Surgical Therapy in Transsexual Patients: a Multi-Disciplinary Approach

Expectations and Experienced Outcomes Regarding Gender-Affirming Surgeries: A Pilot Study

Purpose

This study aimed to explore in what ways the preoperative expectations of transgender individuals regarding gender-affirming surgery (GAS) align with experienced postoperative outcomes and, subsequently, how these expectations can best be managed to support optimal outcomes.

Methods

In the parent study, interviews were conducted to understand the health care experiences of a group of trans individuals that had or wanted to have gender-affirming surgical care. In this secondary analysis, we focused specifically on the individuals' expectations and experiences about the gender-affirming procedures they desired or underwent. Recruitment occurred from August 2018 to October 2018 at the Amsterdam University Medical Center (VUmc) in the Netherlands. Axial coding and theory-informed thematic analysis were used to assess preoperative expectations and postoperative.

Results

The data regarding expectations related to GAS (ncodes=273) and postoperative experienced outcomes (ncodes=292) yielded a total of four themes-(1) Procedure, recovery, and functional results; (2) Esthetic outcomes of GAS; (3) Improved body image in relation to one's gender role; and (4) Increased psychosocial and sexual wellbeing at large in relation to one's gender role. Each of the four themes were divided into two subthemes: (1) expectations, and (2) experienced outcomes.

Conclusion

Better understanding, education, and support in the decision-making process of trans individuals seeking gender-affirming surgical care is needed to manage expectations and overall outcomes of GAS procedures.

Awareness Among Transgender and Nonbinary Adults of the Otolaryngologist's Role in Providing Gender-Affirming Care Services

OBJECTIVE

To assess transgender and nonbinary adults' awareness of Otolaryngologists' (ENT) and speech-language pathologists' (SLP) ability to perform various face, neck, and voice procedures for gender-affirming purposes.

STUDY DESIGN

Cross-sectional survey.

SETTING

Online, from February to May 2022.

METHODS

We developed a list of nonsurgical and surgical gender-affirming face, neck, and voice procedures. We asked transgender and nonbinary (TNB) adults which procedures from this list they knew could be performed by specially-trained ENTs or SLPs for gender-affirmation and which listed procedures they knew existed as gender-affirming treatment before the survey. We assessed awareness of ENTs' and SLPs' ability for each procedure across gender identity using Fisher exact tests. We examined if demographic or socioeconomic factors were associated with the total number of gender-affirming procedures participants knew ENTs or SLPs could perform using univariable linear regression.

RESULTS

TNB adults (N = 234) generally knew these procedures existed as gender-affirming treatment (64%-93%). However, TNB adults were largely unaware these gender-affirming procedures could be performed by specially-trained ENTs or SLPs (53% or less), especially procedures unrelated to the voice, neck, and nose (26% or less). Knowledge of ENTs' and SLPs' ability was similar across gender identity for most procedures. Total number of procedures known that ENTs or SLPs could perform did not differ by demographic/socioeconomic factors (p > .05).

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest transgender and nonbinary individuals may not know to seek Otolaryngologists or SLP when desiring gender-affirming face, neck, or voice care. Increased efforts are needed to promote awareness of Otolaryngology's role in providing gender-affirming care.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4

Needs Assessment of Gender-Affirming Face, Neck, and Voice Procedures and the Role of Gender Dysphoria

OBJECTIVE

To assess the needs of transgender and nonbinary (TNB) adults for gender-affirming face, neck, and voice procedures.

STUDY DESIGN

Cross-sectional survey.

SETTING

Online, February to May 2022.

METHODS

Primary outcomes included utilization of otolaryngologists and speech-language pathologists; gender dysphoria felt from the face, neck, and voice self-reported on a 0 to 10 numeric rating scale (0 = no dysphoria, 10 = unbearable); and desire for various gender-affirming face, neck, and voice procedures. We used ordinal logistic and linear regression to assess relationships between site-specific dysphoria and the desire for relevant procedures.

RESULTS

TNB participants (N = 234) infrequently sought gender-affirming care with speech-language pathologists (23%), facial plastic surgeons (8%), or laryngologists (3%). Participants experienced the strongest dysphoria from the voice (median 7/10), jawline/chin (4/10), and neck (3.5/10). Transmasculine and nonbinary participants typically seeking masculinization (n = 83) frequently desired voice therapy (want = 35%, had = 8%). Transfeminine and nonbinary participants typically seeking feminization (n = 145) frequently desired voice therapy (want = 52%, had = 23%), chondrolaryngoplasty (want = 45%, had = 5%), and hair removal/electrolysis (want = 43%, had = 44%). Many desired at least 1 facial feminization surgery procedure (65%), especially mandible reduction (want = 42%, had = 3%), rhinoplasty (want = 41%, had = 1%), and forehead reduction (want = 37%, had = 4%). Dysphoria ratings were associated with desiring relevant procedures (p < .05 for all), notably voice therapy (odds ratio [OR] = 1.50), chondrolaryngoplasty (OR = 1.46), mandible reduction (OR = 1.38), rhinoplasty (OR = 1.59), and forehead reduction (OR = 1.82).

CONCLUSION

Gender dysphoria from the face, neck, and voice can be severe for TNB people and is associated with the desire for gender-affirming procedures. The high demand yet low reported access to these procedures highlights the need for providers of gender-affirming face, neck, and voice care.

Sexual Function and Quality of Life in Brazilian Transgender Women Following Gender-Affirming Surgery: A Cross-Sectional Study

This cross-sectional and descriptive study aimed to evaluate the sexual function, urinary function, and quality of life of 26 Brazilian trans women who have undergone gender-affirming surgery (GAS) using the gold standard technique (penile inversion vaginoplasty) in the Gender Identity Transdisciplinary Program at Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Brazil, between March 2016 and July 2017. The Female Sexual Function Index, the SF-36 Health Survey, and the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form were used. Regarding their surgical results, 84.6% of the women said they were satisfied, 73.1% were sexually functional, and 15.4% reported urinary incontinence not associated with surgery. Participants also reported a good quality of life, despite low scores of pain and physical vitality. Transgender women in our sample reported a good quality of life and sexual function after GAS. Further studies are required to improve the psychosexual wellbeing of this specific population.

Standards of Care for the Health of Transgender and Gender Diverse People, Version 8

Background: Transgender healthcare is a rapidly evolving interdisciplinary field. In the last decade, there has been an unprecedented increase in the number and visibility of transgender and gender diverse (TGD) people seeking support and gender-affirming medical treatment in parallel with a significant rise in the scientific literature in this area. The World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) is an international, multidisciplinary, professional association whose mission is to promote evidence-based care, education, research, public policy, and respect in transgender health. One of the main functions of WPATH is to promote the highest standards of health care for TGD people through the Standards of Care (SOC). The SOC was initially developed in 1979 and the last version (SOC-7) was published in 2012. In view of the increasing scientific evidence, WPATH commissioned a new version of the Standards of Care, the SOC-8. Aim: The overall goal of SOC-8 is to provide health care professionals (HCPs) with clinical guidance to assist TGD people in accessing safe and effective pathways to achieving lasting personal comfort with their gendered selves with the aim of optimizing their overall physical health, psychological well-being, and self-fulfillment. Methods: The SOC-8 is based on the best available science and expert professional consensus in transgender health. International professionals and stakeholders were selected to serve on the SOC-8 committee. Recommendation statements were developed based on data derived from independent systematic literature reviews, where available, background reviews and expert opinions. Grading of recommendations was based on the available evidence supporting interventions, a discussion of risks and harms, as well as the feasibility and acceptability within different contexts and country settings. Results: A total of 18 chapters were developed as part of the SOC-8. They contain recommendations for health care professionals who provide care and treatment for TGD people. Each of the recommendations is followed by explanatory text with relevant references. General areas related to transgender health are covered in the chapters Terminology, Global Applicability, Population Estimates, and Education. The chapters developed for the diverse population of TGD people include Assessment of Adults, Adolescents, Children, Nonbinary, Eunuchs, and Intersex Individuals, and people living in Institutional Environments. Finally, the chapters related to gender-affirming treatment are Hormone Therapy, Surgery and Postoperative Care, Voice and Communication, Primary Care, Reproductive Health, Sexual Health, and Mental Health. Conclusions: The SOC-8 guidelines are intended to be flexible to meet the diverse health care needs of TGD people globally. While adaptable, they offer standards for promoting optimal health care and guidance for the treatment of people experiencing gender incongruence. As in all previous versions of the SOC, the criteria set forth in this document for gender-affirming medical interventions are clinical guidelines; individual health care professionals and programs may modify these in consultation with the TGD person.

Masculinizing gender-affirming surgery for trans men and non-binary individuals: what you should know

Gender dysphoria, the discordance between one's gender identity and anatomy, affects nearly 25 million people worldwide, and the prevalence of transgender and non-binary identities is increasing because of greater acceptance and awareness. Because of the improved accessibility to gender-affirming surgery (GAS), many providers will care for patients during and after gender transition. For trans men (female-to-male), GAS represents a combination of procedures rather than a single surgery. The particular combination of masculinizing procedures is chosen on the basis of informed patient-provider discussions regarding the patient's goals and anatomy and implemented through a multidisciplinary team approach. In this review, we describe the common procedures comprising masculinizing GAS to improve delivery of specialized care for this patient population.

Sexual health after vaginoplasty: A systematic review

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.

What urologists need to know about male to female genital confirmation surgery (vaginoplasty): techniques, complications and how to deal with them

Vaginoplasty is the most commonly performed genital surgery for gender affirmation. Male-to-female (MTF) patients are roughly four times more likely to undergo genital surgery than female-to-male (FTM) patients. Penile inversion vaginoplasty is the most common technique used today, although there are also lesser used alternative methods including visceral interposition and pelvic peritoneal vaginoplasty. In general, outcomes are excellent, and many of the complications are self-limited. Most surgeons performing genital surgery for gender dysphoria adhere to the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) guidelines for determining who is a candidate for surgery. Currently, there are no absolute contraindications to vaginoplasty in a patient who is of the age of majority in their country, only relative contraindications which include active smoking and morbid obesity. Important complications include flap necrosis, rectal and urethral injuries, rectal fistula, vaginal stenosis, and urethral fistula. When performed correctly in excellent surgical candidates by skilled surgeons, vaginoplasty can be a rewarding surgical endeavor for the patient and surgeon.

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.

Endocrine Treatment of Gender-Dysphoric/Gender-Incongruent Persons: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline

OBJECTIVE

To update the "Endocrine Treatment of Transsexual Persons: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline," published by the Endocrine Society in 2009.

PARTICIPANTS

The participants include an Endocrine Society-appointed task force of nine experts, a methodologist, and a medical writer.

EVIDENCE

This evidence-based guideline was developed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach to describe the strength of recommendations and the quality of evidence. The task force commissioned two systematic reviews and used the best available evidence from other published systematic reviews and individual studies.

CONSENSUS PROCESS

Group meetings, conference calls, and e-mail communications enabled consensus. Endocrine Society committees, members and cosponsoring organizations reviewed and commented on preliminary drafts of the guidelines.

CONCLUSION

Gender affirmation is multidisciplinary treatment in which endocrinologists play an important role. Gender-dysphoric/gender-incongruent persons seek and/or are referred to endocrinologists to develop the physical characteristics of the affirmed gender. They require a safe and effective hormone regimen that will (1) suppress endogenous sex hormone secretion determined by the person's genetic/gonadal sex and (2) maintain sex hormone levels within the normal range for the person's affirmed gender. Hormone treatment is not recommended for prepubertal gender-dysphoric/gender-incongruent persons. Those clinicians who recommend gender-affirming endocrine treatments-appropriately trained diagnosing clinicians (required), a mental health provider for adolescents (required) and mental health professional for adults (recommended)-should be knowledgeable about the diagnostic criteria and criteria for gender-affirming treatment, have sufficient training and experience in assessing psychopathology, and be willing to participate in the ongoing care throughout the endocrine transition. We recommend treating gender-dysphoric/gender-incongruent adolescents who have entered puberty at Tanner Stage G2/B2 by suppression with gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists. Clinicians may add gender-affirming hormones after a multidisciplinary team has confirmed the persistence of gender dysphoria/gender incongruence and sufficient mental capacity to give informed consent to this partially irreversible treatment. Most adolescents have this capacity by age 16 years old. We recognize that there may be compelling reasons to initiate sex hormone treatment prior to age 16 years, although there is minimal published experience treating prior to 13.5 to 14 years of age. For the care of peripubertal youths and older adolescents, we recommend that an expert multidisciplinary team comprised of medical professionals and mental health professionals manage this treatment. The treating physician must confirm the criteria for treatment used by the referring mental health practitioner and collaborate with them in decisions about gender-affirming surgery in older adolescents. For adult gender-dysphoric/gender-incongruent persons, the treating clinicians (collectively) should have expertise in transgender-specific diagnostic criteria, mental health, primary care, hormone treatment, and surgery, as needed by the patient. We suggest maintaining physiologic levels of gender-appropriate hormones and monitoring for known risks and complications. When high doses of sex steroids are required to suppress endogenous sex steroids and/or in advanced age, clinicians may consider surgically removing natal gonads along with reducing sex steroid treatment. Clinicians should monitor both transgender males (female to male) and transgender females (male to female) for reproductive organ cancer risk when surgical removal is incomplete. Additionally, clinicians should persistently monitor adverse effects of sex steroids. For gender-affirming surgeries in adults, the treating physician must collaborate with and confirm the criteria for treatment used by the referring physician. Clinicians should avoid harming individuals (via hormone treatment) who have conditions other than gender dysphoria/gender incongruence and who may not benefit from the physical changes associated with this treatment.

Hormonal and Surgical Treatment Options for Transgender Men (Female-to-Male)

Untreated transgender men face serious negative health care outcomes. Effective medical, surgical, and mental health treatment ameliorates these risks. Although the research is not as robust as would be ideal, hormone treatment is effective and generally well tolerated with few serious medical risks. Surgeries carry serious risks; but for most transgender men, the benefits outweigh the risks. This review describes current evidence-based medical treatments for transgender men and provides an overview of surgical therapy to enable practitioners to discuss these options with their transgender male patients.

Transgender Surgery in Denmark From 1994 to 2015: 20-Year Follow-Up Study

INTRODUCTION

Gender dysphoria is a mismatch between a person's biological sex and gender identity. The best treatment is believed to be hormonal therapy and gender-confirming surgery that will transition the individual toward the desired gender. Treatment in Denmark is covered by public health care, and gender-confirming surgery in Denmark is centralized at a single-center with few specialized plastic surgeons conducting top surgery (mastectomy or breast augmentation) and bottom surgery (vaginoplasty or phalloplasty and metoidioplasty).

AIMS

To report the first nationwide single-center review on transsexual patients in Denmark undergoing gender-confirming surgery performed by a single surgical team and to assess whether age at time of gender-confirming surgery decreased during a 20-year period.

METHODS

Electronic patient databases were used to identify patients diagnosed with gender identity disorders from January 1994 through March 2015. Patients were excluded from the study if they were pseudohermaphrodites or if their gender was not reported.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Gender distribution, age trends, and surgeries performed for Danish patients who underwent gender-confirming surgery.

RESULTS

One hundred fifty-eight patients referred for gender-confirming surgery were included. Fifty-five cases (35%) were male-to-female (MtF) and 103 (65%) were female-to-male (FtM). In total, 126 gender-confirming surgeries were performed. For FtM cases, top surgery (mastectomy) was conducted in 62 patients and bottom surgery (phalloplasty and metoidioplasty) was conducted in 17 patients. For MtF cases, 45 underwent bottom surgery (vaginoplasty), 2 of whom received breast augmentation. The FtM:MtF ratio of the referred patients was 1.9:1. The median age at the time of surgery decreased from 40 to 27 years during the 20-year period.

CONCLUSION

Gender-confirming surgery was performed on 65 FtM and 40 MtF cases at our hospital, and 21 transsexuals underwent surgery abroad. Mastectomy was performed in 62 FtM and bottom surgery in 17 FtM cases. Vaginoplasty was performed in 45 MtF and breast augmentation in 2 MtF cases. There was a significant decrease in age at the time of gender-confirming surgery during the course of the study period.

The role of mental health professionals in gender reassignment surgeries: unjust discrimination or responsible care?

OBJECTIVE

Recent literature has raised an important ethical concern relating to the way in which surgeons approach people with gender dysphoria (GD): it has been suggested that referring transsexual patients to mental assessment can constitute a form of unjust discrimination. The aim of this paper is to examine some of the ethical issues concerning the role of the mental health professional in gender reassignment surgeries (GRS).

METHOD

The role of the mental health professional in GRS is analyzed by presenting the Standards of Care by the World Professional Association of Transgender Health, and discussing the principles of autonomy and non-discrimination.

RESULTS

Purposes of psychotherapy are exploring gender identity; addressing the negative impact of GD on mental health; alleviating internalized transphobia; enhancing social and peer support; improving body image; promoting resilience; and assisting the surgeons with the preparation prior to the surgery and the patient's follow-up. Offering or requesting psychological assistance is in no way a form of negative discrimination or an attack to the patient's autonomy. Contrarily, it might improve transsexual patients' care, and thus at the most may represent a form of positive discrimination. To treat people as equal does not mean that they should be treated in the same way, but with the same concern and respect, so that their unique needs and goals can be achieved.

CONCLUSIONS

Offering or requesting psychological assistance to individuals with GD is a form of responsible care, and not unjust discrimination.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE V

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.

The case for bilateral mastectomy and male chest contouring for the female-to-male transsexual

INTRODUCTION

In the UK, funding for a bilateral mastectomy (BLM) and associated chest recontouring for female-to-male transsexuals (trans men) has been rejected by some funding authorities on a number of unsustainable grounds.

METHODS

As funding is increasingly an important area for both surgeons and referrers, we undertook a review of the small amount of literature pertaining to this issue and considered it in light of our clinical experience of this group.

FINDINGS

The literature showed that BLM is necessary for trans men to live safely and effectively in their reassigned gender role, and further that it acts as a prophylaxis against distress, ameliorates extant distress as well as providing improved quality of life and global functioning for this patient group.

Long-term results of breast reduction in female-to-male transsexuals

Transsexualism is considered to be an extreme end in a large group of gender identity disorders. Two main types of transsexualism are identified: male-to-female (MtF) and female-to-male (FtM). Transsexual persons have a feeling of being incarcerated in a foreign body and therefore they wish to change their sex by hormone therapy and surgical treatment. Breast reduction usually is the first procedure in the process of surgical reassignment in FtM transsexual persons. THE AIM OF THIS STUDY was to evaluate the long-term results of breast reduction in FtM transsexual persons, taking into account breast size and surgical technique. The doctors' and patients' opinions about the results were also compared.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study was carried out in a group of 98 FtM transsexual persons treated at the Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery. Evaluation of the long-term results of breast reduction was performed based on clinical examination done by the doctors and a questionnaire filled in by the patients and the surgeons.

RESULTS

Good results of breast reduction were achieved in more than 60% of the examined patients operated on mainly by Webster technique.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinical examination of the long-term results of breast reduction in FtM transsexual persons revealed good aesthetic effects. The doctors' and the patients' opinions were similar.

Endocrine treatment of transsexual persons: an Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline: commentary from a European perspective

The treatment of transsexual subjects is a challenging task for the endocrinologist who, in collaboration with the mental health professional and the surgeon, is called upon to confirm the diagnosis and adjust hormonal treatment aimed at suppressing endogenous sex hormones and to develop hormone characteristics of the desired gender. These guidelines are structured to provide evidence-based suggestions or, where evidence is lacking, expert recommendations on diagnostic procedures and hormonal treatment in adolescent and adult transsexuals, including long-term care and eligibility for surgery. The multidisciplinary approach to treatment, the additional diagnostic role of hormone administration and the need to maintain hormone levels within the physiological range are key suggestions stressed in the guidelines which are particularly important for an endocrinologist unfamiliar with this field. The need for psychological assessment before surgery is not common in many countries and should be stressed further in the guidelines. Some important issues such as time and method of hormone withdrawal before surgery together with when and which hormones should be administered after sex reassignment surgery has been completed also remain unclear. These guidelines represent a pivotal document for endocrinologists setting a standard for the care of transsexuals and providing directions for future research.

Endocrine treatment of transsexual persons: an Endocrine Society clinical practice guideline

OBJECTIVE

The aim was to formulate practice guidelines for endocrine treatment of transsexual persons.

EVIDENCE

This evidence-based guideline was developed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system to describe the strength of recommendations and the quality of evidence, which was low or very low.

CONSENSUS PROCESS

Committees and members of The Endocrine Society, European Society of Endocrinology, European Society for Paediatric Endocrinology, Lawson Wilkins Pediatric Endocrine Society, and World Professional Association for Transgender Health commented on preliminary drafts of these guidelines.

CONCLUSIONS

Transsexual persons seeking to develop the physical characteristics of the desired gender require a safe, effective hormone regimen that will 1) suppress endogenous hormone secretion determined by the person's genetic/biologic sex and 2) maintain sex hormone levels within the normal range for the person's desired gender. A mental health professional (MHP) must recommend endocrine treatment and participate in ongoing care throughout the endocrine transition and decision for surgical sex reassignment. The endocrinologist must confirm the diagnostic criteria the MHP used to make these recommendations. Because a diagnosis of transsexualism in a prepubertal child cannot be made with certainty, we do not recommend endocrine treatment of prepubertal children. We recommend treating transsexual adolescents (Tanner stage 2) by suppressing puberty with GnRH analogues until age 16 years old, after which cross-sex hormones may be given. We suggest suppressing endogenous sex hormones, maintaining physiologic levels of gender-appropriate sex hormones and monitoring for known risks in adult transsexual persons.

Erectile implants in female-to-male transsexuals: our experience in 129 patients

BACKGROUND

The combination of a neourethra and erection prosthesis in a single neophallus in the female-to-male transsexual remains a challenge. No good data are available on this subject.

OBJECTIVE

To report the outcome in 129 female-to-male transsexuals with a neophallus after the implantation of an erectile prosthesis.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

From March 1996 until October 2007, 129 female-to-male transsexuals with a neophallus underwent the implantation of an erectile prosthesis. The mean follow-up was 30.2 mo (range: 0-132 mo).

INTERVENTION

A Dynaflex prosthesis was implanted initially in 9 patients, a three-piece hydraulic device (AMS CX or AMS CXM) in 50 patients, and a CX Inhibizone, Ambicor, and Coloplast/Mentor prosthesis in 17, 47, and 6 patients, respectively.

MEASUREMENTS

Data on outcome in these patients were retrospectively evaluated.

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS

Of 129 patients, 76 patients (58.9%) still have their original implant in place. Fifty-three patients (41.1%) needed to undergo either removal or revision of the prosthesis due to infection, erosion, dysfunction, or leak. Forty-one patients underwent a replacement of the prosthesis, nine needed a second revision, five needed a third revision, and one patient needed a fourth revision of prosthesis. Malposition of prosthesis was corrected by surgical repositioning so that removal or revision could be avoided. Of 185 prostheses used in 129 patients, 108 (58.4%) still remain in place, with a total infection rate of 11.9%, a total protrusion rate of 8.1%, a total prosthesis leak rate of 9.2%, a total dysfunction rate of 13%, and a total malposition rate of 14.6%. The period of follow-up in the more recent types of prostheses (Ambicor, Coloplast/Mentor) is much shorter; therefore, comparison with earlier types is difficult to make.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite high complication rates, implantation of a hydraulic erectile prosthesis remains the best option for achieving the possibility of sexual intercourse in female-to-male transsexuals.

Long-term outcome of forearm flee-flap phalloplasty in the treatment of transsexualism

OBJECTIVE

To assess the long-term outcome of forearm free-flap phalloplasty in transsexuals, as obtaining a satisfying neophallus in female-to-male transsexuals is a surgical challenge.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We analysed retrospectively 56 transsexuals who had a phalloplasty using a radial forearm free-flap in our department from 1986 to 2002. The complication rate was assessed by regular examination. Patient satisfaction was evaluated by a questionnaire about cosmetic aspects, sexual life and overall satisfaction.

RESULTS

The mean follow up was 110 months; 53 of the 56 patients (95%) currently have a neophallus, after a mean of six surgical procedures. Satisfaction was assessed in 53 patients using a specific questionnaire: 51 (93%) of the patients reported that the phalloplasty allowed them to accord their physical appearance with their feeling of masculinity. There were flap complications in 14 patients (25%); three (5%) flaps were lost, with one each due to early haematoma, cellulitis and late arterial thrombosis. The other 11 flap complications were all transitory, e.g. infection, haematomas and vascular thrombosis. There were prosthesis complications in 11 of 38 patients (29%). Moreover, seven of 19 patients (37%) who had a urethroplasty presented with complex strictures and fistulae that led to perineal urethrostomy.

CONCLUSION

Our study shows that phalloplasty with a forearm free-flap leads to good results in term of flap survival and patient satisfaction. However, there was a high rate of complications. Patients must be clearly informed that the procedure can seldom be achieved in one stage.

Continuing Medical Education: Gender Identity Disorders: Diagnostic and Surgical Aspects (CME)

Transsexualism is defined as a strong and persistent cross-gender identification with the patient's persistent discomfort with his or her sex and a sense of inappropriateness in the gender role of that sex (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth revision, text revision [DSM-IV-TR]). The disturbance is not concurrent with a physical intersex condition and causes clinical distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning. The trained mental health professional is obliged to find out if the patient fulfills the criteria of an irreversible gender transposition and if he or she will benefit from medical (hormonal and surgical) sex-reassignment treatment. If a patient has absolved 12 months of real-life experience and at least 6 months of continuous hormonal treatment, the indication for surgical sex reassignment may be given. Genital sex-reassignment in male-to-female transsexuals includes vaginoplasty, preferably by inversion of penoscrotal skin flaps, clitoroplasty, and vulvoplasty. The operation may be performed in one or two sessions. In contrast to genital reassignment in male-to-female patients, no operative standards are available in female-to-male subjects. Recently, neophallus creation from sensate free forearm flaps has emerged as the most promising approach for those patients who want to have a neophallus. Other alternatives such as metoidoioplasty or neophallus reconstruction from regional flaps exist, but are also accompanied by multiple possible complications and re-interventions. Best results are to be expected when using multidisciplinary teams of plastic surgeons, urologists, gynecologists, and experts in sexual medicine in large volume centers.

Follow-up of sex reassignment surgery in transsexuals: a Brazilian cohort

This study examined the impact of sex reassignment surgery on the satisfaction with sexual experience, partnerships, and relationship with family members in a cohort of Brazilian transsexual patients. A group of 19 patients who received sex reassignment between 2000 and 2004 (18 male-to-female, 1 female-to-male) after a two-year evaluation by a multidisciplinary team, and who agreed to participate in the study, completed a written questionnaire. Mean age at entry into the program was 31.21+/-8.57 years and mean schooling was 9.2+/-1.4 years. None of the patients reported regret for having undergone the surgery. Sexual experience was considered to have improved by 83.3% of the patients, and became more frequent for 64.7% of the patients. For 83.3% of the patients, sex was considered to be pleasurable with the neovagina/neopenis. In addition, 64.7% reported that initiating and maintaining a relationship had become easier. The number of patients with a partner increased from 52.6% to 73.7%. Family relationships improved in 26.3% of the cases, whereas 73.7% of the patients did not report a difference. None of the patients reported worse relationships with family members after sex reassignment. In conclusion, the overall impact of sex reassignment surgery on this cohort of patients was positive.

Prise en charge chirurgicale des transsexuels masculins : évaluation rétrospective d'une expérience de dix ans

From May 1995 to March 2005 sixty-three consecutive male-to-female gender transformation surgeries were performed at our university center by one author. Our retrospective study collected data from medical records, questionnaire and physical examination. Fifty-nine percent of patients had autologous blood transfusion. Histological examination of testicles found beginning cancer in 1 case. After a-8-year initial period where secondary bilateral Z-plasties were systematically performed, this procedure was abandoned because it left unnatural visible scars. Excluding haematomas (9 cases), we found 8 major complications (12,6%): 1 rectal lesion, 1 leg compression, 5 skin necrosis of the vaginoplasty (total necrosis in 2 cases, partial necrosis in 2 cases, necrosis of full-thickness skin graft in 1 case), and 1 secondary post-traumatic rectovaginal fistula. The questionnaire was completed by 22 patients with a-45-month mean follow-up. Results were graded on a 0 to 10 scale. Mean grades were global satisfaction: 7.6, life quality: 8.4, genitalia appearance: 8.0, clitoris sensitivity: 8.4, urinary function: 8.3, vaginal function: 7.2, sexual function: 7.0. Rate of general satisfaction was high. In a few cases however, patients expressed some disappointment both in being considered as women in their daily living and in having sexual intercourse. These poor results seem clearly related to unfavourable anatomical and morphological initial conditions. Our series demonstrates that surgical treatment of psychiatric disorders meets physical limitations.

A new phalloplasty technique: the free anterolateral thigh flap phalloplasty

After a 10-year experience with phalloplasty in female to male gender reassignment surgery and with more than one hundred cases treated, we have introduced a new technique for creation of the neo-phallus. Between 1993 and 2002, phalloplasties were performed in our department using the free radial forearm flap or the pre-expanded suprapubic flap (modified Pryor technique). The study of long-term results and complications of these cases, as well as patient requests for a new donor site, induced us to look for an alternative flap for phalloplasty. The versatility and the low donor site morbidity of anterolateral thigh flap persuaded us to use it for phalloplasty. Since March 2003, six phalloplasties with free anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap have been performed. The results have been encouraging. The shape and the consistency of the neo-phallus are suitable, the flap can be sensate and an erectile prosthesis can easily be implanted. Penile urethral reconstruction is possible in the same operative stage. Patient satisfaction is high. The anatomy and harvesting techniques of ALT flap have already been exhaustively described by several authors and only the operative technique of phalloplasty with free ALT flap, donor site management, preliminary results and complications are reported in this paper.

Sexual and physical health after sex reassignment surgery

A long-term follow-up study of 55 transsexual patients (32 male-to-female and 23 female-to-male) post-sex reassignment surgery (SRS) was carried out to evaluate sexual and general health outcome. Relatively few and minor morbidities were observed in our group of patients, and they were mostly reversible with appropriate treatment. A trend toward more general health problems in male-to-females was seen, possibly explained by older age and smoking habits. Although all male-to-females, treated with estrogens continuously, had total testosterone levels within the normal female range because of estrogen effects on sex hormone binding globulin, only 32.1% reached normal free testosterone levels. After SRS, the transsexual person's expectations were met at an emotional and social level, but less so at the physical and sexual level even though a large number of transsexuals (80%) reported improvement of their sexuality. The female-to-males masturbated significantly more frequently than the male-to-females, and a trend to more sexual satisfaction, more sexual excitement, and more easily reaching orgasm was seen in the female-to-male group. The majority of participants reported a change in orgasmic feeling, toward more powerful and shorter for female-to-males and more intense, smoother, and longer in male-to-females. Over two-thirds of male-to-females reported the secretion of a vaginal fluid during sexual excitation, originating from the Cowper's glands, left in place during surgery. In female-to-males with erection prosthesis, sexual expectations were more realized (compared to those without), but pain during intercourse was more often reported.

Obtaining rigidity in total phalloplasty: experience with 35 patients

PURPOSE

The combination of a neourethra and erection prosthesis in a single neophallus in the female-to-male transsexual remains a challenge. The outcome reported in the literature is disappointing. We report our experience with 35 patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between August 1996 and December 2001, 35 patients underwent implantation surgery. A 1-piece hydraulic Dynaflex prosthesis (American Medical Systems, Minnetonka, Minnesota) was used in 10 patients, while a 3-piece hydraulic CXM and CX (American Medical Systems) prosthesis was placed in 9 and 16, respectively. The 1-piece model was withdrawn from the market in 1997. Thereafter a 3-piece prosthesis was implanted.

RESULTS

Of 10 patients in the 1-piece group prosthesis implantation was uneventful in 8. In 2 patients with technical failure the prosthesis was replaced, including 1 in whom the new prosthesis was removed due to infection and successfully replaced by a 3-piece prosthesis. To date at a mean followup of 3.5 years 9 patients have a 1-piece hydraulic prosthesis in place. In the 3-piece prosthesis group of 25 patients implantation was uneventful in 20. In 1 patient infection and partial necrosis of the neophallus developed, 2 had infection, in 1 a cylinder perforated the tip of the phallus and in 1 technical failure occurred. Of the latter 4 patients the prosthesis was replaced successfully in 2 patients, while the other 2 are on the waiting list. The patient with partial necrosis of the phallus is no longer a candidate for an erection prosthesis. To date at a mean followup of 1.8 years 23 patients have a 3-piece hydraulic prosthesis in place. A single patient in the 1-piece group has a 3-piece CX prosthesis.

CONCLUSIONS

Good results were observed after implantation of the Dynaflex prosthesis in patients who underwent total phalloplasty. This model is no longer available today. For the more complex 3-piece CX and CXM prostheses implantation results are comparable to those of the 1-piece model.