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Hu S, Oles N, Reiche E, Kim R, Landford W, Eisenbeis L, Noyes M, Schuster CR, Parisi M, Rahmayanti S, Soares V, Dellon AL, Coon D. Early Penile and Donor Site Sensory Outcomes After Innervated Radial Forearm Free Flap Phalloplasty: A Pilot Prospective Study. Microsurgery 2024; 44:e31228. [PMID: 39239789 DOI: 10.1002/micr.31228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 08/15/2024] [Indexed: 09/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Radial forearm free flap phalloplasty (RFFF) is a set of complex reconstructive procedures aimed at creating an aesthetic and functional penis in transgender patients. Sensory recovery in the neophallus and donor site is crucial for optimizing outcomes, but the few prior studies that exist assess neophallus sensation at limited locations and time points. The purpose of this study was to prospectively quantify sensory outcomes in the neophallus and donor site following RFFF phalloplasty. METHODS Sensation testing occurred prospectively over February 2019-January 2021 on Stage 1 RFFF phalloplasty patients using the Pressure Specified Sensory Device (PSSD). On the neophallus, one-point discrimination (1PS) pressure threshold and lengthwise sensory recovery were measured at six circumferential locations proximally to distally. On the donor site, 1PS was measured at three locations on the donor hand. RESULTS Nineteen patients were included (average age 34.0 years old, range 18-53 years). Among patients that received neophallus testing (n = 13), eight had at least two follow-up appointments. Six of these patients had sensation as of their most recent measurement (75.0%), with an average of 73 days to regain sensation. There was a significantly greater proportion of patients with sensation at the right ventral (80.0% after 3 months vs. 11.1%-60.0% before 3 months, p = 0.024) and right lateral (100.0% after 3 months vs. 11.1%-60.0% before 3 months, p = 0.004) aspects of the neophallus over time. Pressure required to elicit sensation decreased by 18.0% from 1 week-1 month postoperatively to 3-7.7 months postoperatively in the right ventral neophallus (96.2 g/mm2 ± 11.3 g/mm2 to 56.6 ± 39.9 g/mm2, p = 0.037). Among patients that received donor site testing (n = 11), mixed effects regression analysis with random intercepts demonstrated significant changes in the thumb (3.4 g/mm2 ± 1.4 g/mm2, p < 0.05) and webspace (13.5 g/mm2 ± 4.9 g/mm2, p < 0.01) that returned to baseline at 3 months postoperatively (1.7 g/mm2 ± 1.0 g/mm2, p > 0.05, and 2.3 g/mm2 ± 4.0 g/mm2, p > 0.05, respectively). CONCLUSION This pilot study demonstrates that quantitative sensory testing can be used to monitor post-phalloplasty sensory changes. Recovery was significantly associated with contralateral (i.e, right side in a left forearm RFF) aspects of the neophallus, suggesting a possible pattern of circumferential sensory innervation via RFFF sensory nerves. Future studies with a larger sample size and longer follow-ups are necessary to fully characterize sensory recovery in phalloplasty patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia Hu
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Norah Oles
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Erik Reiche
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Raphael Kim
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Wilmina Landford
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Lauren Eisenbeis
- Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Luminis Health, Annapolis, Maryland, USA
| | - Melissa Noyes
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Calvin R Schuster
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Michael Parisi
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Siti Rahmayanti
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Vance Soares
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - A Lee Dellon
- Departments of Plastic Surgery and Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Devin Coon
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Departments of Plastic Surgery and Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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2
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Grimstad FW, Lee J. Overview of gender-affirming surgery. Pediatr Radiol 2024; 54:1363-1370. [PMID: 38349521 DOI: 10.1007/s00247-024-05874-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024]
Abstract
This publication will discuss the diversity of procedures that are common to those with intersex traits,/differences of sex development (I/DSD), and transgender and gender diverse (TGD) patients. It will address how these procedures are performed, and common after care and long-term considerations which are relevant to the pediatric radiologist. Some surgeries offered to these patient populations have shared surgical approaches and radiographic considerations. With the growth of TGD procedures as a field, more pediatric subspecialties are performing these procedures, and the approaches are informing the surgical care of the growing number of I/DSD individuals who are seeking surgery in adolescence and young adulthood. Surgeries discussed will include procedures to masculinize or feminize breast/chest tissue, facial bony contours, as well as internal and external genital structures. Patients are diverse and this includes their embodiment goals. As such, not all TGD and I/DSD patients will desire to undergo these procedures. It is important for radiologists to have a foundational understanding of this heterogenous set of procedures so they can provide optimal care for these patient populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frances W Grimstad
- Department of Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital Gynecology, 333 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
| | - Jessica Lee
- Department of Plastic and Maxillofacial Surgery, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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3
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Sun HH, Gupta S, Chen ML. Urethral Outcomes of the Labia Minora Ring Flap for Metoidioplasty and Phalloplasty. Urology 2024; 188:156-161. [PMID: 38670276 DOI: 10.1016/j.urology.2024.03.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine urethral outcomes of single-stage metoidioplasty and radial forearm free flap (RFFF) phalloplasty using the labia minora ring flap for urethral lengthening (UL). METHODS A retrospective review was performed of patients undergoing single-stage metoidioplasty and RFFF phalloplasty utilizing the labia minora ring flap technique. The ring flap consists of endodermal labia minora tissue ventral to the clitoris and surrounding the vaginal introitus. During metoidioplasty, the ring flap accounts for the entirety of UL. During RFFF phalloplasty, the ring flap becomes the pars fixa (PF) urethra. The primary outcomes measured were rates of fistula, stricture, and surgical revision. RESULTS Between November 2017 and August 2023, 311 patients underwent metoidioplasty or RFFF phalloplasty (mean follow-up 37 months). Of the 69 metoidioplasties, urethrocutaneous fistulas developed in 11 patients (16%); strictures occurred in 4 (6%). Of the 242 phalloplasty patients, there were 71 fistulas (29%), 56 of which resolved spontaneously. Strictures developed in 44 patients (18%). Twenty-five patients (10%) developed both a stricture and fistula. Surgical repair was required in 8/69 (12%) metoidioplasty patients and in 46/242 (19%) RFFF phalloplasty patients for an overall revision rate of 17%. CONCLUSION UL during metoidioplasty or RFFF phalloplasty can be accomplished in a single stage using the labia minora ring flap with comparable surgical revision rates to previously described techniques. This approach can also be applied to other phalloplasty techniques. Many fistulas of the PF urethra resolve spontaneously. Higher urethral revision rates were seen in phalloplasty compared to metoidioplasty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen H Sun
- Case Western Reserve University/University Hospitals of Cleveland, Cleveland, OH.
| | - Shubham Gupta
- Case Western Reserve University/University Hospitals of Cleveland, Cleveland, OH
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4
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Krakowsky Y, Shah G, Nguyen ALV, Kavanagh AG, Potter E, Remondini T, Goldsher YW, Millman A. Gender-affirming care in urology: emergency care of the gender-affirming surgical patient-what the primary urologist needs to know. BJU Int 2024; 133:124-131. [PMID: 38060336 DOI: 10.1111/bju.16249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonah Krakowsky
- Women's College Research Institute, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Transition Related Surgery Program, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Gresha Shah
- Women's College Research Institute, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Transition Related Surgery Program, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Anna-Lisa V Nguyen
- Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alex G Kavanagh
- Gender Surgery Program of British Columbia, Vancouver Coastal Health, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Emery Potter
- Women's College Research Institute, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Transition Related Surgery Program, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Taylor Remondini
- Transition Related Surgery Program, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Yulia Wilk Goldsher
- Women's College Research Institute, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Transition Related Surgery Program, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alexandra Millman
- Women's College Research Institute, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Transition Related Surgery Program, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Glick H, Tang M, Daignault-Newton S, Hadj-Moussa M. Assessment of neophallus length following metoidioplasty. Transl Androl Urol 2023; 12:1390-1396. [PMID: 37814700 PMCID: PMC10560337 DOI: 10.21037/tau-23-155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background An increasing number of gender diverse individuals are presenting for gender affirming care. An option for genital gender affirming surgery (gGAS) in transmasculine individuals is metoidioplasty, creating a small neophallus from enlarged clitoral tissue following prolonged testosterone exposure. The goal of this study is to understand factors which contribute to greater exposed neophallus length following metoidioplasty. Methods We performed a retrospective chart review on patients presenting to a single academic institution who underwent a metoidioplasty. All operations were performed using the Belgrade technique with or without urethral lengthening depending on patient preference. Results Twenty-seven patients underwent metoidioplasty from 2017-2022. Sixteen had recorded stretched clitoral length (pre-operatively) and exposed neophallus length (post-operatively). The median length of time on testosterone therapy was 4.6 years. The median stretched clitoral length was 5.8 cm, and exposed neophallus length was 6 cm. There was a strong correlation between pre-operative length and post-operative length (ρ=0.9; P<0.0001). There were no correlations between pre-operative length or exposed neophallus length and BMI (ρ=-0.02, P=0.93; ρ=0.05, P=0.83, respectively). Time on testosterone does not correlate with stretched clitoral length nor exposed neophallus length (ρ=-0.28, P=0.15; ρ=-0.35, P=0.18, respectively). Conclusions Patients considering metoidioplasty often wonder how large their neophallus will be. We found that patients can expect exposed neophallus length to be about 0.6 cm longer than their pre-operative stretched clitoral length. No evidence of association of time on testosterone nor BMI with exposed neophallus length was found. This information is crucial for gender diverse patients to make informed decisions about gGAS.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael Tang
- Department of Urology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Butcher RL, Kinney LM, Blasdel GP, Elwyn G, Myers JB, Boh B, Luck KM, Moses RA. Decision making in metoidioplasty and phalloplasty gender-affirming surgery: a mixed methods study. J Sex Med 2023; 20:1032-1043. [PMID: 37173118 PMCID: PMC10311073 DOI: 10.1093/jsxmed/qdad063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2022] [Revised: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gender-affirming surgical procedures, such as metoidioplasty and phalloplasty for those assigned female at birth, are complex and multistaged and involve risks. Individuals considering these procedures experience greater uncertainty or decisional conflict, compounded by difficulty finding trustworthy information. AIM (1) To explore the factors contributing to decisional uncertainty and the needs of individuals considering metoidioplasty and phalloplasty gender-affirming surgery (MaPGAS) and (2) to inform development of a patient-centered decision aid. METHODS This cross-sectional study was based on mixed methods. Adult transgender men and nonbinary individuals assigned female at birth at various stages of MaPGAS decision making were recruited from 2 study sites in the United States to participate in semistructured interviews and an online gender health survey, which included measures of gender congruence, decisional conflict, urinary health, and quality of life. Trained qualitative researchers conducted all interviews with questions to explore constructs from the Ottawa decision support framework. OUTCOMES Outcomes included goals and priorities for MaPGAS, expectations, knowledge, and decisional needs, as well as variations in decisional conflict by surgical preference, surgical status, and sociodemographic variables. RESULTS We interviewed 26 participants and collected survey data from 39 (24 interviewees, 92%) at various stages of MaPGAS decision making. In surveys and interviews, affirmation of gender identity, standing to urinate, sensation, and the ability to "pass" as male emerged as highly important factors for deciding to undergo MaPGAS. A third of survey respondents reported decisional conflict. Triangulation of data from all sources revealed that conflict emerged most when trying to balance the strong desire to resolve gender dysphoria through surgical transition against the risks and unknowns in urinary and sexual function, appearance, and preservation of sensation post-MaPGAS. Insurance coverage, age, access to surgeons, and health concerns further influenced surgery preferences and timing. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS The findings add to the understanding of decisional needs and priorities of those considering MaPGAS while revealing new complexities among knowledge, personal factors, and decisional uncertainty. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS This mixed methods study was codeveloped by members of the transgender and nonbinary community and yielded important guidance for providers and individuals considering MaPGAS. The results provide rich qualitative insights for MaPGAS decision making in US contexts. Limitations include low diversity and sample size; both are being addressed in work underway. CONCLUSIONS This study increases understanding of the factors important to MaPGAS decision making, and results are being used to guide development of a patient-centered surgical decision aid and informed survey revision for national distribution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca L Butcher
- Center for Program Design and Evaluation, Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, United States
| | - Linda M Kinney
- Center for Program Design and Evaluation, Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, United States
| | - Gaines P Blasdel
- University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
| | - Glyn Elwyn
- Coproduction Laboratory, Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, United States
| | - Jeremy B Myers
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah Health, Salt Lake City, UT 84103, United States
| | - Benjamin Boh
- Affirm Endocrinology, Lebanon, NH 03766, United States
| | - Kaylee M Luck
- Section of Urology, Department of Surgery, Dartmouth Health, Lebanon, NH 03756, United States
| | - Rachel A Moses
- Section of Urology, Department of Surgery, Dartmouth Health, Lebanon, NH 03756, United States
- Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH 03755, United States
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Ortengren CD, Blasdel G, Damiano EA, Scalia PD, Morgan TS, Bagley P, Blunt HB, Elwyn G, Nigriny JF, Myers JB, Chen ML, Moses RA. Urethral outcomes in metoidioplasty and phalloplasty gender affirming surgery (MaPGAS) and vaginectomy: a systematic review. Transl Androl Urol 2022; 11:1762-1770. [PMID: 36632157 PMCID: PMC9827403 DOI: 10.21037/tau-22-174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background There is currently a paucity of data on urethral-related outcomes in metoidioplasty and phalloplasty gender affirming surgery (MaPGAS) with urethral lengthening (UL)and vaginectomy. Methods A systematic review was performed utilizing MEDLINE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Europe PMC, OSF Preprints, and EMBASE. Methodologic quality was scored using Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies (MINORS) criteria. Four independent reviewers performed the article evaluation, data extraction, and methodologic quality assessment. Primary outcomes included standing to urinate/pee (STP), penile length, glanular meatus, urethral stricture, fistula, and flap necrosis. Results were summarized qualitatively with descriptive statistics. Results A total of 2,881 articles of which 11 retrospective reviews of 13 cohorts met criteria; 4.3/16 average (avg) MINORS score. Six metoidioplasty cohorts had an average penile length of 6 cm, 74% reported successful STP, and a quarter developed stricture or fistula. Phalloplasty cohorts included radial forearm flap (RF) and Anterolateral Thigh flap (ALT). Of the 4 RF studies nearly a third developed a stricture or fistula and only one study reported 99% STP with a glanular meatus. Three ALT studies reported no length but had 80-90% STP with a glanular meatus and a quarter with stricture or fistula. Conclusions Urethral complications in MaPGAS-UL in a cohort with prior vaginectomy are common and variably reported. Patient centered outcome measures as well as clearly defined outcome metrics created in partnership with community members are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gaines Blasdel
- Langone Medical Center, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ella A. Damiano
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Peter D. Scalia
- The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Williamson Translational Building, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Tamara S. Morgan
- Section of Urology, Department of Surgery, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Pamela Bagley
- Biomedical Libraries, Dartmouth College, Hanover, USA
| | | | - Glyn Elwyn
- The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Williamson Translational Building, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - John F. Nigriny
- Section of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Jeremy B. Myers
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | | | - Rachel A. Moses
- Section of Urology, Department of Surgery, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH, USA
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8
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Elyaguov J, Isakov R, Nikolavsky D. Evaluation and management of urologic complications following transmasculine genital reconstructive surgery. Neurourol Urodyn 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/nau.25100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jason Elyaguov
- Department of Urology SUNY Upstate Medical University Syracuse New York USA
| | - Roman Isakov
- Department of Urology SUNY Upstate Medical University Syracuse New York USA
| | - Dmitriy Nikolavsky
- Department of Urology SUNY Upstate Medical University Syracuse New York USA
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Boskey ER, Jolly D, Mehra G, Ganor O. Feasibility of an External Erectile Prosthesis for Transgender Men Who have Undergone Phalloplasty. Sex Med 2022; 10:100560. [PMID: 35973394 PMCID: PMC9537236 DOI: 10.1016/j.esxm.2022.100560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Transgender men interested in achieving penetration after phalloplasty are currently limited to internal devices and makeshift supports. More options are needed to support sexual penetration after phalloplasty. Aim This study was designed to assess the feasibility of an external erectile prosthesis (the Elator) for transgender men who have undergone phalloplasty and wish to use their neophallus for sexual penetration, assess how the device affected the sexual experiences of men and their partners, and identify any side effects and concerns. Methods Transgender men and their partners were provided with an erectile device to use for one month. They were surveyed at 4 time points: enrollment, measurement, receipt, and after using the device, using a combination of pre-existing and device-specific measures. Main Outcome Measure The primary outcome was whether men found it feasible to use an external penile prosthesis for sexual penetration after phalloplasty – defined as interest in, and willingness to, use the device more than once over the study period; intention to continue using the device on the Erectile Dysfunction Inventory of Treatment Satisfaction (EDITS); and no decrease in relationship satisfaction on the Gay and Lesbian Relationship Satisfaction Scale (GLRSS). The secondary outcome was an increase in sexual or relationship satisfaction with use of the device, defined as a statistically significant increase on either the Quality of Sexual Experience Scale (QSE) or the GLRSS. Results Fifteen couples enrolled in the pilot study. Of the 10 who completed the study, only 3 found device use feasible and endorsed strongly positive experiences, while the remaining 7 found it unusable. There were no changes in QSE or GLRSS scores. Most device issues were related to proper fit. Conclusion There is a great deal of interest in non-surgical options for achieving penetration after phalloplasty. The tested external erectile device can work well, but its utility is limited to individuals with very specific post-phalloplasty anatomy. Most individuals and couples found the device unsuitable for the neophallus and/or that it could not be used comfortably. Boskey ER, Jolly D, Mehra G, et al. Feasibility of an External Erectile Prosthesis for Transgender Men Who have Undergone Phalloplasty. Sex Med 2022;10:100560.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Divya Jolly
- Center for Gender Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Geetika Mehra
- Internal Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Oren Ganor
- Center for Gender Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
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10
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Liu JL, Eisenbeis L, Preston S, Burnett AL, DiCarlo HN, Coon D. Postphalloplasty urinary function test: an observational study of novel outcome instrument to capture urinary dysfunction and quality of life after phalloplasty. Asian J Androl 2022; 24:570-574. [PMID: 35229758 PMCID: PMC9809483 DOI: 10.4103/aja2021110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to growing social acceptance, there has been an increasing number of gender-affirmation surgeries performed in North America. Most research in this patient population focuses on surgical outcomes and advancing techniques. However, little work has been done to study functional outcomes. To better evaluate urinary dysfunction in the postphalloplasty trans men patient population, our group developed a novel patient-reported outcome instrument - the postphalloplasty urinary function test (PP UFT) and protocol to measure postvoid urethral volume (PVUR), and we present our preliminary results. We conducted a cross-sectional pilot study in a cohort of 15 adult trans men who had undergone phalloplasty with urethral lengthening surgery between 2018 and 2021. Patients had stable urinary function via the neophallus at the time of survey. Patients filled out the PP UFT and were asked to record their PVUR as per our protocol. The average PP UFT score was 8.9 out of 40 and the average quality-of-life (QOL) score was 2.6. Postvoid dribbling constituted the major complaint and on average comprised 63.2% of the reported PP UFT score. The average PVUR was 2.2 ml (range: 0.5-5.6 ml). There was a positive correlation between higher PP UFT and worse-reported quality of life (P < 0.01; R2 = 0.4). Current questionnaires accepted in cis-male urology have limitations for accurately capturing urinary dysfunction in this specific patient group. The combination of PP UFT and PVUR measurement offers potential for quantifying urinary function and quality of life in patients who undergo phalloplasty. Future studies will validate these instruments.
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Affiliation(s)
- James L Liu
- The James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute and Department of Urology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Lauren Eisenbeis
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA,Johns Hopkins Center for Transgender Health, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Stephanie Preston
- Department of Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, TX 75370, USA
| | - Arthur L Burnett
- The James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute and Department of Urology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Heather N DiCarlo
- The James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute and Department of Urology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA,Johns Hopkins Center for Transgender Health, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Devin Coon
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA,Johns Hopkins Center for Transgender Health, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA,
Correspondence: Dr. D Coon ()
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11
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Sharp G. Genital Self-Image and Aesthetic Genital Surgeries: Novel Perspectives Across the Cisgender and Transgender Spectrum. Aesthet Surg J 2021; 41:NP2046-NP2052. [PMID: 34223889 DOI: 10.1093/asj/sjab272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Genital-focused body image concerns or negative genital self-image are a common experience across the gender spectrum, including among cisgender and transgender populations. Such concerns can result in lower psychological and sexual well-being. In this article, it is proposed that the development of genital self-image concerns may be partly explained by the theoretical framework of cisgenderism. This theory proposes that there are only 2 genders-men and women-and these are dictated solely by the appearance of the genitals. Any deviation from these 2 categories can result in discrimination, which particularly impacts transgender individuals. An increasing number of cisgender and transgender people are seeking out aesthetic genital procedures to alleviate genital self-image concerns (and gender dysphoria in transgender populations). The growing body of research suggests that cisgender and transgender men and women are relatively satisfied with the results of their genital procedures. However, this research is limited by a lack of standardized and validated patient-reported measures to evaluate surgical outcomes. Furthermore, despite negative genital self-image being a key motivator for surgery, it is often not included as an outcome measure. In this article, recommendations are proposed for conducting higher-quality evaluation studies of aesthetic genital procedures in cisgender and transgender populations. Moreover, future research and clinical directions are suggested to assist transgender men and women who choose not to undergo genital gender-confirming surgery. The vast majority of transgender individuals do not have this surgery and so are in great need of support in managing their gender dysphoria and negative genital self-image.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gemma Sharp
- National Health and Medical Research Council early career senior research fellow and clinical psychologist, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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12
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Miller TJ, Lin WC, Safa B, Watt AJ, Chen ML. Transgender Scrotoplasty and Perineal Reconstruction With Labia Majora Flaps: Technique and Outcomes From 147 Consecutive Cases. Ann Plast Surg 2021; 87:324-330. [PMID: 34397521 DOI: 10.1097/sap.0000000000002602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Labia majora, the embryologic homologs of the scrotum, are ideal donor tissue for transgender scrotoplasty. The technique is detailed, and surgical outcomes are assessed for scrotoplasty using labia majora rotational advancement flaps. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed the outcomes of phalloplasty patients who underwent either primary or secondary labia majora flap scrotoplasty and perineal reconstruction from October 1, 2017, to December 1, 2019. Bilateral elevation and rotational flap advancement from the posterior to anterior position formed a pouch-like scrotum. Perineal reconstruction involved multilayered closure with apposition of the inner thigh skin. RESULTS The mean follow-up was 12.5 months (0.5-26 months). One hundred forty-seven scrotoplasties were performed. Of the 147 total scrotoplasty patients, 133 had labia majora flap scrotoplasty and perineal reconstruction with single-stage phalloplasty. Distal flap necrosis occurred in 6 patients (4.1%); 5 were ipsilateral to the groin dissection required for phalloplasty. Large (>1 cm diameter) perineoscrotal junction dehiscence occurred in 7 patients (4.7%). All wounds were managed conservatively except for 3 patients who developed urethrocutaneous fistulas at the perineoscrotal junction. All 3 patients required fistula repair. Two (1.4%) scrotal hematomas and 3 (2.0%) perineal hematomas were seen; all required operative intervention. CONCLUSIONS Labia majora flap scrotoplasty via the bilateral rotational advancement technique and perineal reconstruction can be safely performed during phalloplasty. Minor wound complications are common and frequently heal with conservative management. Wounds that do not heal may be associated with urethral complications. Hematomas are rare but usually require operative intervention.
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13
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Patel DP, Goodwin IA, Acar O, Kocjancic E, Hotaling JM. Masculinizing gender-affirming surgery for trans men and non-binary individuals: what you should know. Fertil Steril 2021; 116:924-930. [PMID: 34404544 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2021.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darshan P Patel
- Division of Urology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Isak A Goodwin
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Omer Acar
- Department of Urology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Ervin Kocjancic
- Department of Urology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - James M Hotaling
- Division of Urology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah.
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14
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Grimstad F, Boskey ER, Taghinia A, Ganor O. Gender-Affirming Surgeries in Transgender and Gender Diverse Adolescent and Young Adults: A Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology Primer. J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol 2021; 34:442-448. [PMID: 33852937 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpag.2021.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2020] [Revised: 03/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Transgender and gender diverse adolescent and young adults (AYA) may seek gender-affirming surgeries (GAS) as part of their gender affirmation. A number of GAS are related to reproductive and sexual health, and pediatric and adolescent gynecology (PAG) clinicians are well positioned as sexual and reproductive health experts to provide care in this area. PAG clinicians may encounter patients presenting for preoperative counseling (including discussions regarding fertility, family building, future sexual function, and choice of oophorectomy at time of hysterectomy), requesting referrals to GAS clinicians, or requiring GAS aftercare, or those seeking general sexual and reproductive health care who have a history of GAS. This article reviews presurgical considerations for AYA seeking GAS, types of GAS, their impact on pelvic, sexual, and reproductive health, and aftercare that may involve PAG providers, with the goal of helping PAG clinicians to better understand these procedures and to empower them to engage collaboratively with GAS teams. With this knowledge, reproductive health clinicians can have an integral role as skilled collaborators in the world of AYA GAS in partnership with GAS surgeons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frances Grimstad
- Division of Gynecology, Department of Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, 02115 Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, Harvard Medical School, 02115 Boston, Massachusetts; Center for Gender Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, 02115 Boston, Massachusetts.
| | - Elizabeth R Boskey
- Center for Gender Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, 02115 Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Plastic and Oral Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, 02115 Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, 02115 Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 02115 Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Amir Taghinia
- Center for Gender Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, 02115 Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Plastic and Oral Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, 02115 Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, 02115 Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Oren Ganor
- Center for Gender Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, 02115 Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Plastic and Oral Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, 02115 Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, 02115 Boston, Massachusetts
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15
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El-Arabi AM, Barrera EP, McLaren HE, Gray M, Grimstad FW. Masculinizing Gender Affirming Surgery. J Gynecol Surg 2021. [DOI: 10.1089/gyn.2021.0054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad M. El-Arabi
- Department of Urology, University of Kansas Health System, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
| | - Ellis P. Barrera
- Division of Gynecology, Department of Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Hillary E. McLaren
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Meredith Gray
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
| | - Frances W. Grimstad
- Division of Gynecology, Department of Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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16
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Watanabe T, Namba Y, Kimata Y. Flap Selection Algorithm Based on the Body Mass Index for Phalloplasty in Female-to-Male Transgender: Techniques and Outcomes. JOURNAL OF RECONSTRUCTIVE MICROSURGERY OPEN 2021. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1732373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background Various phalloplasty methods have been reported; however, a consensus has not been reached. Therefore, we suggest an alternative algorithm for an ideal phalloplasty considering the factors that affect flap selection.
Methods We retrospectively examined 32 phalloplasty cases of female-to-male transgender. Flaps used for phalloplasty were classified into three groups as follows: (1) radial forearm (RF) group, (2) anterolateral thigh (ALT) group, and (3) flap combination (FC) group. Statistical analyses were performed to determine the significance of age and body mass index (BMI) as well as differences in the rates of postoperative complication, reoperation, esthetic acceptability, tactile or erogenous sensibility, and the ability to urinate while standing.
Results Ten cases were included in the RF group and 7 and 15 cases in the ALT and FC groups, respectively. With respect to BMI, the RF group (mean [standard deviation (SD)] = 25.9 [3.3]) showed significantly higher BMI than the ALT (21.7 [0.9]) or FC group (22.2 [4.5]). The RF (mean [SD] = 3.7 [0.4]) and ALT groups (3.5 [0.9]) had significantly higher esthetic acceptability evaluation scores (from 1 to 4) than the FC group (2.5 [1.2]). Moreover, the RF and ALT groups were superior than the FC group in terms of tactile or erogenous sensibility rates.
Conclusion BMI effected flap choices for phalloplasty because of the correlation between BMI and skin thickness. FC becomes an option between ALT flap and RF flap in terms of flap choice based on BMI. Our alternative algorithm for an ideal phalloplasty based on BMI will be useful for objective flap choices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshiyuki Watanabe
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Okayama University Hospital, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Okayama, Japan
| | - Yuzaburo Namba
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Okayama University Hospital, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Okayama, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Kimata
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Okayama University Hospital, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Okayama, Japan
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17
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Odeluga N, Reddy SA, Safir MH, Crane CN, Santucci RA. Optimization of Second-stage Metoidioplasty. Urology 2021; 156:303-307. [PMID: 34087313 DOI: 10.1016/j.urology.2021.04.045] [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: 01/17/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe a planned 2-staged metoidioplasty. Metoidioplasty is a genital gender-affirmation surgery aimed at creating a neophallus, scrotum (if desired), and flat male-type perineum (if desired) from natal tissues. It generally requires a planned second-stage to place testes prostheses, address complications, and perform additional surgical steps to maximally lengthen the phallus. The details of this procedure are sparsely mentioned in the literature. We found that phallus length can be optimized in the second-stage by applying surgical principles already established in the surgical treatment of adult acquired buried penis. MATERIAL AND METHODS We conducted a retrospective chart review of patients after metoidioplasty between August 2015 and June 2020, and isolated those that underwent second-stage metoidioplasty. Each procedure was done by 1 of 4 surgeons in a single practice in 2 locations, San Francisco, CA, and Austin, TX. Details of procedures required, complications, and demographic information were recorded. RESULTS Out of the 75 patients that had undergone metoidioplasty, 37 (37 of 75, 49%) underwent a second-stage metoidioplasty. Reduction of upper scrotal blocking tissue was the most common procedure performed during a second-stage metoidioplasty (31 of 37, 84%), followed by escutcheonectomy/penile lift (30 of 37, 81%), bilateral implant placement (20 of 37, 54%), chordee repair (13 of 37, 35%), and unilateral implant placement (1 of 37, 3%). 6 of the 37 patients (16%) developed major complications. 5 of the 37 (5 of 37, 15%) second-stage patients required a redo second-stage metoidioplasty. CONCLUSION Second-stage metoidioplasties are commonly performed on patients to optimize results of phallic lengthening and release, and to repair complications that arise after single-stage metoidioplasty. Escutcheonectomy/penile lift, placement of scrotal implants, repair of chordee, and upper scrotal blocking tissue reduction are procedures that are often performed during a second-stage metoidioplasty.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Soumya A Reddy
- Texas Tech Health Sciences Center School of Medicine, Lubbock, TX
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18
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Grimstad F, Boskey ER, Taghinia A, Estrada CR, Ganor O. The role of androgens in clitorophallus development and possible applications to transgender patients. Andrology 2021; 9:1719-1728. [PMID: 33834632 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Revised: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The clitorophallus, or glans, is a critical structure in sexual development and plays an important role in how gender is conceptualized across the life span. This can be seen in both the evaluation and treatment of intersex individuals and the use of gender-affirming masculinizing therapies to help those born with a clitoris (small clitorophallus with separate urethra) enlarge or alter the function of that structure. OBJECTIVES To review the role of testosterone in clitorophallus development from embryo to adulthood, including how exogenous testosterone is used to stimulate clitorophallus enlargement in masculinizing gender-affirming therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS Relevant English-language literature was identified and evaluated for data regarding clitorophallus development in endosex and intersex individuals and the utilization of hormonal and surgical masculinizing therapies on the clitorophallus. Studies included evaluated the spectrum of terms regarding the clitorophallus (genital tubercle, clitoris, micropenis, penis). RESULTS Endogenous testosterone, and its more active metabolite dihydrotestosterone, plays an important role in the development of the genital tubercle into the clitorophallus, primarily during the prenatal and early postnatal periods and then again during puberty. Androgens contribute to not only growth but also the inclusion of a urethra on the ventral aspect. Exogenous testosterone can be used to enlarge the small clitorophallus (clitoris or micropenis) as part of both intersex and gender-affirming care (in transmasculine patients, up to 2 cm of additional growth). Where testosterone is insufficient to provide the degree of masculinization desired, surgical options including phalloplasty and metoidioplasty are available. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Endogenous testosterone plays an important role in clitorophallus development, and there are circumstances where exogenous testosterone may be useful for masculinization. Surgical options may also help some patients reach their personal goals. As masculinizing gender-affirming care advances, the options available for clitorophallus modifications will likely continue to expand and improve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frances Grimstad
- Division of Gynecology, Department of Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Center for Gender Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Elizabeth R Boskey
- Center for Gender Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Plastic and Oral Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Amir Taghinia
- Center for Gender Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Plastic and Oral Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Carlos R Estrada
- Center for Gender Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Urology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Oren Ganor
- Center for Gender Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Plastic and Oral Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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19
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Huayllani MT, Boczar D, Saleem HY, Cinotto G, Avila FR, Manrique OJ, Ciudad P, Rinker BD, Forte AJ. Single versus two-stage phalloplasty for transgender female-to-male patients: a systematic review of the literature. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2021; 9:608. [PMID: 33987306 DOI: 10.21037/atm-20-3514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Phalloplasty is the main treatment for gender dysphoria disorder. It is difficult to ascertain if staging of phalloplasty influences the rate of complications. We aim to describe and compare the rates of complication between single versus two-stage phalloplasty for transgender female-to-male patients. PubMed, Ovid Medline, EMBASE and SCOPUS databases were queried for studies reporting complications of female-to-male transgender patients who underwent phalloplasty. The keywords "phalloplasty", "female to male", "outcome", "complication" and synonyms in different combinations were used for the search. Only studies that could identify whether phallic shaft creation was performed in a single or two-stage procedure were included. From a total of 336 articles, 20 met the inclusion criteria. Sixteen studies reported complications associated with a single-stage phalloplasty and seven studies identified complications after a two-stage procedure. The most common complications found for both groups of staging were fistula, stricture and total/partial flap necrosis. Patients who underwent two-stage phalloplasty had higher complication rates (partial or total flap necrosis and fistulas), compared with the single-stage procedure (P<0.05). In conclusion, this systematic review identified the impact of staging in the rate of complications related to phalloplasty for transgender female-to-male patients; a two-stage phalloplasty has a higher rate of complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria T Huayllani
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
| | - Daniel Boczar
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
| | - Humza Y Saleem
- Department of Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
| | - Gabriela Cinotto
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
| | - Francisco R Avila
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
| | - Oscar J Manrique
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Pedro Ciudad
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Burn Surgery, Arzobispo Loayza National Hospital, Lima, Peru
| | - Brian D Rinker
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
| | - Antonio J Forte
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
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20
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Chen ML, Buncke GM, Turek PJ. Narrative review of the history of microsurgery in urological practice. Transl Androl Urol 2021; 10:1780-1791. [PMID: 33968665 PMCID: PMC8100848 DOI: 10.21037/tau-20-1441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The clinical need for magnified visualization during surgery spurred the evolution of microscope and microsuture technology. Innovative surgeons across various surgical specialties recognized the importance of utilizing and advancing these technologies. Operative microscopy allows human dexterity to perform beyond direct visual limitations. Microsurgery started in otolaryngology and ophthalmology, became popular in reconstruction and transplantation, and was then adopted in urology. Microsurgery in urology involves renal and penile revascularization, penile transplantation and free flap phalloplasty, testicular autotransplantation, reproductive tract reconstruction of the vas deferens and epididymis, varicocele repair, and sperm retrieval. By examining the peer reviewed and lay literature, this review discusses the history of microsurgery and its subsequent development as a subspecialty in urology.
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21
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Neuville P, Carnicelli D, Paparel P, Ruffion A, Morel-Journel N. Metoidioplasty With Implantation of a Specific Semirigid Prosthesis. J Sex Med 2021; 18:830-836. [PMID: 33741289 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2021.01.177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Metoidioplasty is a possibility for penis reconstruction in transmen that could be enhanced by a semi-rigid prosthesis support. AIM Describe the surgical technique of metoidioplasty with implantation of a specifically designed semi-rigid prosthesis -the ZSI100D4- and analyze preliminary results. METHODS Implantation of semi-rigid prosthesis was proposed to transmen who chose metoidioplasty for genital gender affirming surgery in a specialized university hospital. OUTCOMES Surgical outcomes were collected from medical files. Functional outcomes and satisfaction were collected post-operatively with a questionnaire. RESULTS A total of 15 patients were operated; the mean length of followup was 22 months (SD = 8.7). Median prosthesis size was 8.5 cm (range: 8.5-10). Seven (46.7%) minor complications (Clavien-Dindo grade 2; 5 wound dehiscence and 2 fistula, managed conservatively) and 1 severe (Clavien-Dindo grade 3b) complication (Hematoma that need surgical revision) occurred. Thirteen patients (86.6%) answered the questionnaire; 11 (84.6%) reported being either "very satisfied" or "satisfied" with the appearance of the new genitalia; 10 (76.9%) could void while standing; and 12 patients (92.3%) answered "not at all" to the question "do you have regrets about this surgery ?". CONCLUSION Implantation of a semi-rigid prosthesis in an enlarged clitoris seems to be a valuable option and can be proposed as another possibility for the complex surgical answer to neophallus reconstruction in transmen. Neuville P, Carnicelli D, Paparel P, et al. Metoidioplasty With Implantation of a Specific Semirigid Prosthesis. J Sex Med 2021;18:830-836.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Neuville
- Hospices Civils de Lyon, Hôpital Lyon Sud, Service d'urologie, Chemin du Grand Revoyet, 69310 Pierre-Benite, France.
| | - Damien Carnicelli
- Hospices Civils de Lyon, Hôpital Lyon Sud, Service d'urologie, Chemin du Grand Revoyet, 69310 Pierre-Benite, France
| | - Philippe Paparel
- Hospices Civils de Lyon, Hôpital Lyon Sud, Service d'urologie, Chemin du Grand Revoyet, 69310 Pierre-Benite, France
| | - Alain Ruffion
- Hospices Civils de Lyon, Hôpital Lyon Sud, Service d'urologie, Chemin du Grand Revoyet, 69310 Pierre-Benite, France
| | - Nicolas Morel-Journel
- Hospices Civils de Lyon, Hôpital Lyon Sud, Service d'urologie, Chemin du Grand Revoyet, 69310 Pierre-Benite, France
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22
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Terrier M, Morel-Journel N, Carnicelli D, Ruffion A, Terrier JE, Maucort-Boulch D, Paganelli L, Neuville P. Suprapubic phalloplasty in transmen: surgical results and critical review. Int J Impot Res 2021; 33:754-761. [PMID: 33727691 DOI: 10.1038/s41443-021-00426-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Revised: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
This article presents the surgical outcomes of a consecutive series of 71 transmen undergoing pre-expanded suprapubic phalloplasty (SPP) in a specialized center. The median [IQR] duration to finalize this three-stage phalloplasty procedure was 7 months [6-7]. Median [IQR] follow-up was 39.4 months [19.7-81.2]. Among those included, 25 (35.2%) had a urethroplasty, and 40 (56.3%) a penile prosthesis as additional procedures. Complications were the result of disorders of wound healing (dehiscence, infection, partial necrosis) or tissue expander (migration, infection). Sixty patients (84.5%) experienced at least one complication during the phalloplasty procedure, mostly minor complications Clavien < IIIa (81.8%). Among these, 16 (22.5%) underwent at least one reintervention, 2 of whom underwent two reinterventions (18 reinterventions in total for Clavien ≥ IIIa complication). There was no loss of phalloplasty. Among the wide variety of techniques developed for phalloplasty, the suprapubic technique seems to be a valuable option for transmen on the path to genital gender affirming surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manon Terrier
- Department of Urology, Centre hospitalier Lyon-Sud, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Pierre-Bénite Cedex, France.
| | - Nicolas Morel-Journel
- Department of Urology, Centre hospitalier Lyon-Sud, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Pierre-Bénite Cedex, France
| | - Damien Carnicelli
- Department of Urology, Centre hospitalier Lyon-Sud, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Pierre-Bénite Cedex, France
| | - Alain Ruffion
- Department of Urology, Centre hospitalier Lyon-Sud, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Pierre-Bénite Cedex, France
| | - Jean-Etienne Terrier
- Department of Urology, Centre hospitalier Lyon-Sud, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Pierre-Bénite Cedex, France
| | | | - Lena Paganelli
- Department of Urology, Centre hospitalier Lyon-Sud, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Pierre-Bénite Cedex, France
| | - Paul Neuville
- Department of Urology, Centre hospitalier Lyon-Sud, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Pierre-Bénite Cedex, France
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23
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Robinson IS, Blasdel G, Cohen O, Zhao LC, Bluebond-Langner R. Surgical Outcomes Following Gender Affirming Penile Reconstruction: Patient-Reported Outcomes From a Multi-Center, International Survey of 129 Transmasculine Patients. J Sex Med 2021; 18:800-811. [PMID: 33663938 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2021.01.183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Revised: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Current literature on surgical outcomes after gender affirming genital surgery is limited by small sample sizes from single-center studies. AIM To use a community-based participatory research model to survey a large, heterogeneous cohort of transmasculine patients on phalloplasty and metoidioplasty outcomes. METHODS A peer-informed survey of transmasculine peoples' experience was constructed and administered between January and April 2020. Data collected included demographics, genital surgery history, pre- and postoperative genital sensation and function, and genital self-image. OUTCOMES Of the 1,212 patients completing the survey, 129 patients underwent genital reconstruction surgery. Seventy-nine patients (61 percent) underwent phalloplasty only, 32 patients (25 percent) underwent metoidioplasty only, and 18 patients (14 percent) underwent metoidioplasty followed by phalloplasty. RESULTS Patients reported 281 complications requiring 142 revisions. The most common complications were urethrocutaneous fistula (n = 51, 40 percent), urethral stricture (n = 41, 32 percent), and worsened mental health (n = 25, 19 percent). The average erect neophallus after phalloplasty was 14.1 cm long vs 5.5 cm after metoidioplasty (P < .00001). Metoidioplasty patients report 4.8 out of 5 erogenous sensation, compared to 3.4 out of 5 for phalloplasty patients (P < .00001). Patients who underwent clitoris burial in addition to primary phalloplasty did not report change in erogenous sensation relative to primary phalloplasty patients without clitoris burial (P = .105). The average postoperative patient genital self-image score was 20.29 compared with 13.04 for preoperative patients (P < .00001) and 21.97 for a historical control of cisgender men (P = .0004). CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS These results support anecdotal reports that complication rates following gender affirming genital reconstruction are higher than are commonly reported in the surgical literature. Patients undergoing clitoris burial in addition to primary phalloplasty did not report a change in erogenous sensation relative to those patients not undergoing clitoris burial. Postoperative patients report improved genital self-image relative to their preoperative counterparts, although self-image scores remain lower than cisgender males. STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS These results are unique in that they are sourced from a large, heterogeneous group of transgender patients spanning 3 continents and dozens of surgical centers. The design of this study, following a community-based participatory research model, emphasizes patient-reported outcomes with focus on results most important to patients. Limitations include the recall and selection bias inherent to online surveys, and the inability to verify clinical data reported through the web-based questionnaire. CONCLUSION Complication rates, including urethral compromise and worsened mental health, remain high for gender affirming penile reconstruction. Robinson IS, Blasdel G, Cohen O, et al. Surgical Outcomes Following Gender Affirming Penile Reconstruction: Patient-Reported Outcomes From a Multi-Center, International Survey of 129 Transmasculine Patients. J Sex Med 2021;18:800-811.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel S Robinson
- Hansjörg Wyss Department of Plastic Surgery, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Gaines Blasdel
- Department of Urology, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Oriana Cohen
- Hansjörg Wyss Department of Plastic Surgery, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lee C Zhao
- Department of Urology, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Rachel Bluebond-Langner
- Hansjörg Wyss Department of Plastic Surgery, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY, USA.
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Neurolysis of the Dorsal Nerve to the Penis to Restore Function After Trauma. Ann Plast Surg 2021; 84:307-311. [PMID: 31904648 DOI: 10.1097/sap.0000000000002144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Loss of penile sensation or development of a painful penis and erectile dysfunction can occur after injury to the dorsal branch of the pudendal nerve. Although recovery of genital sensibility has been discussed frequently in transmen, this subject has been reported rarely in cismen. The purpose of this report is to review our experience with recovery of sensation in men after decompression of the dorsal branch of the pudendal nerve after trauma. METHODS A retrospective chart review of men who have had decompression of the dorsal branch of the pudendal nerve was carried out from 2014 to 2018. Patients were included in the cohort if they had a loss of penile sensation or the development of a painful penis after trauma. Primary outcomes measured were the change in penile symptoms, including erection, ejaculation, ejaculatory pain, erogenous sensation, numbness, and penile pain. RESULTS For the 7 men included in this study, the mean follow-up time was 57 weeks (range, 28-85 weeks). Bilateral surgery was done in 71% (5/7). Of the 6 patients with loss of penile sensation, complete recovery of erogenous sensibility occurred in 5 (83%) patients, with partial relief in 1 (17%) patient. Of the 3 men who had erectile dysfunction, normal erections were restored in 2 (67%) patients. Of the 2 patients unable to ejaculate, 1 (50%) patient regained ejaculatory function. Of the 4 patients with ejaculatory pain, complete relief of pain occurred in 2 (50%) patients, with partial relief in 2 (50%) patients. Of the 6 patients with penile pain in the absence of ejaculation, complete relief of pain occurred in 3 (50%) patients, with partial relief in 3 (50%) patients. CONCLUSION Neurolysis of the dorsal nerve to the penis at the inferior pubic ramus canal can be successful in relieving pain, and restoring sensation and erectile function in men who sustained an injury along the inferior pubic ramus.
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Jolly D, Wu CA, Boskey ER, Taghinia AH, Diamond DA, Ganor O. Is Clitoral Release Another Term for Metoidioplasty? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Metoidioplasty Surgical Technique and Outcomes. Sex Med 2021; 9:100294. [PMID: 33429241 PMCID: PMC7930881 DOI: 10.1016/j.esxm.2020.100294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Revised: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction There has been an exponential increase in referrals for transmasculine patients seeking genital affirmation surgery. Despite transgender men’s equal interest in metoidioplasty and phalloplasty, research has primarily focused on phalloplasty. Aim To summarize and investigate the relationship between surgical technique, complications, and patient-satisfaction. Methods We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of surgical techniques and physician- and patient-reported outcomes of gender-affirming clitoral release and metoidioplasty (PROSPERO# 158722) with literature from PubMed, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect. Data were extracted using PRISMA guidelines. All searches, extractions, and grading were independently completed by 2 authors. Main Outcome Measures Main measures were surgical technique, patient satisfaction, voiding, urethral stricture, and urethral fistula. Results and Conclusion A total of 7 non-overlapping articles on metoidioplasty were identified, with a total of 403 patients. We identified 4 metoidioplasty techniques: Hage, Belgrade, labial ring flap, and extensive metoidioplasty. All techniques included urethral lengthening. The reported neophallus length ranged from 2 cm to 12 cm, with the smallest neophallus occurring with the labial ring flap technique and extensive metoidioplasty the largest. Across techniques, voiding while standing was reported in most patients, with the lowest rate reported with the labial ring flap (67%). Complications were impacted by surgical technique, with the lowest rates of fistula and stricture occurring with the Belgrade technique. Fistula rates ranged from 5% to 37%, while stricture ranged from 2% to 35% of patients. The Belgrade technique reported significantly lower rates of fistula and stricture (P = .000). The patient-reported outcomes were described for the Belgrade technique and extensive metoidioplasty. Both techniques showed high aesthetic and sexual satisfaction. Transgender individuals can achieve an aesthetically and sexually satisfactory neophallus using a variety of metoidioplasty techniques; however, urethral outcomes vary significantly by technique. The Belgrade technique reported the best outcomes, although data remains limited. Patient priorities should be used to determine surgical technique. Jolly D, Wu CA, Boskey ER, et al. Is Clitoral Release Another Term for Metoidioplasty? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Metoidioplasty Surgical Technique and Outcomes. Sex Med 2021;9:100294
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Affiliation(s)
- Divya Jolly
- Center for Gender Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA; Department of Plastic and Oral Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA.
| | | | - Elizabeth R Boskey
- Center for Gender Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA; Department of Plastic and Oral Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA; Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Amir H Taghinia
- Center for Gender Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA; Department of Plastic and Oral Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA; Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - David A Diamond
- Center for Gender Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA; Department of Urology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Oren Ganor
- Center for Gender Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA; Department of Plastic and Oral Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA; Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
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Median Nerve Neuropathy following Radial Forearm Free Flap Phalloplasty: A Case Report. PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY-GLOBAL OPEN 2020; 8:e3027. [PMID: 32983782 PMCID: PMC7489613 DOI: 10.1097/gox.0000000000003027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
As the transgender population increases, gender-affirming surgeries are being performed at unprecedented rates. Despite this increase, complications and long-term outcomes of gender-affirming interventions are largely understudied. We present a transgender patient who underwent radial forearm free flap (RFFF) phalloplasty as part of gender affirmation. Immediately following surgery, the patient reported paresthesia in the donor arm in the median nerve distribution followed by a neuropathic pain after 1 week. The patient complained of shooting and burning pain and reported a loss of sensation and function at the donor site. Electromyography and magnetic resonance imaging results indicated median nerve damage several inches above the donor site. The symptoms persisted for several months before spontaneously resolving. The spontaneous resolution and location of injury suggest that nerve damage occurred as a result of pneumatic tourniquet application despite adherence to all clinical guidelines for a safe tourniquet application of the same. This is the first reported case of neuropathic pain following RFFF phalloplasty occurring at the donor site. Given the large donor area and the long time of tourniquet application, surgeons offering RFFF phalloplasty must be aware of and actively counsel patients seeking this procedure about the potential for nerve-related damages before surgery.
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Lin-Brande M, Clennon E, Sajadi KP, Djordjevic ML, Dy GW, Dugi D. Metoidioplasty With Urethral Lengthening: A Stepwise Approach. Urology 2020; 147:319-322. [PMID: 32971121 DOI: 10.1016/j.urology.2020.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Revised: 09/06/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Metoidioplasty is a gender-affirming surgical option for individuals who desire masculine genitalia while preserving erogenous sensation and avoiding the morbidity of phalloplasty. Concurrent urethral lengthening offers patients the potential to stand to urinate. OBJECTIVE To demonstrate an adaptation of the Belgrade technique of gender-affirming metoidioplasty and describe outcomes. METHODS We identified 33 patients of which 12 underwent simple metoidioplasty and 21 underwent metoidioplasty with urethral lengthening between 2016 and 2020. Prior to surgery, all patients underwent at least 1 year of testosterone therapy to maximize clitoral growth. The clitoris is degloved and the superficial suspensory ligament divided to maximize phallic length. Labia minora flaps are developed and the urethral plate is divided to allow for maximal ventral extension. The resultant urethral defect is bridged with a buccal mucosa graft. To construct the ventral aspect of the urethra, an anterior vaginal wall flap and labia minora flap are sutured to the urethral plate and tubularized over a 16 Fr catheter. The medial aspect of the contralateral labia minora is de-epithelialized and overlaps the urethra, serving as ventral skin coverage for the phallic shaft. Bilateral labia majora flaps are then rotated anteriorly and superiorly to create a neoscrotum using the Ghent technique. RESULTS For metoidioplasty with urethral lengthening, the median operative time was 408 minutes, estimated blood loss 400 mL, and length of stay 3 days. Of the 21 patients, 10 (47%) elected to undergo second stage scrotoplasty, 7 (33%) underwent testicular implant placement, and 2 (9%) required revision urethroplasty. Of the 10 patients (48%) who experienced postoperative complications, 7 were Clavien-Dindo grade I-II. There were no fistulae at a median follow-up time of 5.5 months (range 1-27.2). CONCLUSION We provide a stepwise approach to metoidioplasty with urethral lengthening using a modified Belgrade technique, which was associated with a low rate of urethral complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Lin-Brande
- Transgender Health Program and the Department of Urology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR
| | - Emily Clennon
- Transgender Health Program and the Department of Urology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR
| | - Kamran P Sajadi
- Transgender Health Program and the Department of Urology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR
| | | | - Geolani W Dy
- Transgender Health Program and the Department of Urology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR.
| | - Daniel Dugi
- Transgender Health Program and the Department of Urology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR
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Bizic M, Stojanovic B, Bencic M, Bordás N, Djordjevic M. Overview on metoidioplasty: variants of the technique. Int J Impot Res 2020; 33:762-770. [PMID: 32826970 DOI: 10.1038/s41443-020-00346-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Number of gender dysphoric people increased over the last few decades with positive social acceptance of transpopulation. Genital gender affirming surgeries are of utmost importance in order to adjust body to the mind of these individuals. Creation of the phallus is usually the last step in transmen transition, which remains demanding and challenging for surgeons, with different options for phalloplasty available. The ideal phallus is esthetically appealing, with preserved tactile and erogenous sensation, enables standing micturition and sexual function with minimal donor-site morbidity. Metoidioplasty, as a variant of phalloplasty, uses the hormonally hypertrophied clitoris to create the neophallus. Metoidioplasty can be considered as a method of choice for thin-built individuals looking for male genitalia with preserved erogeneity, in one-stage genital gender affirming surgery. It can be combined together with removal of reproductive organs and vaginectomy. Preoperative consultation with patients and postoperative follow-up as well as multidisciplinary approach are essential for successful treatment.This literature review aims to assess and discuss different metoidioplasty approaches with a special reference to authors' current metoidioplasty technique.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Bizic
- Department of Urology, University Children's Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia. .,Belgrade Center for Urogenital Reconstructive Surgery, Belgrade, Serbia.
| | - Borko Stojanovic
- Department of Urology, University Children's Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia.,Belgrade Center for Urogenital Reconstructive Surgery, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Marko Bencic
- Department of Urology, University Children's Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia.,Belgrade Center for Urogenital Reconstructive Surgery, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Noémi Bordás
- Belgrade Center for Urogenital Reconstructive Surgery, Belgrade, Serbia.,Department of Urology, Kiskunhalasi Semmelweis Kórház, Kiskunhalas, Hungary
| | - Miroslav Djordjevic
- Department of Urology, University Children's Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia.,Belgrade Center for Urogenital Reconstructive Surgery, Belgrade, Serbia
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T'Sjoen G, Arcelus J, De Vries ALC, Fisher AD, Nieder TO, Özer M, Motmans J. European Society for Sexual Medicine Position Statement "Assessment and Hormonal Management in Adolescent and Adult Trans People, With Attention for Sexual Function and Satisfaction". J Sex Med 2020; 17:570-584. [PMID: 32111534 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2020.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2019] [Revised: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a general lack of recommendations for and basic information tailored at sexologists and other health-care professionals for when they encounter trans people in their practice. AIM We present to clinicians an up-to-date overview of clinical consensus statements on trans health care with attention for sexual function and satisfaction. METHODS The task force consisted of 7 clinicians experienced in trans health care, selected among European Society for Sexual Medicine (ESSM) scientific committee. The consensus was guided by clinical experience and a review of the available literature and by interactive discussions on trans health, with attention for sexual function and satisfaction where available. OUTCOMES The foci of the study are assessment and hormonal aspects of trans health care. RESULTS As the available literature for direct recommendations was limited, most of the literature was used as background or indirect evidence. Clinical consensus statements were developed based on clinical experiences and the available literature. With the multiple barriers to care that many trans people experience, basic care principles still need to be stressed. We recommend that health-care professionals (HCPs) working with trans people recognize the diversity of genders, including male, female, and nonbinary individuals. In addition, HCPs assessing gender diverse children and adolescents should take a developmental approach that acknowledges the difference between prepubescent gender diverse children and pubescent gender diverse adolescents and trans adults. Furthermore, trans people seeking gender-affirming medical interventions should be assessed by HCPs with expertise in trans health care and gender-affirming psychological practice. If masculinization is desired, testosterone therapy with monitoring of serum sex steroid levels and signs of virilization is recommended. Similarly, if feminization is desired, we recommend estrogens and/or antiandrogen therapy with monitoring of serum sex steroid levels and signs of feminization. HCPs should be aware of the influence of hormonal therapy on sexual functioning and satisfaction. We recommend HCPs be aware of potential sexual problems during all surgical phases of treatment. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS This is an up-to-date ESSM position statement. STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS These statements are based on the data that are currently available; however, it is vital to recognize that this is a rapidly changing field and that the literature, particularly in the field of sexual functioning and satisfaction, is limited. CONCLUSION This ESSM position statement provides relevant information and references to existing clinical guidelines with the aim of informing relevant HCPs on best practices when working with transgender people. T'Sjoen G, Arcelus J, De Vries ALC, et al. European Society for Sexual Medicine Position Statement "Assessment and Hormonal Management in Adolescent and Adult Trans People, With Attention for Sexual Function and Satisfaction". J Sex Med 2020;17:570-584.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guy T'Sjoen
- Department of Endocrinology and Center for Sexology and Gender, Ghent University and Ghent University Hospital, Gent, Belgium.
| | - Jon Arcelus
- Institute of Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Annelou L C De Vries
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Center of Expertise on Gender Dysphoria, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Alessandra D Fisher
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology, Gender Incongruence Unit, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Timo O Nieder
- Institute for Sex Research, Sexual Medicine and Forensic Psychiatry, Interdisciplinary Transgender Health Care Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Müjde Özer
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Hand Surgery, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Joz Motmans
- Transgender Infopunt, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
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Kocjancic E, Acar O, Talamini S, Schechter L. Masculinizing genital gender-affirming surgery: metoidioplasty and urethral lengthening. Int J Impot Res 2020; 34:120-127. [PMID: 32203431 DOI: 10.1038/s41443-020-0259-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2019] [Revised: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 03/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Metoidioplasty denotes the creation of a neophallus out of the hormonally hypertrophied clitoris. Construction of an esthetically acceptable male-like genitalia while enabling micturition in standing position are the primary goals. Herein, we aim to review the literature regarding masculinizing gender-affirming genital surgery in the form of metoidioplasty, focusing on the steps related to urethral lengthening and reconstruction, and describe the authors' preferred surgical technique. Clitoral release, division of the urethral plate, native urethral lengthening with anterior vaginal wall flap, and neourethral tubularization using a combination of buccal mucosa graft and labia minora flap(s) seem to provide the best result in terms of urinary outcomes. This is reflected in a greater urethral length, higher probability of standing micturition, and lower incidence of fistula. Urethral complications, which can be encountered in up to 15% of the patients, may necessitate additional procedures. Some of the studies have reported successful penetrative intercourse following metoidioplasty. Case series about different metoidioplasty techniques do not allow head-to-head comparison due to non-standardized reporting and outcome assessment. Metoidioplasty can be offered to transgender men with sufficiently hypertrophied clitoris who wish to avoid a complicated, multistage, flap-based total phalloplasty, or for those individuals considering phalloplasty at a later date.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ervin Kocjancic
- University of Illinois at Chicago, College of Medicine, Department of Urology, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Omer Acar
- University of Illinois at Chicago, College of Medicine, Department of Urology, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Susan Talamini
- University of Illinois at Chicago, College of Medicine, Department of Urology, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Loren Schechter
- Weiss Memorial Hospital, Center for Gender Confirmation Surgery, Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Chicago, IL, USA
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Dabela-Biketi A, Mawad K, Li H, Tan-Kim J, Morrill MY, Rosenstein D, Salim AM. Urethrographic Evaluation of Anatomic Findings and Complications after Perineal Masculinization and Phalloplasty in Transgender Patients. Radiographics 2020; 40:393-402. [PMID: 32004117 DOI: 10.1148/rg.2020190143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Transgender patients seeking gender-affirming surgery are a growing population with unique health care needs. The radiologist must understand the challenges these patients face to facilitate a positive patient-physician interaction during the series of postoperative fluoroscopic evaluations. The authors present a standard two-stage surgical approach and common postoperative fluoroscopic findings after perineal masculinization and phalloplasty procedures. Perineal masculinization including urethral lengthening is performed first, followed by skin-flap-based phalloplasty. Patients undergo voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) after intravesical administration of contrast media by way of an indwelling suprapubic catheter after each stage. Retrograde urethrography plays a complementary role to supplement the limitations of VCUG after the second stage. The article reviews the expected postoperative anatomy and explains standardized terminology developed at the authors' institution. Imaging features of common and rare complications are discussed, including contained leak, stenosis, occlusion, and fistula. The successful postoperative imaging study in a transmasculine patient relies on open communication among the interdisciplinary team of specialized surgeons, radiologists, and medical providers, as well as special modifications to existing imaging techniques. ©RSNA, 2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amsalu Dabela-Biketi
- From the Departments of Radiology (A.D.B., K.M., H.L.), Gynecology (M.Y.M.), and Surgery (A.M.S.), Kaiser Permanente San Francisco Medical Center, 2425 Geary Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94115; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaiser Permanente San Diego Medical Center, San Diego, Calif (J.T.K.); and Department of Urology, Kaiser Permanente San Jose Medical Center, San Jose, Calif (D.R.)
| | - Kareem Mawad
- From the Departments of Radiology (A.D.B., K.M., H.L.), Gynecology (M.Y.M.), and Surgery (A.M.S.), Kaiser Permanente San Francisco Medical Center, 2425 Geary Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94115; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaiser Permanente San Diego Medical Center, San Diego, Calif (J.T.K.); and Department of Urology, Kaiser Permanente San Jose Medical Center, San Jose, Calif (D.R.)
| | - Hongtai Li
- From the Departments of Radiology (A.D.B., K.M., H.L.), Gynecology (M.Y.M.), and Surgery (A.M.S.), Kaiser Permanente San Francisco Medical Center, 2425 Geary Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94115; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaiser Permanente San Diego Medical Center, San Diego, Calif (J.T.K.); and Department of Urology, Kaiser Permanente San Jose Medical Center, San Jose, Calif (D.R.)
| | - Jasmine Tan-Kim
- From the Departments of Radiology (A.D.B., K.M., H.L.), Gynecology (M.Y.M.), and Surgery (A.M.S.), Kaiser Permanente San Francisco Medical Center, 2425 Geary Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94115; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaiser Permanente San Diego Medical Center, San Diego, Calif (J.T.K.); and Department of Urology, Kaiser Permanente San Jose Medical Center, San Jose, Calif (D.R.)
| | - Michelle Y Morrill
- From the Departments of Radiology (A.D.B., K.M., H.L.), Gynecology (M.Y.M.), and Surgery (A.M.S.), Kaiser Permanente San Francisco Medical Center, 2425 Geary Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94115; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaiser Permanente San Diego Medical Center, San Diego, Calif (J.T.K.); and Department of Urology, Kaiser Permanente San Jose Medical Center, San Jose, Calif (D.R.)
| | - Daniel Rosenstein
- From the Departments of Radiology (A.D.B., K.M., H.L.), Gynecology (M.Y.M.), and Surgery (A.M.S.), Kaiser Permanente San Francisco Medical Center, 2425 Geary Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94115; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaiser Permanente San Diego Medical Center, San Diego, Calif (J.T.K.); and Department of Urology, Kaiser Permanente San Jose Medical Center, San Jose, Calif (D.R.)
| | - Ali M Salim
- From the Departments of Radiology (A.D.B., K.M., H.L.), Gynecology (M.Y.M.), and Surgery (A.M.S.), Kaiser Permanente San Francisco Medical Center, 2425 Geary Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94115; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaiser Permanente San Diego Medical Center, San Diego, Calif (J.T.K.); and Department of Urology, Kaiser Permanente San Jose Medical Center, San Jose, Calif (D.R.)
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Masculinizing Genital Surgery: An Imaging Primer for the Radiologist. AJR Am J Roentgenol 2020; 214:W27-W36. [DOI: 10.2214/ajr.19.21597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Gender Affirmation Surgery: A Primer on Imaging Correlates for the Radiologist. AJR Am J Roentgenol 2019; 213:1194-1203. [PMID: 31414889 DOI: 10.2214/ajr.19.21686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Jun MS, Crane CN, Santucci RA. What urologists need to know about female-to-male genital confirmation surgery (phalloplasty and metoidioplasty): techniques, complications, and how to deal with them. MINERVA UROL NEFROL 2019; 72:38-48. [PMID: 31692307 DOI: 10.23736/s0393-2249.19.03611-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Transmasculine gender-affirming surgery (GAS) is technically challenging, and in the past associated with a high but improving complication rate. Few surgical centers are performing this surgery, which can include metoidioplasty and phalloplasty, and patients often travel great distances for their surgery. While many will continue care with their original surgeons, others cannot due to social/geographic factors, or because emergencies arise. Thus, patients may seek care with their local urologist for relief of delayed complications, the most common of which include urethral stricture, penile prosthesis issues and urethrocutaneous fistula. This review will discuss the surgical elements behind metoidioplasty and phalloplasty, and the diagnosis and treatment for the most common postoperative issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min S Jun
- Department of Reconstructive Urology and Trauma, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA -
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Ganor O, Taghinia AH, Diamond DA, Boskey ER. Piloting a Genital Affirmation Surgical Priorities Scale for Trans Masculine Patients. Transgend Health 2019; 4:270-276. [PMID: 31656855 PMCID: PMC6814078 DOI: 10.1089/trgh.2019.0038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Many transgender men seek surgical interventions to create male genitalia. Currently, there is no standardized tool to assess individual goals and expectations for such reconstructive genital surgery. The purpose of this study was to develop and pilot a genital affirmation surgical priorities scale (GASPS) in transgender men seeking metoidioplasty and/or phalloplasty. Methods: The research team developed the GASPS and piloted it with 63 patients seeking reconstructive genital surgery. The scale was constructed after a comprehensive literature review identified key areas of importance, including size, erogenous and tactile sensation, interest in penetrative sex, ability to urinate standing up, and maintenance of orgasmic function. Results were then tabulated and analyzed to look for trends. Results: Sixty three consecutive patients, mean age 24.98 years (standard deviation [SD]=5.87), were administered the assessment. On the 5 point Likert scale, patients were most concerned about being able to stand to urinate (mean=4.38, SD=1.06) and erotic sensation (mean=4.21, SD=0.8). The ability to engage in penetrative intercourse (mean=3.98, SD=1.34), tactile sensation (mean=3.93, SD=1.01), and penis length (mean=3.37, SD=1.18), and girth (mean=3.09, SD=1.20) were not universally considered to be important and responses varied widely. Most patients (86%) stated they had a history of being able to orgasm, and 8% did not know. Feedback suggested that scale use helped patients clarify goals for surgery. Conclusion: GASPS use confirmed the diversity of patient priorities and the importance of individualized goal assessment. It also confirmed previous reports that standing to urinate is a major genital affirmation motivation for many transgender men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oren Ganor
- Center for Gender Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Amir H Taghinia
- Center for Gender Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - David A Diamond
- Center for Gender Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Elizabeth R Boskey
- Center for Gender Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
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Abstract
The transgender and nonbinary (TGNB) population is a significant minority, comprising at least 0.6% of the population. Visibility is growing rapidly, especially in younger generations. Gender affirming health care must adapt to this population's needs. Demographic data regarding TGNB health care are limited, but several disparities are clear, stemming from sociopolitical factors, such as external discrimination and insensitive and/or uninformed care. Most self-identifying TGNB patients receive some type of nonsurgical care, including hormonal and/or mental health. Gender-affirming surgery is highly prevalent as well, with at least one-quarter of TGNB people having had some combination of the procedures in this category.
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Donor Site Morbidity in Phalloplasty Reconstructions: Outcomes of the Radial Forearm Free Flap. PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY-GLOBAL OPEN 2019; 7:e2442. [PMID: 31942400 PMCID: PMC6908408 DOI: 10.1097/gox.0000000000002442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The radial artery forearm free flap (RFFF) is the workhorse technique for phallus reconstruction. The RFFF provides good cosmesis and potential sensory recovery. However, the donor site is large in comparison to other applications of the RFFF which may increase the potential for donor site morbidity, such as nerve injury, delayed wound healing, and decreased hand strength. This study systematically reviewed the current literature to assess the donor site morbidity associated with RFFF phalloplasty (RFFFP).
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Shergill AK, Camacho A, Horowitz JM, Jha P, Ascher S, Berchmans E, Slama J, Nougaret S, Wasnik AP, Robbins JB, Dighe MK, Wang CL, Nimhuircheartaigh JM, Phillips J, Menias C, Brook OR. Imaging of transgender patients: expected findings and complications of gender reassignment therapy. Abdom Radiol (NY) 2019; 44:2886-2898. [PMID: 31154481 DOI: 10.1007/s00261-019-02061-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Gender dysphoria is defined as a conflict between the biological gender and the gender with which the person identifies. Gender reassignment therapy can alter external sexual features to resemble those of the desired gender and are broadly classified into two types, female to male (FTM) and male to female (MTF). In this paper we describe expected findings and complications of gender reassignment therapy. METHODS Collaborative multi-institutional project supported by Ovarian and Uterine Cancer Disease Focused panel of Society of Abdominal Radiology. RESULTS Gender dysphoria is defined as a conflict between the biological gender and the gender with which the person identifies. Gender reassignment therapy can alter external sexual features to resemble those of the desired gender and are broadly classified into two types, female to male (FTM) and male to female (MTF). These therapies include hormonal treatment as well as surgical procedures. FTM genital reconstructive therapy includes creation of a neophallus, which can be achieved by metoidioplasty or phalloplasty with mastectomy, along with testosterone administration. MTF gender reassignment surgery includes complete removal of external genitalia with penectomy and orchiectomy, with vaginoplasty, clitoroplasty, labiaplasty, and breast augmentation along with estrogen supplements. CONCLUSION Surgical techniques alter the standard anatomy and make imaging interpretation challenging if radiologists are unfamiliar with expected post-operative appearances. It is important to recognize the complications related to surgical and non-surgical treatment of gender dysphoria to avoid interpretation errors. Furthermore, increasing the prevalence of transgender patients requires increased sensitivity when interpreting imaging studies to reduce the potential for misdiagnoses in reporting due to frequently incomplete available clinical history.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arvind K Shergill
- Valley Medical Imaging, Abbotsford, BC, Canada
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Priyanka Jha
- University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Jaromir Slama
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Olga R Brook
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA.
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Kjölhede A, Cornelius F, Huss F, Kratz G. Metoidioplasty and groin flap phalloplasty as two surgical methods for the creation of a neophallus in female-to-male gender-confirming surgery: A retrospective study comprising 123 operated patients. JPRAS Open 2019; 22:1-8. [PMID: 32158891 PMCID: PMC7061636 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpra.2019.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2019] [Accepted: 07/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In gender-confirming surgery of the female-to-male gender dysphoric patient, there is currently no ideal method for the creation of a neophallus. Historically, in our clinic, groin flap phalloplasty (GFP) has been the dominating method, but during the last 20 years, it has gradually been replaced with metoidioplasty (MP). The aim of this study was to investigate whether this change of method has influenced factors such as the frequency of complications and the number of operations needed to complete the reconstruction of the neophallus. Methods This is a retrospective, single-centre, study comprising 123 consecutive female-to-male patients receiving a neophallus by GFP or MP between 2002 and 2015 at Linköping University Hospital, Sweden. Results One-hundred twenty-three patients underwent 126 primary surgical procedures (39 GFPs and 87 MPs) with the intention of reconstructing a neophallus. The mean number of procedures required in the GFP group was 5.2 ± 2.7 compared with that of 2.4 ± 1.7 in the MP group (p < 0.001). In the GFP group, 18/39 (46.2%) had a documented complication compared with 30/87 (34.5%) in the MP group; however, the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.21). Conclusions The present study shows that the shift in method from GFP to MP has resulted in a decreased number of complications as well as a decrease in total surgical occasions. Both methods were found to be associated with relatively high frequencies of complications, however, mostly minor.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Kjölhede
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.,Department of Surgery, Linköping University Hospital, Linköping, Sweden
| | - F Cornelius
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - F Huss
- Department of Plastic and Maxillofacial Surgery, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden.,Department of Surgical Sciences, Plastic Surgery, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - G Kratz
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.,Department of Plastic Surgery, Linköping University Hospital, Linköping, Sweden
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Nolan IT, Kuhner CJ, Dy GW. Demographic and temporal trends in transgender identities and gender confirming surgery. Transl Androl Urol 2019; 8:184-190. [PMID: 31380225 PMCID: PMC6626314 DOI: 10.21037/tau.2019.04.09] [Citation(s) in RCA: 151] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2018] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Transgender and gender non-binary (TGNB) individuals are a growing demographic with unique healthcare needs. Amid changes in public and private insurance coverage of gender confirming surgeries (GCS), utilization of these procedures is increasing. Meanwhile, systemic barriers continue to limit access to gender confirming care and perpetuate health disparities among TGNB individuals. Studies on the prevalence of TGNB identities and utilization of GCS are limited by a lack of gender identity data in population-based surveys and electronic medical records. However, data collection on gender identity is improving, and will be essential for characterizing the healthcare practices and needs of TGNB individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian T. Nolan
- School of Medicine, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Geolani W. Dy
- Department of Urology, New York University, New York, NY, USA
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Abstract
Phalloplasty is a critical step for many transgender men who seek relief from gender dysphoria; however, phalloplasty is a difficult and complex surgery with many potential complications. The most common complications are urinary, mostly comprised of urethrocutaneous (UC) fistulas and urethral strictures. Improvements in surgical technique have driven down complication rates over the past few decades. Despite these innovations, complication rates remain high, and transgender surgeons must be well versed in their diagnosis and treatment. Over the same time period, gender affirming surgery has seen unprecedented growth in the United States. Transgender surgeons are few, and their patients often travel great distances for their index surgery. As such, locally available reconstructive urologists will be called upon to treat these complications with greater frequency and must be proficient in diagnosis and treatment to help these patients achieve a good outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Suk Jun
- Reconstructive Urology and Trauma, Temple University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Dy GW, Nolan IT, Hotaling J, Myers JB. Patient reported outcome measures and quality of life assessment in genital gender confirming surgery. Transl Androl Urol 2019; 8:228-240. [PMID: 31380229 DOI: 10.21037/tau.2019.05.04] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Transgender and gender nonbinary (TGNB) individuals may seek genital gender confirming surgery (GCS) as part of their transition. Outcomes of genital GCS may include gender congruence, sexual functioning and satisfaction, urinary symptoms, aesthetic satisfaction, and overall quality of life, among others. Despite a wide number of studies on results of vaginoplasty, metoidioplasty, phalloplasty, and other genital GCS, data regarding patient reported outcomes are limited. To date, there is no patient reported outcome measure (PROM) validated within the TGNB population to assess subjective outcomes of GCS. In this review, we aim to describe existing tools being utilized to report outcomes following GCS, assessing the merits and limitations of each.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geolani W Dy
- Department of Urology, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ian T Nolan
- School of Medicine, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - James Hotaling
- Department of Urology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Jeremy B Myers
- Department of Urology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
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Chen ML, Reyblat P, Poh MM, Chi AC. Overview of surgical techniques in gender-affirming genital surgery. Transl Androl Urol 2019; 8:191-208. [PMID: 31380226 DOI: 10.21037/tau.2019.06.19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Polina Reyblat
- Southern California Permanente Medical Group, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Melissa M Poh
- Southern California Permanente Medical Group, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Amanda C Chi
- Southern California Permanente Medical Group, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Hadj-Moussa M, Agarwal S, Ohl DA, Kuzon WM. Masculinizing Genital Gender Confirmation Surgery. Sex Med Rev 2018; 7:141-155. [PMID: 30122339 DOI: 10.1016/j.sxmr.2018.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2018] [Revised: 06/22/2018] [Accepted: 06/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This article is the third in a 3-part series focused on the comprehensive treatment of gender dysphoria. Multidisciplinary gender dysphoria care may involve a combination of counseling, social gender transition, hormone therapy, and gender confirmation surgery (GCS) to maximize physical characteristics congruent with a patient's gender identity. Nonoperative management of gender dysphoria was covered in part 1. The focus of part 2 was feminizing GCS. In part 3, surgical considerations for masculinizing GCS are summarized, including a review of different phalloplasty techniques. This installment also includes information about adjunctive procedures, therapies, and products used by transgender men and women to express their gender identity. AIM To provide an overview of both genital and nongenital masculinizing gender confirmation procedures. To review phalloplasty techniques, preoperative considerations, complications, and outcomes. To summarize ancillary services and procedures available to transgender patients to facilitate their gender presentation. METHODS A review of relevant literature through May 2017 was performed via PubMed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES To summarize ancillary products and services used by transgender patients and to review surgical considerations for masculinizing genitoplasty. RESULTS A variety of nonsurgical ancillary services exist for transgender patients to aid their transition. A variety of phalloplasty procedures have been developed for transgender men who seek genital GCS. Most surgeons prefer radial forearm phalloplasty, including the authors whose surgical technique is described. Each phalloplasty approach is associated with its own benefits, drawbacks, and complications. CONCLUSION A variety of ancillary services and procedures that help transgender men and women communicate their gender identity in society is available and is an important adjunct to medical or surgical treatment of gender dysphoria. Pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative considerations of masculinizing genital gender confirmation procedures were reviewed. Hadj-Moussa M, Agarwal S, Ohl DA, et al. Masculinizing Genital Gender Confirmation Surgery. Sex Med Rev 2019;7:141-155.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shailesh Agarwal
- Section of Plastic Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Dana A Ohl
- Department of Urology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - William M Kuzon
- Section of Plastic Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Outcomes after Phalloplasty: Do Transgender Patients and Multiple Urethral Procedures Carry a Higher Rate of Complication? Plast Reconstr Surg 2018; 141:220e-229e. [PMID: 29019859 DOI: 10.1097/prs.0000000000004061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Phalloplasty is associated with improved quality-of-life in those with penile defects, and in female-to-male transgender (transmale) patients seeking gender-confirming surgery. However, aggregate complication and outcome data are sparse. This study compares phalloplasty outcomes between transmale and cismale patients and between those with primary versus staged urethroplasty. METHODS A comprehensive literature search of PubMed, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar databases was conducted for studies relating to phalloplasty. Data on techniques, complications, outcomes, and patient demographics were collected. Analysis using the random-effects model with subgroup analyses was performed. RESULTS A total of 50 studies (1351 patients) were included: 19 studies (869 patients) for transmale patients and 31 studies (482 patients) for cismale patients. The urethral complication rate in the transmale group was 39.4 percent (95 percent CI, 30.6 to 48.9 percent; p = 0.028) compared to 24.8 percent (95 percent CI, 16.5 to 35.4 percent; p < 0.001) in the cismale group. The overall flap complication rates for transmale and cismale patients were 10.8 percent (95 percent CI, 7.0 to 16.2 percent; p < 0.001) and 8.1 percent (95 percent CI, 5.5 to 11.7 percent; p < 0.001), respectively. Twenty-three studies (723 patients) used primary urethroplasty and 13 studies (210 patients) performed staged urethroplasty procedures. Flap complication rates of primary and staged urethroplasty were 8.6 percent (95 percent CI, 5.3 to 13.8 percent; p < 0.001) and 16.7 percent (95 percent CI, 10.7 to 24.9 percent; p < 0.001), respectively. Primary urethroplasty had superior outcomes of voiding while standing, sexual function, and patient satisfaction compared with staged urethroplasty. CONCLUSIONS Cismale patients undergoing phalloplasty had lower urethral and flap complication rates compared with transmale patients. Staged urethroplasty had more flap complications, and worse outcomes and patient satisfaction compared with primary urethroplasty.
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Trends in Gender-affirming Surgery in Insured Patients in the United States. PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY-GLOBAL OPEN 2018; 6:e1738. [PMID: 29876180 PMCID: PMC5977951 DOI: 10.1097/gox.0000000000001738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2017] [Accepted: 02/07/2018] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
Background An estimated 0.6% of the U.S. population identifies as transgender and an increasing number of patients are presenting for gender-related medical and surgical services. Utilization of health care services, especially surgical services, by transgender patients is poorly understood beyond survey-based studies. In this article, our aim is 2-fold; first, we intend to demonstrate the utilization of datasets generated by insurance claims data as a means of analyzing gender-related health services, and second, we use this modality to provide basic demographic, utilization, and outcomes data about the insured transgender population. Methods The Truven MarketScan Database, containing data from 2009 to 2015, was utilized, and a sample set was created using the Gender Identity Disorder diagnosis code. Basic demographic information and utilization of gender-affirming procedures was tabulated. Results We identified 7,905 transgender patients, 1,047 of which underwent surgical procedures from 2009 to 2015. Our demographic results were consistent with previous survey-based studies, suggesting transgender patients are on average young adults (average age = 29.8), and geographically diverse. The most common procedure from 2009 to 2015 was mastectomy. Complications of all gender-affirming procedures was 5.8%, with the highest rate of complications occurring with phalloplasty. There was a marked year-by-year increase in utilization of surgical services. Conclusion Transgender care and gender confirming surgery are an increasing component of health care in the United States. The data contained in existing databases can provide demographic, utilization, and outcomes data relevant to providers caring for the transgender patient population.
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Santucci RA. Urethral Complications After Transgender Phalloplasty: Strategies to Treat Them and Minimize Their Occurrence. Clin Anat 2018; 31:187-190. [DOI: 10.1002/ca.23021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2017] [Revised: 11/09/2017] [Accepted: 11/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Terrell M, Roberts W, Price CW, Slater M, Loukas M, Schober J. Anatomy of the pedicled anterolateral thigh flap for phalloplasty in transitioning-males. Clin Anat 2017; 31:160-168. [PMID: 29178184 DOI: 10.1002/ca.23017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2017] [Accepted: 11/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Incidence of transexualism and request for neophalloplasty is increasing yielding a current prevalence of trans-male in the USA of 1:2500. Surgeons have explored various techniques to improve desirable outcomes of neophallic construction, decrease the length of surgery, and minimize stigmatizing scars. The anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap is an alternative to the traditional radial forearm flap for patients who do not want a forearm scar. Surgical text descriptions were enhanced by the creation of new anatomic illustrations. Anatomy of the donor and recipient sites as well as the surgical technique leading to creation of the neophallus are demonstrated in detail with new relevant illustrations. The ALT flap is a skin, fat and fascia flap that is usually supplied by the descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral vessels and the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve. However, variability in neurovascular supply does exist with important clinical implications. In the pedicled surgical procedure, neurovascular supply is left partly attached to the donor site ("pedicle") and simply transposed to the perineum, keeping the pedicle intact as a conduit to supply the tissue with blood and innervation. ALT flap offers clinical advantages of less obvious donor site concealable with clothing, decreased surgical time, preservation of erogenous sensation and vascular supply of the flap without microsurgical anastomosis of nerves and vessels, and good potential for urethroplasty. This surgery may be difficult in patients with thicker skin and more subcutaneous thigh fat. Clin. Anat, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Terrell
- Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Erie, Pennsylvania
| | | | | | - Michael Slater
- Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine-Bradenton, Bradenton, Florida
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