-fiber function indicate significant nervous system and sexual impairment. Studies assessing children's clitoral function after surgery with vibrational testing have been ethically condemned. Decades of advocacy against medically unnecessary childhood genital surgeries have highlighted the subsequent physical and psychological harm. Recent studies with CAH patients indicate gender diversity and a lower prevalence of female gender identification than is often cited to justify feminizing surgery. The most effective and ethical NS technique for CAH may be acceptance of gender, sexual, and genital diversity as the infant develops into childhood, adolescence, and adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Casey Orozco-Poore
- Department of Medical Education, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Alex S Keuroghlian
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- The National LGBTQIA+ Health Education Center at The Fenway Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Sönmezer M. Neurovascular bundle-sparing ventral clitoroplasty in adult patients: description of the technique and long-term outcome on clitoral functions. J Turk Ger Gynecol Assoc 2023; 24:109-113. [PMID: 36992297 PMCID: PMC10258570 DOI: 10.4274/jtgga.galenos.2023.2022-12-14] [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: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective To describe the technique and assess long term effects of neurovascular bundle-sparing adult clitoroplasty on clitoral functions in patients. Material and Methods A case series study enrolling three patients diagnosed with adult clitoromegaly who underwent neurovascular bundle-sparing ventral clitoroplasty operation. All of the patients were examined at the first, third, sixth, twelfth and twenty-fourth months post-operatively to evaluate clitoral functions. Results Three patients diagnosed with adult clitoromegaly, aged 17, 21 and 24 years, were enrolled in the study. The primary complaint of all patients was unpleasant enlarged appearance and hypersensitive clitoris. Mean calculated clitoral index was 143 mm2, 150 mm2, and 120 mm2. Operation time was 90, 140 and 120 minutes, respectively. No major complication occurred during the operation but moderate ecchymosis and edema of the vulva occurred in all patients, lasting up to three weeks. On follow up examination, partial sensorial loss was noted at the first month in one patient, which completely resolved by the third month and beyond. Two patients who were sexually active reported that they were very comfortable with intercourse and cosmetic appearance. No clitoral enlargement or pain were reported by patients through the 24-month follow up period. Conclusion Neurovascular bundle-sparing ventral clitoroplasty is a safe and cosmetically acceptable procedure, which effectively preserves the neurovascular bundle and long-term clitoral functions.
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Carrière C, Sarfati C, Téjédor I, Dulon J, Chakhtoura Z, Courtillot C, Bachelot A. Classical and non-classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia: what is the difference in subsequent fertility? ANNALES D'ENDOCRINOLOGIE 2022; 83:181-185. [PMID: 35489415 DOI: 10.1016/j.ando.2022.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
21-Hydroxylase deficiency (21OHD) is the most common cause of congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Increased production of adrenal-derived androgens and progesterone in 21OHD women interfere with their reproductive function and their fertility in many different ways, depending on the severity of the disease. Sexuality and fertility in women with classic 21OHD is impaired, due to several issues such as disrupted gonadotropic axis due to androgen and progesterone overproduction, and mechanical, psychological factors related to genital surgery. Fertility and fecundity in these women get better over the years. Subfertility seems contrariwise to be relative in non-classic 21OHD women. Before pregnancy, genotyping the partner and genetic counselling is mandatory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille Carrière
- AP-HP, IE3M, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Department of Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine and Centre de Référence des Maladies Endocriniennes Rares de la Croissance, Centre de Référence des Pathologies Gynécologiques Rares, ICAN, Paris, France
| | - Cynthia Sarfati
- AP-HP, IE3M, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Department of Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine and Centre de Référence des Maladies Endocriniennes Rares de la Croissance, Centre de Référence des Pathologies Gynécologiques Rares, ICAN, Paris, France; UPMC Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Univ Paris 06, Paris, France
| | - Isabelle Téjédor
- AP-HP, IE3M, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Department of Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine and Centre de Référence des Maladies Endocriniennes Rares de la Croissance, Centre de Référence des Pathologies Gynécologiques Rares, ICAN, Paris, France
| | - Jérôme Dulon
- AP-HP, IE3M, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Department of Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine and Centre de Référence des Maladies Endocriniennes Rares de la Croissance, Centre de Référence des Pathologies Gynécologiques Rares, ICAN, Paris, France
| | - Zeina Chakhtoura
- AP-HP, IE3M, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Department of Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine and Centre de Référence des Maladies Endocriniennes Rares de la Croissance, Centre de Référence des Pathologies Gynécologiques Rares, ICAN, Paris, France
| | - Carine Courtillot
- AP-HP, IE3M, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Department of Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine and Centre de Référence des Maladies Endocriniennes Rares de la Croissance, Centre de Référence des Pathologies Gynécologiques Rares, ICAN, Paris, France
| | - Anne Bachelot
- AP-HP, IE3M, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Department of Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine and Centre de Référence des Maladies Endocriniennes Rares de la Croissance, Centre de Référence des Pathologies Gynécologiques Rares, ICAN, Paris, France; UPMC Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Univ Paris 06, Paris, France.
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Baskin A, Wisniewski AB, Aston CE, Austin P, Chan YM, Cheng EY, Diamond DA, Fried A, Kolon T, Lakshmanan Y, Williot P, Meyer S, Meyer T, Kropp B, Nokoff N, Palmer B, Paradis A, Poppas D, VanderBrink B, Scott Reyes KJ, Tishelman A, Wolfe-Christensen C, Yerkes E, Mullins LL, Baskin L. Post-operative complications following feminizing genitoplasty in moderate to severe genital atypia: Results from a multicenter, observational prospective cohort study. J Pediatr Urol 2020; 16:568-575. [PMID: 32624410 PMCID: PMC7735165 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpurol.2020.05.166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2020] [Revised: 05/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Disorders/differences of sex development (DSD) are congenital conditions in which there is atypical chromosomal, gonadal and/or phenotypic sex. While there remains controversy around the traditionally binary concept of sex, most patients with DSD are reared either male or female depending on their genetic sex, gonadal sex, genital phenotype and status of their internal genital tract. This study uses prospective data from 12 institutions across the United States that specialize in DSD care. We focused on patients raised female. Eligible patients had moderate to severe genital atypia (defined as Prader score >2), were ≤2 years of age at entry, and had no prior genitoplasty. The aim of this study is to describe early post operative complications for young patients undergoing modern approaches to feminizing genitoplasty. Of the 91 participants in the cohort, 57 (62%) were reared female. The majority had congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency (n = 52), 1 had ovo-testicular syndrome, 2 had mixed gonadal dysgenesis and 2 had partial androgen insensitivity syndrome (PAIS). Of the 50 participants who received early genitoplasty, 43 (86%) had follow-up at 6-12 months post-surgery. Thirty-two participants (64%) received a clitoroplasty, 31 (62%) partial urogenital mobilization and 4 (8%) total urogenital sinus mobilization. Eighteen percent (9/50) experienced post-surgical complications with 7 (14%) being rated as Clavien-Dindo grade III. Both parents and surgeons reported improved satisfaction with genital appearance of participants following surgery compared to baseline. This information on post-operative complications associated with contemporary approaches to feminizing genitoplasty performed in young children will help guide families when making decisions about whether or not to proceed with surgery for female patients with moderate to severe genital atypia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avi Baskin
- University of California San Francisco Medical Center, United States.
| | | | | | - Paul Austin
- Texas Children's Hospital and Baylor College of Medicine, United States.
| | | | - Earl Y Cheng
- Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, United States.
| | | | | | - Thomas Kolon
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, United States.
| | | | | | | | - Theresa Meyer
- Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, United States.
| | | | | | | | | | - Dix Poppas
- New York Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medicine, United States.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Laurence Baskin
- University of California San Francisco Medical Center, United States.
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Uzan C, Marchand F, Schmidt M, Meningaud JP, Hersant B. Clitoral reduction: Technical note. ANN CHIR PLAST ESTH 2020; 65:e7-e13. [PMID: 32482351 DOI: 10.1016/j.anplas.2019.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Revised: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Clitoral hypertrophy is a rare genital malformation that can be congenital or acquired. In congenital forms, the most common cause is adrenal hyperplasia. The acquired forms are caused by endocrinological diseases, benign tumours or cysts. Idiopathic clitoral hypertrophies can be detected after the elimination of secondary causes. A complete assessment is needed to treat the origin of clitoridomegaly. The hypertrophy is often increased or unmasked during sexual arousal with the appearance of a true vulvar appendage in erection. It is often accompanied by a hypertrophy of the clitoral hood and can cause psychological suffering with an impact on the quality of sexual life. When the cause of clitoral hypertrophy is diagnosed, treated or stabilized, the plastic surgeon may be called upon for surgical correction. Reconstructive surgery in this area has evolved considerably since the historical clitoral amputations which led to the current technique of partial resection with sparing the dorsal neurovascular pedicle of the clitoris as described by Professor Paniel. We propose a modified conservative technique to treat clitoral hypertrophy and the clitoral hood and present two clinical cases: ventral reduction clitoridoplasty with preservation of the neurovascular pedicle associated with a chevron plasty of the clitoral hood and a lipofilling of the labia majora. The postoperative follow-up is simple with reports of great satisfaction from patients regarding their quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Uzan
- Department of Maxillofacial and Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Henri-Mondor Hospital, 51, avenue du Maréchal de Lattre de Tassigny, 94010 Créteil, France.
| | - F Marchand
- Department of Maxillofacial and Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Henri-Mondor Hospital, 51, avenue du Maréchal de Lattre de Tassigny, 94010 Créteil, France
| | - M Schmidt
- Department of Maxillofacial and Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Henri-Mondor Hospital, 51, avenue du Maréchal de Lattre de Tassigny, 94010 Créteil, France
| | - J P Meningaud
- Department of Maxillofacial and Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Henri-Mondor Hospital, 51, avenue du Maréchal de Lattre de Tassigny, 94010 Créteil, France
| | - B Hersant
- Department of Maxillofacial and Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Henri-Mondor Hospital, 51, avenue du Maréchal de Lattre de Tassigny, 94010 Créteil, France
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Alamri Y. The patient's perspective: Female genital mutilation in Arab and Islamic history. Health Care Women Int 2018; 37:1259-1260. [PMID: 27814137 DOI: 10.1080/07399332.2016.1256401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yassar Alamri
- a New Zealand Brain Research Institute , Christchurch , New Zealand.,b Department of Medicine , Canterbury District Health Board , Christchurch , New Zealand
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Hisham A, Mat Zain MA. Letter to the Editor Regarding Article, "Assembling a Functional Clitoris and Vulva from a Pseudo-Penis: A Surgical Technique for an Adult Woman with Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia". J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol 2017; 30:513. [PMID: 28347813 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpag.2017.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2017] [Accepted: 02/28/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Akmal Hisham
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Sungai Buloh Campus, Selangor, Malaysia; Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Hospital Kuala Lumpur, Jalan Pahang, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - Mohd Ali Mat Zain
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Hospital Kuala Lumpur, Jalan Pahang, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Tjalma WAA. Assembling a Functional Clitoris and Vulva from a Pseudo-Penis: A Surgical Technique for an Adult Woman with Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia. J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol 2017; 30:425-428. [PMID: 27965122 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpag.2016.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2016] [Revised: 11/29/2016] [Accepted: 11/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is associated with a genital deformation that might cause a negative body image. The genital ambiguity is generally "corrected" surgically during early infancy. The advantage is a psychological benefit. The disadvantages are multiple surgical procedures and the loss of orgasm. CASE A 22-year-old woman with CAH consulted for genital reconstructive surgery. She had a pseudopenis of 4 cm and could achieve an orgasm by masturbating. During surgery, the penis was dismantled and with the preserved glans penis and the corpora cavernosa, a clitoris and vestibules were constructed, respectively. On the basis of the anamneses during the follow-up, she had a functional vagina and could still achieve orgasms. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION Genital correction surgery for CAH at an older age was easier, could be done in 1 step, and enabled the preservation of orgasm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wiebren A A Tjalma
- Multidisciplinary Breast Clinic, Gynecological Oncology Unit and the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Antwerp University Hospital, University of Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium.
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Bachelot A, Grouthier V, Courtillot C, Dulon J, Touraine P. MANAGEMENT OF ENDOCRINE DISEASE: Congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency: update on the management of adult patients and prenatal treatment. Eur J Endocrinol 2017; 176:R167-R181. [PMID: 28115464 DOI: 10.1530/eje-16-0888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2016] [Revised: 01/03/2017] [Accepted: 01/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency is characterized by cortisol and in some cases aldosterone deficiency associated with androgen excess. Goals of treatment are to replace deficient hormones and control androgen excess, while avoiding the adverse effects of exogenous glucocorticoid. Over the last 5 years, cohorts of adults with CAH due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency from Europe and the United States have been described, allowing us to have a better knowledge of long-term complications of the disease and its treatment. Patients with CAH have increased mortality, morbidity and risk for infertility and metabolic disorders. These comorbidities are due in part to the drawbacks of the currently available glucocorticoid therapy. Consequently, novel therapies are being developed and studied in an attempt to improve patient outcomes. New management strategies in the care of pregnancies at risk for congenital adrenal hyperplasia using fetal sex determination and dexamethasone have also been described, but remain a subject of debate. We focused the present overview on the data published in the last 5 years, concentrating on studies dealing with cardiovascular risk, fertility, treatment and prenatal management in adults with classic CAH to provide the reader with an updated review on this rapidly evolving field of knowledge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Bachelot
- AP-HPIE3M, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Department of Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine and Centre de Référence des Maladies Endocriniennes Rares de la Croissance, Centre de Référence des Pathologies Gynécologiques Rares, ICAN, Paris, France
- UPMC Université Pierre et Marie CurieUniv Paris 06, Paris, France
| | - Virginie Grouthier
- AP-HPIE3M, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Department of Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine and Centre de Référence des Maladies Endocriniennes Rares de la Croissance, Centre de Référence des Pathologies Gynécologiques Rares, ICAN, Paris, France
- UPMC Université Pierre et Marie CurieUniv Paris 06, Paris, France
| | - Carine Courtillot
- AP-HPIE3M, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Department of Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine and Centre de Référence des Maladies Endocriniennes Rares de la Croissance, Centre de Référence des Pathologies Gynécologiques Rares, ICAN, Paris, France
| | - Jérôme Dulon
- AP-HPIE3M, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Department of Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine and Centre de Référence des Maladies Endocriniennes Rares de la Croissance, Centre de Référence des Pathologies Gynécologiques Rares, ICAN, Paris, France
| | - Philippe Touraine
- AP-HPIE3M, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Department of Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine and Centre de Référence des Maladies Endocriniennes Rares de la Croissance, Centre de Référence des Pathologies Gynécologiques Rares, ICAN, Paris, France
- UPMC Université Pierre et Marie CurieUniv Paris 06, Paris, France
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Abstract
Management of the enlarged clitoris, because of its import for sexual function, has been and remains one of the most controversial topics in pediatric urology. Early controversy surrounding clitoroplasty resulted from many factors including an incomplete understanding of clitoral anatomy and incorrect assumptions of the role of the clitoris in sexual function. With a better understanding of anatomy and function, procedures have evolved to preserve clitoral tissue, especially with respect to the neurovascular bundles. These changes have been made in an effort to preserve clitoral sensation and preserve orgasmic potential. It is the goal of this manuscript to describe the different procedures that have been developed for the surgical management of clitoromegally, with emphasis on the risks and benefits of each. Equally important to any discussion of such a sensitive topic is an understanding of long-term patient outcomes. As we will see, despite its importance, there has been a dearth of data in this regard. Future work in the arena of patient satisfaction will undoubtedly play a major role in directing our surgical approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Kaefer
- Pediatric Urology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Richard C Rink
- Pediatric Urology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
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