Implementation of a Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Program for Transgender Women Undergoing Gender-Affirming Vaginoplasty

Vaginal Stenosis After Gender-affirming Vaginoplasty: A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVE

To review the literature and report the incidence of vaginal stenosis (VS) after vaginoplasty and compare the incidence rates by surgical technique and follow-up duration.

METHODS

We performed a systematic literature review according to PRISMA guidelines. Original research on primary vaginoplasty was included. Exclusion criteria included non-English studies, mixed cohorts without subgroup analysis, revision vaginoplasty, and papers without stenosis rates. The search was ran in Pubmed, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane on September 9, 2022. Stenosis rates were compared with descriptive statistics using SPSS.

RESULTS

Fifty-nine studies with a cumulative 7338 subjects were included. The overall incidence of VS was 5.83% (range 0%-34.2%). Combining VS with introital stenosis (IS) and contracture results in a cumulative incidence of 9.68%. The rate of VS in the penile inversion vaginoplasty subgroup (PIV) was 5.70%, compared to 0.20% in primary intestinal vaginoplasty. The rate of IS in the PIV group was 3.13% and 4.7% in the intestinal vaginoplasty subgroup.

CONCLUSION

The overall rate of VS was 5.83%, which is lower than previously documented. This may be related to the inclusion of more recent studies and analysis limited to primary vaginoplasty. The similar rate of IS in PIV and intestinal vaginoplasty subgroups may be secondary to multiple suture lines and the need for dilation through this anastomosis. Our research demonstrates a need for a standardized definition of VS.

Pelvic Health Content in Canadian Entry-To-Practice Physiotherapy Programs: An Online Survey

Purpose

Pelvic health physiotherapy is an emerging and sensitive area of practice that offers effective conservative treatment for pelvic health conditions. Canadian entry-to-practice curriculum guidelines accord programs considerable flexibility regarding incorporating pelvic health content, which may lead to differences between programs and diverse levels of competence among new graduates. The purpose of this study was to determine the nature and extent to which pelvic health content is incorporated in entry-to-practice physiotherapy programs in Canada.

Method

We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional e-survey of representatives from Canadian entry-to-practice physiotherapy programs.

Results

Ten out of 15 Canadian programs participated. Programs incorporated pelvic health content throughout the required curriculum (n = 9) and in optional courses (n = 6). All participating programs covered musculoskeletal-related conditions, urinary incontinence, and pelvic pain conditions, and included anatomy and physiology, clinical reasoning, subjective assessment and pelvic floor muscle training topics. Three programs trained students in internal pelvic floor techniques in elective courses. All programs covered cisgender women populations, however, transgender populations were seldom covered.

Conclusions

This study provides an understanding of pelvic health curricular content that can serve as a first step towards standardizing and improving entry-level pelvic health training in Canada.

Gender-affirming care in urology: emergency care of the gender-affirming surgical patient-what the primary urologist needs to know

OBJECTIVE

To present a narrative review of fundamental information needed to manage postoperative complications in patients who have undergone genital gender-affirming surgery (GAS).

METHODS

A narrative review was performed using the following keywords: 'gender-affirming surgery', 'complications', 'emergency', 'postoperative'. Articles were included after being reviewed by two primary authors for relevance. Four clinicians with significant experience providing both primary and ongoing urological care to patients after GAS were involved in article selection and analysis.

RESULTS

The most common feminising genital GAS performed is a vaginoplasty. The main post-surgical complications seen by urologists include wound healing complications, voiding dysfunction, postoperative bleeding, vaginal stenosis, acute vaginal prolapse and graft loss, rectovaginal fistula, and urethrovaginal fistula. The most common masculinising genital GAS options include metoidioplasty and phalloplasty. Complications for these surgeries include urethral strictures, urethral fistulae, and urethral diverticula. Penile implants may also accompany phalloplasties and their complications include infection, erosion, migration, and mechanical failure.

CONCLUSION

Genital GAS is increasing, yet there are still many barriers that individuals face not only in accessing the surgeries, but in receiving follow-up care critical for optimal outcomes. Improved education and training programmes would be helpful to identify and manage postoperative complications. Broader cultural level changes are also important to ensure a safe, gender-inclusive environment for all patients.

A randomized trial comparing perioperative pelvic FLOor physical therapy to current standard of care in transgender Women undergoing vaginoplasty for gendER affirmation: the FLOWER Trial

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

There are sparse data on the use of postoperative pelvic floor physical therapy (PFPT) in patients undergoing vaginoplasty. The primary objective of this study was to compare the impact of PFPT on the ease of vaginal dilation after vaginoplasty in transgender women. We hypothesized that patients undergoing PFPT would report better ease of vaginal dilation following surgery.

METHODS

This was a randomized trial of transgender women undergoing vaginoplasty. Patients were randomized to either no PFPT or PFPT 3 and 6 weeks following surgery. Subjects completed the Pelvic Floor Disorders Inventory and the Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire at baseline and at 12 weeks. At 12 weeks, subjects underwent vaginal length measurement and completed the Patient Global Impression of Improvement and a visual analogue scale (0-10) for ease of vaginal dilation and pain with dilation. A total of 17 subjects in each arm were needed to detect a significant difference in ease of dilation between the two groups.

RESULTS

Forty-one subjects were enrolled and 12-week data were available for 37 subjects (20 PFPT, 17 no PFPT). Mean age and BMI were 31 ± 13 years and 24.9 (± 4.0) kg/m2. Subjects were on hormone therapy for a median of 39 (20-240) months and 5 (13.5%) patients had undergone previous orchiectomy. At 12 weeks, the median vaginal length was 12.5 (10-16) cm, reported mean ease of dilation was 7.3 (± 1.6), and pain with dilation was 2.4 (± 1.7). There were no differences in these outcomes or in pelvic floor symptoms between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, routine postoperative PFPT did not improve outcomes in patients undergoing vaginoplasty.

A Urologist's Guide to Caring for Transgender and Gender Diverse Patients

Urologists are experts in the fields of genital and pelvic anatomy, sexual health and reproductive medicine. As such, a working understanding of urologic conditions relevant to transgender and gender diverse patients should be expected within their scope of practice. Herein, we describe an introductory framework for general urologists to grow their knowledge of the appropriate terminology, anatomy, and basic tenets of gender-affirming care to better manage the urologic needs of transgender and gender diverse patients.

Knowledge, behaviours, and training related to 2SLGBTQIA+ health education amongst entry-level physiotherapy students in Canada: results of a nationwide, cross-sectional survey

BACKGROUND

Individuals who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+ report worse health outcomes than heterosexual/cisgender counterparts, in part due to poor experiences with healthcare professionals. This may stem from inadequate 2SLGBTQIA+ health and inclusiveness training in health professional student education. The purpose of the study was to evaluate knowledge, behaviours, and training related to 2SLGBTQIA+ health education and inclusiveness for entry-level physiotherapy students in Canada.

METHODS

We conducted a nationwide, cross-sectional survey with physiotherapy students from accredited Canadian physiotherapy programs. We administered the survey through Qualtrics and recruited students through targeted recruitment emails and social media posts on Twitter and Instagram between August and December 2021. Survey responses are reported as frequencies (percentage). We also completed multivariable logistic regressions to evaluate associations among question responses related to working with 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals (i.e., communication, feeling prepared and assessment competency). Covariates included training hours (< 10/10 + hours) and 2SLGBTQIA+ identity (yes/no).

RESULTS

A total of 150 students responded to the survey, with 35 (23%) identifying as 2SLGBTQIA+ . Many students felt confident in communicating effectively with clients who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+ (69%). However, only half (47%) felt comfortable assessing clients who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+ . Routine practice of inclusive behaviours such as using pronouns, considering identities are fluid and a patient's gender identity and/or sexual orientation may shift from one visit to the next, and considering trauma-informed care practices were reported from less than half of the students (< 45%). Around 29% of students reported no 2SLGBTQIA+ training in their physiotherapy program, while 47% reported 0-10 hours, and 24% reported 10 + hours of training. Students with 10 + hours of training had 92% higher odds of feeling competent in assessing 2SLGBTQIA+ clients, compared to those with < 10 hours of training.

CONCLUSIONS

Entry-level physiotherapy students in Canada show a lack of understanding and awareness for 2SLGBTQIA+ health and inclusive behaviours which can meaningfully impact patient experience. Students report feeling incompetent when working with 2SLGBTQIA+ patients, which may be associated with lack of 2SLGBTQIA+ training in their programs. Greater efforts and attention towards increasing 2SLGBTQIA+ health education and inclusivity in Canadian entry-level physiotherapy programs is critically needed.

Reinforcing or Disrupting Gender Affirmation: The Impact of Cancer on Transgender Embodiment and Identity

There is a pressing need for greater understanding and focus on cancer survivorship and informal cancer caring of trans people (binary and non-binary), across tumor types, to inform culturally safe trans inclusive cancer information and care. This qualitative study, part of the mixed methods Out with Cancer project, examined experiences of trans embodiment and identity after cancer diagnosis and treatment. We drew on open-ended survey responses from 63 trans cancer survivors and 23 trans cancer carers, as well as interviews and a photo-elicitation activity with a subset of 22 participants (15 cancer survivors, 7 cancer carers). Reflexive thematic analysis identified three themes: Cancer enhances trans embodiment, through experiences of gender euphoria following cancer treatment, and acceleration of decisions about gender affirmation; cancer erases or inhibits gender affirmation; trans embodiment is invisible or pathologized in cancer care. These findings demonstrate that trans embodiment and identity, as well as the process of gender affirmation, may be disrupted by cancer or informal cancer caring. Conversely, cancer and cancer treatment can positively impact the embodied identity and lives of trans people, despite the anxiety and strain of negotiating medical procedures. However, if healthcare professionals operate within a cis-heteronormative framework and do not understand the meaning of embodied change following cancer treatment for trans individuals, these positive benefits may not be realized.

Principles and outcomes of gender-affirming vaginoplasty

Vaginoplasty is the most frequently performed gender-affirming genital surgery for gender-diverse people with genital gender incongruence. The procedure is performed to create an aesthetic and functional vulva and vaginal canal that enables receptive intercourse, erogenous clitoral sensation and a downward-directed urine stream. Penile inversion vaginoplasty (PIV) is a single surgical procedure involving anatomical component rearrangement of the penis and scrotum that enables many patients to meet these anatomical goals. Other options include minimal-depth, peritoneal and intestinal vaginoplasty. Patient quality of life has been shown to improve drastically after vaginoplasty, but complication rates have been documented to be as high as 70%. Fortunately, most complications do not alter long-term postoperative clinical outcomes and can be managed without surgical intervention in the acute perioperative phase. However, major complications, such as rectal injury, rectovaginal fistula, and urethral or introital stenosis can substantially affect the patient experience. Innovations in surgical approaches and techniques have demonstrated promising early results for reducing complications and augmenting vaginal depth, but long-term data are scarce.

Patient reported symptoms and adverse outcomes seen in Canada's first vaginoplasty postoperative care clinic

IMPORTANCE

Vaginoplasty is a relatively common gender-affirming surgery with approximately 200 Ontarians seeking this surgery annually. Although Ontario now offers vaginoplasty in province, the capacity is not meeting demand; the majority of trans and gender-diverse patients continue to seek vaginoplasty out of province. Out-of-province surgery presents a barrier to accessing postsurgical follow-up care leaving most patients to seek support from their primary care providers or providers with little experience in gender-affirming surgery.

OBJECTIVE

To provide an account of the common postoperative care needs and neovaginal concerns of Ontarians who underwent penile inversion vaginoplasty out of province and presented for care at a gender-affirming surgery postoperative care clinic.

DESIGN, SETTINGS, AND PARTICIPANTS

A retrospective chart review of the first 80 patients presenting to a gender-affirming surgery postoperative care clinic who had undergone vaginoplasty at an outside surgical center was performed. Descriptive analyses were performed for all variables.

RESULTS

The sample consisted of 80 individuals with the mean age of 39 years (19-73). Most patients had surgery at another surgical center in Canada (76.3%). Many patients (22.5%) accessed care in the first 3 months after surgery, with the majority (55%) seeking care within the first perioperative year. Most patients (61.3%) were seen for more than one visit and presented with more than two symptoms or concerns. Common patient-reported symptoms during clinical visit included pain (53.8%), dilation concerns (46.3%), and surgical site/vaginal bleeding (42.5%). Sexual function concerns were also common (33.8%) with anorgasmia (11.3%) and dyspareunia (11.3%) being the most frequent complications. The most common adverse outcomes identified by health care providers included hypergranulation (38.8%), urinary dysfunction (18.8%), and wound healing issues (12.5%).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Findings from chart review offer valuable insights into the postoperative needs and neovaginal concerns of Ontarians who have had vaginoplasty out of province. This study demonstrates the need for routine postoperative care in patients undergoing vaginoplasty. Patients experience numerous symptoms and concerns that often correlate with clinical findings and require multiple follow-up appointments. Health care providers may benefit from further education on the more common nonsurgical issues identified in this study.

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.

Robotic Peritoneal Flap vs. Perineal Penile Inversion Techniques for Gender-Affirming Vaginoplasty

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To discuss perineal and robotic approaches to gender-affirming vaginoplasty.

RECENT FINDINGS

The Davydov peritoneal vaginoplasty has its origins in neovaginal reconstruction for vaginal agenesis. It has been adapted as a robotic-assisted laparoscopic procedure and provides an alternative to perineal canal dissection in gender-affirming vaginoplasty. Both techniques represent variations of penile inversion vaginoplasty with successful outcomes and overall low rates of major complications reported in the literature. However, there are differing advantages and considerations to each approach. A perineal approach has been the gold standard to gender-affirming vaginoplasty for many decades. Robotic peritoneal gender-affirming vaginoplasty (RPGAV) is an emerging alternative, with potential advantages including less reliance on extragenital skin grafts in individuals with minimal genital tissue, especially among patients presenting with pubertal suppression, and safer dissection in revision vaginoplasty for stenosis of the proximal neovaginal canal. Additional risks of RPGAV include those associated with robotic abdominal surgeries.

Genital Gender Affirming Surgery

Genital gender affirming surgery is an effective treatment for gender dysphoria in transgender individuals. Optimization of medical and mental health conditions, including coordination with a patient's entire care team, is essential. Feminizing procedures include vaginoplasty (creation of female genitalia with a vaginal canal) and vulvoplasty (creation of female genitalia with a short or absent vaginal canal). Masculinizing procedures include metoidioplasty (construction of male genitals via local tissue rearrangement) and phalloplasty (creation of a phallus from extra-genital tissue). We aim to provide an overview of genital gender affirming surgery for providers who are interested in learning more about genital gender affirming surgery.

ESSM Position Statement "Sexual Wellbeing After Gender Affirming Surgery"

Introduction

Much has been published on the surgical and functional results following Gender Affirming Surgery (‘GAS’) in trans individuals. Comprehensive results regarding sexual wellbeing following GAS, however, are generally lacking.

Aim

To review the impact of various GAS on sexual wellbeing in treatment seeking trans individuals, and provide a comprehensive list of clinical recommendations regarding the various surgical options of GAS on behalf of the European Society for Sexual Medicine.

Methods

The Medline, Cochrane Library and Embase databases were reviewed on the results of sexual wellbeing after GAS.

Main Outcomes Measure

The task force established consensus statements regarding the somatic and general requirements before GAS and of GAS: orchiectomy-only, vaginoplasty, breast augmentation, vocal feminization surgery, facial feminization surgery, mastectomy, removal of the female sexual organs, metaidoioplasty, and phalloplasty. Outcomes pertaining to sexual wellbeing- sexual satisfaction, sexual relationship, sexual response, sexual activity, enacted sexual script, sexuality, sexual function, genital function, quality of sex life and sexual pleasure- are provided for each statement separately.

Results

The present position paper provides clinicians with statements and recommendations for clinical practice, regarding GAS and their effects on sexual wellbeing in trans individuals. These data, are limited and may not be sufficient to make evidence-based recommendations for every surgical option. Findings regarding sexual wellbeing following GAS were mainly positive. There was no data on sexual wellbeing following orchiectomy-only, vocal feminization surgery, facial feminization surgery or the removal of the female sexual organs. The choice for GAS is dependent on patient preference, anatomy and health status, and the surgeon's skills. Trans individuals may benefit from studies focusing exclusively on the effects of GAS on sexual wellbeing.

Conclusion

The available evidence suggests positive results regarding sexual wellbeing following GAS. We advise more studies that underline the evidence regarding sexual wellbeing following GAS. This position statement may aid both clinicians and patients in decision-making process regarding the choice for GAS. Özer M, Toulabi SP, Fisher AD, et al. ESSM Position Statement “Sexual Wellbeing After Gender Affirming Surgery”. Sex Med 2022;10:100471.

Aftercare Needs Following Gender-Affirming Surgeries: Findings From the ENIGI Multicenter European Follow-Up Study

BACKGROUND

While much emphasis has been put on the evaluation of gender-affirming surgery (GAS) approaches and their effectiveness, little is known about the health care needs after completion of these interventions.

AIM

To assess post-GAS aftercare needs using a mixed-method approach and relate these to participant characteristics.

METHODS

As part of the ENIGI follow-up study, data was collected 5 years after first contact for gender-affirming treatments in 3 large European clinics. For the current analyses, only participants that had received GAS were included. Data on sociodemographic and clinical characteristics was collected. Standard aftercare protocols were followed. The study focused on participants' aftercare experiences. Participants rated whether they (had) experienced (predefined) aftercare needs and further elaborated in 2 open-ended questions. Frequencies of aftercare needs were analyzed and associated with participant characteristics via binary logistic regression. Answers to the open-ended questions were categorized through thematic analysis.

OUTCOMES

Aftercare needs transgender individuals (had) experienced after receiving GAS and the relation to sociodemographic and clinical characteristics.

RESULTS

Of the 543 individuals that were invited for the ENIGI follow-up study, a total of 260 individuals were included (122 (trans) masculine, 119 (trans) feminine, 16 other, 3 missing). The most frequently mentioned aftercare need was (additional) assistance in surgical recovery (47%), followed by consultations with a mental health professional (36%) and physiotherapy for the pelvic floor (20%). The need for assistance in surgical recovery was associated with more psychological symptoms (OR=1.65), having undergone genital surgery (OR=2.55) and lower surgical satisfaction (OR=0.61). The need for consultation with a mental health professional was associated with more psychological symptoms and lower surgical satisfaction. The need for pelvic floor therapy was associated with more psychological symptoms as well as with having undergone genital surgery. Thematic analysis revealed 4 domains regarding aftercare optimization: provision of care, additional mental health care, improvement of organization of care and surgical technical care.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

Deeper understanding of post-GAS aftercare needs and associated individual characteristics informs health care providers which gaps are experienced and therefore should be addressed in aftercare.

STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS

We provided first evidence on aftercare needs of transgender individuals after receiving GAS and associated these with participant characteristics in a large multicenter clinical cohort. No standardized data on aftercare received was collected, therefore the expressed aftercare needs cannot be compared with received aftercare.

CONCLUSION

These results underline a widely experienced desire for aftercare and specify the personalized needs it should entail. IJ de Brouwer, E Elaut, I Becker-Hebly et al. Aftercare Needs Following Gender-Affirming Surgeries: Findings From the ENIGI Multicenter European Follow-Up Study. J Sex Med 2021;18:1921-1932.

Sexual Functioning of Transgender Females Post-Vaginoplasty: Evaluation, Outcomes and Treatment Strategies for Sexual Dysfunction

INTRODUCTION

Transfeminine genital reconstructive surgery is an important part of gender affirmation for many transgender women. Sexual health post-vaginoplasty is an important aspect of quality of life that can have a significant impact on overall well-being.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this review is to provide a summary of the literature on the sexual outcomes of transgender females post-vaginoplasty and identify treatment strategies for those experiencing sexual dysfunction.

METHODS

A literature review was conducted with a focus on sexual health outcomes in transgender females post-vaginoplasty as well as treatment options for sexual dysfunction.

RESULTS

Penile inversion vaginoplasty with or without free skin grafts or local tissue flaps and intestinal vaginoplasty are the options available to patients interested in transfeminine genital reconstructive surgery with a neovagina. Sexual satisfaction post-vaginoplasty is high regardless of the vaginoplasty technique, however up to 29% of patients may be diagnosed with a sexual dysfunction due to associated distress with a sexual function disturbance. Hormone treatment, pelvic floor physical therapy, sex therapy, and sex surrogacy are treatment options for patients with sexual dysfunctions.

CONCLUSION

Patient reported outcome measures appropriately validated for this patient population are necessary to better understand sexual function outcomes, sexual dysfunction and treatment options for post-vaginoplasty patients. Schardein JN, Nikolavsky D. Sexual Functioning of Transgender Females Post-Vaginoplasty: Evaluation, Outcomes and Treatment Strategies for Sexual Dysfunction. Sex Med Rev 2021;XX:XXX-XXX.

Penile inversion vaginoplasty outcomes: Complications and satisfaction

Penile inversion vaginoplasty helps to alleviate gender dysphoria and improve quality of life in many transgender individuals. Overall, the procedure is associated with high post-operative satisfaction, even when complications occur. Adverse events related to vaginoplasty are commensurate with other genitourinary reconstructive procedures performed for other diagnoses (ie, cancer or congenital issues). Here, we explore the incidence of complications following vaginoplasty, emphasizing the challenges in defining and managing these adverse events. In addition, outcome measures to assess patient satisfaction will be reviewed.

Robotic Peritoneal Flap Revision of Gender Affirming Vaginoplasty: a Novel Technique for Treating Neovaginal Stenosis

OBJECTIVES

To present the technique and early outcomes of salvage neovaginal reconstruction using robotic dissection and peritoneal flap mobilization.

METHODS

Twenty-four patients underwent robotic peritoneal flap revision vaginoplasty from 2017 to 2020. A canal is dissected between the bladder and rectum towards the stenosed vaginal cavity, which is incised and widened. Peritoneal flaps from the posterior bladder and pararectal fossa are advanced and sutured to edges of the stenosed cavity. Proximal peritoneal flap edges are approximated to form the neovaginal apex. Patient demographics, comorbidities, surgical indications, and operative details are described. Outcome measures include postoperative neovaginal dimensions and complications.

RESULTS

Mean age at revision was 39 years (range 27-58). All patients had previously undergone PIV, with revision surgery occurring at a median 35.3 months (range 6-252) after primary vaginoplasty. Surgical indications included short or stenotic vagina or absent canal. Average procedure length was 5 hours. At mean follow up of 410 days (range 179-683), vaginal depth and width were 13.6 cm (range 10.9-14.5) and 3.6 cm (range 2.9-3.8), respectively. There were no immediate or intraoperative complications related to peritoneal flap harvest. No patient had rectal injury. One patient had post-operative canal bleeding requiring return to the operating room for hemostasis.

CONCLUSIONS

Robotic peritoneal flap vaginoplasty is a safe, novel approach to canal revision after primary PIV with minimal donor site morbidity.

Vaginal Canal Reconstruction in Penile Inversion Vaginoplasty with Flaps, Peritoneum, or Skin Grafts: Where Is the Evidence?

BACKGROUND

To optimize neovaginal dimensions, several modifications of the traditional penile inversion vaginoplasty are described. Options for neovaginal lining include skin grafts, scrotal flaps, urethral flaps, and peritoneum. Implications of these techniques on outcomes remain limited.

METHODS

A systematic review of recent literature was performed to assess evidence on various vaginal lining options as adjunct techniques in penile inversion vaginoplasty. Study characteristics, neovaginal depth, donor-site morbidity, lubrication, and complications were analyzed in conjunction with expert opinion.

RESULTS

Eight case series and one cohort study representing 1622 patients used additional skin grafts when performing penile inversion vaginoplasty. Neovaginal stenosis ranged from 1.2 to 12 percent, and neovaginal necrosis ranged from 0 to 22.8 percent. Patient satisfaction with lubrication was low in select studies. Three studies used scrotal flaps to line the posterior vaginal canal. Average neovaginal depth was 12 cm in one study, and neovaginal stenosis ranged from 0 to 6.3 percent. In one study of 24 patients, urethral flaps were used to line the neovagina. Neovaginal depth was 11 cm and complication rates were comparable to other series. Two studies used robotically assisted peritoneal flaps with or without skin grafts in 49 patients. Average neovaginal depth was approximately 14 cm, and complication rates were low.

CONCLUSIONS

Skin grafts, scrotal flaps, urethral flaps, and peritoneal flaps may be used to augment neovaginal canal dimensions with minimal donor-site morbidity. Further direct comparative data on complications, neovaginal depth, and lubrication are needed to assess indications in addition to advantages and disadvantages of the various lining options.

The gynecologic examination of the transfeminine person after penile inversion vaginoplasty

As more transfeminine patients (transgender and gender-diverse persons, sex assigned male at birth, who identify on the feminine spectrum of gender) are undergoing gender-affirming penile inversion vaginoplasty, gynecologists, as providers of vaginal care for both native and neovaginas, should be prepared to welcome these patients into their practice and offer long-term pelvic healthcare. Many parts of the anatomy, clinical examination, and aftercare differ from both native vaginas and other neovaginal surgical techniques. Transgender and gender-diverse patients cite a lack of clinician knowledge as a barrier to accessing affirming and competent healthcare. Although publications are emerging regarding this procedure, most focus on intraoperative and postoperative complications. These studies are not positioned to provide long-term pelvic health guidance or robust instruction on typical examination findings. This clinical opinion aims to address that knowledge gap by describing the gynecologic examination in the transfeminine person who has undergone a penile inversion vaginoplasty. We review the anatomic changes with surgery and the neovagina's physiology. We describe the examination of the vulva, vagina, and urethra and discuss special considerations for performing pelvic examinations on patients with a penile inversion vaginoplasty neovagina. We will also address common pathologic findings and their initial management. This clinical opinion originates from the expertise of gynecologists who have cared for high volumes of transfeminine patients who have undergone penile inversion vaginoplasties at tertiary care centers performing gender-affirming genital surgery, along with existing research on postpenile inversion vaginoplasty outcomes. Gynecologists should be familiar with the anatomic changes that occur with penile inversion vaginoplasty gender-affirming surgery and how those changes affect care. Providing transgender patients with comprehensive care including this sensitive examination can and should be part of the gynecologist's scope of practice.

Creating Affirmative and Inclusive Practices When Providing Genetic and Genomic Diagnostic and Research Services to Gender-Expansive and Transgender Patients

BACKGROUND

Gender expansive and transgender (GET) healthcare extends beyond gender-affirming therapies, reaching every medical specialty and subspecialty. As the number of GET patients seeking health services has increased, so has the need for standards of care regarding GET-affirmative practices throughout the healthcare system. As such, the number of publications surrounding GET-affirmative practices has steadily risen. However, even as such research has gained ground in other areas, one realm in which there has been a relative lag is genetics and genomics (GG).

CONTENT

In this article, we track the GET patient and their laboratory sample from the clinic to the GG laboratory and back. Throughout the preanalytical, analytical, and postanalytical phases, we identify publications, recommendations, and guidelines relevant to the care of the GET community. We also identity knowledge gaps in each area and provide recommendations for affirmative and inclusive processes for addressing those gaps.

SUMMARY

We have identified the practices involved in GG services that would benefit from GET-affirmative process improvement, reviewing relevant affirmative guidelines. Where guidelines could not be found, we identified those knowledge gaps and suggested potential solutions and future directions for implementing GET-affirmative practices.

Penile Inversion Vaginoplasty Technique

Penile inversion vaginoplasty is a technique of gender-affirming genital surgery that uses primarily genital skin to construct the vulva and neovagina for patients assigned male sex at birth. This article presents present the authors' techniques and other contemporary techniques for this surgery, with particular attention to neovaginal canal construction, neoclitoral construction, and urethroplasty.

Overview of surgical techniques in gender-affirming genital surgery

Gender related genitourinary surgeries are vitally important in the management of gender dysphoria. Vaginoplasty, metoidioplasty, phalloplasty and their associated surgeries help patients achieve their main goal of aligning their body and mind. These surgeries warrant careful adherence to reconstructive surgical principles as many patients can require corrective surgeries from complications that arise. Peri-operative assessment, the surgical techniques employed for vaginoplasty, phalloplasty, metoidioplasty, and their associated procedures are described. The general reconstructive principles for managing complications including urethroplasty to correct urethral bulging, vaginl stenosis, clitoroplasty and labiaplasty after primary vaginoplasty, and urethroplasty for strictures and fistulas, neophallus and neoscrotal reconstruction after phalloplasty are outlined as well.