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Siotos C, Underhill JM, Sykes J, Jones KB, Schechter L, Dorafshar AH, Hamidian Jahromi A. Trends of Medicare reimbursement rates for gender affirmation procedures. J Sex Med 2024; 21:181-191. [PMID: 38055925 DOI: 10.1093/jsxmed/qdad160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While nearly 1 in 5 Americans receives health insurance coverage through Medicare, literature suggests that Medicare reimbursement is lagging behind inflation for many plastic surgery procedures. AIM This article evaluates trends in Medicare reimbursement for gender affirmation procedures. METHODS The most common gender affirmation procedures performed at an urban academic medical center were identified in this cross-sectional study (level 4 evidence). Five nongender surgery codes were evaluated for reference. A standardized formula utilizing relative value units (RVUs) was used to calculate monetary data. Differences in reimbursement between 2014 and 2021 were calculated for each procedure. OUTCOME The main outcome was inflation-adjusted difference of charges from 2014 to 2021. RESULTS Between 2014 and 2021, Medicare reimbursement for gender affirmation procedures had an inflation-unadjusted average change of -0.09% (vs +5.63% for the selected nongender codes) and an inflation-adjusted change of -10.03% (vs -5.54% for the selected nongender codes). Trends in reimbursement varied by category of gender-affirming procedure. The overall average compound annual growth rate had a change of -0.99% (vs -0.53% for the selected nongender codes). The average changes in work, facility, and malpractice RVUs were -1.05%, +9.52%, and -0.93%, respectively. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS Gender surgeons and patients should be aware that the decrease in reimbursement may affect access to gender-affirming care. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS Our study is one of the first evaluating the reimbursement rates associated with the full spectrum of gender affirmation surgery. However, our study is limited by its cross-sectional nature. CONCLUSIONS From 2014 to 2021, Medicare reimbursement for gender affirmation procedures lagged inflation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charalampos Siotos
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60607, United States
| | - Joshua M Underhill
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60607, United States
| | - Jennifer Sykes
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Temple University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA 19140, United States
| | - Kody B Jones
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60607, United States
| | - Loren Schechter
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60607, United States
| | - Amir H Dorafshar
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60607, United States
| | - Alireza Hamidian Jahromi
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Temple University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA 19140, United States
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Pokrowiecki R, Šufliarsky B, Jagielak M. Feminization Surgery of the Upper Face as the Crucial Factor in Gender Confirmation-Pearls and Pitfalls. Medicina (Kaunas) 2024; 60:120. [PMID: 38256381 PMCID: PMC10821352 DOI: 10.3390/medicina60010120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Background: Upper-face feminization is a frequently executed procedure in sexual reassignment surgery, owing to its ability to influence gender identity through adjustments to the hairline, forehead, and peri-orbital area. The procedure includes reducing the hairline, lifting the brows, shaving the orbital region, and applying specific techniques to reduce the frontal bone. This research aims to assess the outcomes, results, and potential complications associated with this surgery among transgender patients. Material and Method: Retrospective review of medical records of 20 patients who attended for facial feminization surgery of the upper face between June 2022 and June 2023, analyzing the previously performed procedures, complications and revision surgery outcomes, and first-time procedures. A literature review was performed for similar studies. Results: 20 patients were included in the study. Among the cohort treated elsewhere (n = 11), the primary complaint was insufficient browbone reduction and anterior frontal sinus table setback. They underwent poorly performed Type 1 reduction when full forehead reconstruction (Type 3/4) was indicated (n = 3), or no reduction was performed during hairline advancement (n = 4). Type 3 forehead reduction with orbital shaving and hairline advancement with simultaneous temporal browlift was most commonly performed in both revision and first-time surgical upper face feminization (n = 15) (75%). Type 1 osteoplasty was performed in four patients (10%), one Type 3 revision surgery was performed after insufficient Type 3 reduction, and one case of shock-induced alopecia was reported, treated with PRP/peptides and a FUE hair graft. Conclusions: The author's preferred technique, 'whole-in-one' upper face feminization by modified bi-coronal incision with frontal trichophytic hyper-beveled incision, provides sufficient insight into the frontal bone and orbital region, the desired forehead osteoplasty and the most efficient insight into the temporal area, enabling safe dissection between fasciae, ligamentous adhesion removal, and periosteal attachment, providing full soft and hard tissue feminization. Nevertheless, feminization procedures should be meticulously planned, and all concerning issues should be addressed during the first surgery in order to prevent revisions, complications, and patient dissatisfaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafał Pokrowiecki
- Prive Esthetic and Facial Feminization Surgery Centre, 02-640 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Barbora Šufliarsky
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava and University Hospital, 81372 Bratislava, Slovakia
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Strock D, Sivesind TE, Dellavalle RP, Mundinger GS. Isotretinoin Use in Transmasculine Patients and Its Implication on Chest Masculinization Surgery: Scoping Review of the Literature. JMIR Dermatol 2023; 6:e45351. [PMID: 37616418 PMCID: PMC10450534 DOI: 10.2196/45351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acne often worsens in transmasculine patients who are on prolonged testosterone therapy. Isotretinoin is an oral retinoid used in the treatment of severe or refractory cases of acne, but it has the potential to cause delayed wound healing. Transmasculine patients may potentially be prescribed treatment for acne with isotretinoin while also planning to undergo chest masculinization surgery. OBJECTIVE This scoping review aims to determine whether isotretinoin has a negative impact on postoperative healing in transmasculine patients undergoing chest masculinization surgery. METHODS A scoping review was performed using the PubMed and Ovid databases. A total of 16 publications were selected for inclusion. RESULTS Acne tends to peak in transmasculine patients 6 months after initiation of testosterone treatment. Severe cases can be treated with isotretinoin; however, acne may recur once treatment is discontinued, given ongoing hormone therapy. There is little to no evidence in the medical literature regarding perioperative use of isotretinoin specifically among transmasculine patients undergoing chest masculinization surgery. In general, however, recent studies have found no evidence of increased hypertrophic scars or keloids in patients taking isotretinoin. CONCLUSIONS Further studies are required to strengthen the current evidence that suggests that isotretinoin does not need to be discontinued before or after incisional or excisional surgeries, including chest masculinization surgery in transmasculine patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Strock
- School of Medicine, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, United States
| | - Torunn E Sivesind
- Department of Dermatology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Robert P Dellavalle
- Department of Dermatology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
- Department of Epidemiology, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
- Dermatology Service, Rocky Mountain Regional Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Aurora, CO, United States
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4
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Bayar E, Williams NJ, Alghrani A, Murugesu S, Saso S, Bracewell-Milnes T, Thum MY, Nicopoullos J, Sangster P, Yasmin E, Smith JR, Wilkinson S, Pacey A, Jones BP. Fertility preservation and realignment in transgender women. HUM FERTIL 2023; 26:463-482. [PMID: 36799335 DOI: 10.1080/14647273.2022.2163195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
Medical care for transgender people is multi-faceted and attention to individual reproductive aspirations and planning are an essential, yet often overlooked aspect of care. Given the impact of hormonal therapy and other gender affirmation procedures on reproductive function, extensive counselling and consideration of fertility preservation is recommended prior to their commencement. This review article explores the reproductive aspirations of transgender women and considers the current disparity between stated desires regarding utilisation of fertility preservation services. Current fertility preservation options and prospective treatments currently showing promise in the research arena are explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erna Bayar
- Department of Gynaecology, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College NHS Trust, London, UK
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Nicola J Williams
- Department of Politics, Philosophy and Religion, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK
| | - Amel Alghrani
- School of Law and Social Justice, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Sughashini Murugesu
- Department of Gynaecology, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College NHS Trust, London, UK
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Srdjan Saso
- Department of Gynaecology, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College NHS Trust, London, UK
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | | | - Meen-Yau Thum
- Lister Fertility Clinic, The Lister Hospital, Chelsea Bridge Road, London, UK
| | - James Nicopoullos
- Lister Fertility Clinic, The Lister Hospital, Chelsea Bridge Road, London, UK
| | - Philippa Sangster
- Reproductive Medicine Unit, University College London Hospital, London, UK
| | - Ephia Yasmin
- Reproductive Medicine Unit, University College London Hospital, London, UK
| | - J Richard Smith
- Department of Gynaecology, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College NHS Trust, London, UK
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Stephen Wilkinson
- Department of Politics, Philosophy and Religion, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK
| | - Allan Pacey
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Benjamin P Jones
- Department of Gynaecology, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College NHS Trust, London, UK
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK
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Konnoth C. Mental Health Parity Arguments for Accessing Gender Affirmation Surgery. Am J Law Med 2023; 49:386-395. [PMID: 38344787 DOI: 10.1017/amj.2023.39] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
Many insurers exclude coverage for transgender individuals. Litigation challenging these exclusions has increased. Most of these cases successfully advance equality claims by arguing that trans exclusions discriminate based on sex. That is, procedures performed on patients for reasons unrelated to gender affirming care are being denied to transgender individuals. There are, however, limitations to this argument. First, some courts may construe care narrowly and hold that some procedures are unique to gender affirming care that have no analog in other contexts. Second, a court that is hostile to the sex discrimination argument might hold that the denial does not arise from sex discrimination, but rather, because of the kind of diagnosis at issue. Further, the sex discrimination argument might force transgender individuals into making claims based on a binarized gender identity which may not conform with their lived experience.Claims based on the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 (MHPAEA) can address these shortcomings. This Act prohibits insurers from discriminating against mental health diagnoses-for example, procedures that insurers cover because of medical or surgical diagnoses should also be covered if indicated for mental health diagnoses. Gender dysphoria is a recognized mental health diagnosis. Transgender individuals seeking gender affirming care arising from gender dysphoria can thus claim that exclusions of coverage violate the MHPAEA. Some transgender individuals might raise concerns that such an approach would lead to increased medicalization of trans identity. However, an MHPAEA claim would only appear in cases where a transgender individual is voluntarily submitting themselves to medical assistance in order to advance their own autonomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig Konnoth
- School of Law, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
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Pang KH, Christopher N, Ralph DJ, Lee WG. Insertion of inflatable penile prosthesis in the neophallus of assigned female at birth individuals: a systematic review of surgical techniques, complications and outcomes. Ther Adv Urol 2023; 15:17562872231199584. [PMID: 37719136 PMCID: PMC10503286 DOI: 10.1177/17562872231199584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Devices such as inflatable penile prostheses (IPP) can be used to achieve erectile rigidity after phalloplasty in assigned female at birth (AFAB) individuals. The approach to inserting an IPP in a neophallus is different and more challenging compared to that of an anatomical penis due to the absence of anatomical structures such as the corpora cavernosa, and the more tenuous blood supply of the neophallus and reconstructed urethra. In addition, the ideal surgical techniques and devices for use in the neophallus have not been defined. This review systematically summarises the literature on the insertion of IPP in the neophallus of individuals AFAB. In particular, the described techniques, types of devices used and peri-operative and patient-reported outcomes are emphasised. An initial search of the PubMed database was performed on 16 September 2022 and an updated search was performed on 26 May 2023. Overall, 185 articles were screened for eligibility and 15 studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis. Two studies reported outcomes on the zephyr surgical implant 475 FTM device and the others reported outcomes on the Boston Scientific AMS 600/700TM CX 3-piece inflatable, AMS AmbicorTM 2-piece inflatable, Coloplast Titan® or Dynaflex devices. Overall, 1106 IPPs were analysed. The infection rate was 4.2%-50%, with most studies reporting an infection rate of <30%. Mechanical failure or dysfunction occurred in 1.4%-36.4%, explantation was required in 3.3%-41.6%, and implant revision or replacement was performed in 6%-70%. Overall, 51.4%-90.6% of patients were satisfied and 77%-100% were engaging in sexual intercourse. An IPP in a neophallus is an acceptable option to achieve rigidity for sexual intercourse. However, this challenging procedure has good reports of patient and partner satisfaction despite significant risks of complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karl H. Pang
- Department of Urology, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, 235 Euston Road, London NW1 2PG, UK
- Division of Surgery and Interventional Sciences, University College London, London, UK
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
- Division of Urology, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong
| | - Nim Christopher
- Department of Urology, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, 235 Euston Road, London NW1 2PG, UK
- St. Peter’s Andrology Centre, London, UK
| | - David J. Ralph
- Department of Urology, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, 235 Euston Road, London NW1 2PG, UK
- St. Peter’s Andrology Centre, London, UK
| | - Wai Gin Lee
- Department of Urology, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, 235 Euston Road, London NW1 2PG, UK
- St. Peter’s Andrology Centre, London, UK
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7
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Memtsoudis SG, Zhong H, Liu J, Poeran J, Cozowicz C, Sites B. Persistent opioid use after gender affirmation surgery. Br J Anaesth 2023; 130:e1-e4. [PMID: 36376101 DOI: 10.1016/j.bja.2022.09.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Stavros G Memtsoudis
- Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care & Pain Management, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY, USA; Department of Anesthesiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA; Department of Health Policy and Research, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Haoyan Zhong
- Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care & Pain Management, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jiabin Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care & Pain Management, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY, USA; Department of Anesthesiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jashvant Poeran
- Institute for Healthcare Delivery Science, Department of Population Health Science and Policy, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Department of Orthopedics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Crispiana Cozowicz
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative Medicine and Intensive Care Medicine, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Brian Sites
- Department of Anesthesiology and Orthopaedics, Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH, USA
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Anderson D, Wijetunge H, Moore P, Provenzano D, Li N, Hasoon J, Viswanath O, Kaye AD, Urits I. Gender Dysphoria and Its Non-Surgical and Surgical Treatments. Health Psychol Res 2022; 10:38358. [PMID: 36168640 PMCID: PMC9501960 DOI: 10.52965/001c.38358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Gender dysphoria is defined by severe or persistent distress associated with an incongruence between one's gender identity and biological sex. It is estimated that 1.4 million Americans and 25 million people worldwide identify as transgender and that 0.6% of Americans experience gender dysphoria. The pathophysiology of gender dysphoria is multifactorial and incompletely understood. Genetics, androgen exposure, neuroanatomy, brain connectivity, history of trauma, parents with psychological disorders, and being raised by less than two parents are associated with gender dysphoria. Gender dysphoria most frequently presents in early teenage years but can present earlier or later. Anxiety and depression are the two most common comorbid diagnoses and may be the reason for presentation to medical care. Diagnosis is established through history and or validated questionnaires. Treatment includes psychosocial therapy, pharmacotherapy for underlying depression and/or anxiety, hormonal therapy, non-genital and/or genital feminization or masculinization operations. The frequency and severity of treatment related morbidity increases progressively as treatments go from conservative to more invasive. Gender dysphoria and its treatment is individualized and not completely understood.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Himasa Wijetunge
- School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center
| | - Peyton Moore
- School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Science Center
| | - Daniel Provenzano
- School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center
| | - Nathan Li
- Medical School, Medical College of Wisconsin
| | - Jamal Hasoon
- Anesthesiology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School
| | - Omar Viswanath
- School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center
| | - Alan D Kaye
- School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center
| | - Ivan Urits
- School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center
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Stizzo M, Manfredi C, Spirito L, Sciorio C, Otero JR, Salamanca JIM, Crocetto F, Verze P, Imbimbo C, Fusco F, De Sio M, Arcaniolo D. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy as adjuvant treatment for surgical site infections after male-to-female gender affirmation surgery: A ten-year experience. Andrology 2022; 10:1310-1316. [PMID: 35726785 PMCID: PMC9541545 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Several urological conditions that share an impairment of tissue oxygenation can benefit from hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO), limited evidence is available on the impact of HBO in patients undergoing male-to-female (MtF) Gender Affirmation Surgery (GAS). AIM To evaluate the efficacy and safety of HBO as adjuvant treatment for surgical site infections in patients undergoing MtF GAS. METHODS This research was conducted as an observational retrospective study. Patients undergoing MtF GAS at the principal investigators' Institution from January 2009 to September 2019, with a discharge diagnosis of complicated superficial or deep wound infections, were included. All patients underwent standard management of wound infection. Subjects received HBO or not at the surgeon's discretion and were assigned to the HBO vs. non-HBO group accordingly. Complete wound healing rate (primary outcome), duration of antibiotic therapy, perineal drain time, bladder catheter time, and hospital stay were recorded. All adverse events that occurred during the study period were described. RESULTS A total of 156 patients underwent MtF GAS in the study period. Thirty-three patients were enrolled. Fifteen subjects belonged to the HBO group, the other 18 to the non-HBO group. No statistically significant differences were found between the two groups at baseline. Penile inversion vaginoplasty and intestinal vaginoplasty were performed in 9 (60%) and 6 (40%) patients of the HBO group. Only penile inversion vaginoplasty was performed in subjects of the non-HBO group. Complete wound healing was obtained in 15 patients (100%) of the HBO group and 17 patients (94.4%) of the non-HBO group (p = 0.35). Duration of antibiotic therapy, perineal drain time, bladder catheter time, and hospital stay were significantly lower in the HBO group (p<0.05). CONCLUSION Our preliminary data suggest a role of HBO as adjuvant treatment for surgical site infection in patients undergoing MtF GAS. Randomized controlled trials properly powered are needed to confirm our findings. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Stizzo
- Urology Unit, Department of Woman, Child and General and Specialized Surgery, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Celeste Manfredi
- Urology Unit, Department of Woman, Child and General and Specialized Surgery, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Spirito
- Urology Unit, Department of Woman, Child and General and Specialized Surgery, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy.,Department of General and Specialized Surgeries, Renal Transplantation, Nephrology, Care and Pain Management, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Javier Romero Otero
- Department of Urology, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), Hospital Universitario 12 Octubre, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Felice Crocetto
- Department of General and Specialized Surgeries, Renal Transplantation, Nephrology, Care and Pain Management, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Paolo Verze
- Urology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Ciro Imbimbo
- Department of General and Specialized Surgeries, Renal Transplantation, Nephrology, Care and Pain Management, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Ferdinando Fusco
- Urology Unit, Department of Woman, Child and General and Specialized Surgery, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Marco De Sio
- Urology Unit, Department of Woman, Child and General and Specialized Surgery, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Davide Arcaniolo
- Urology Unit, Department of Woman, Child and General and Specialized Surgery, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
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Aquino NJ, Boskey ER, Staffa SJ, Ganor O, Crest AW, Gemmill KV, Cravero JP, Vlassakova B. A Single Center Case Series of Gender-Affirming Surgeries and the Evolution of a Specialty Anesthesia Team. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11071943. [PMID: 35407551 PMCID: PMC9000168 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11071943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Most minors and young transgender persons wishing to undergo gender-affirming surgery need to seek specialists affiliated with gender affirmation programs in adult hospitals. Research suggests gender affirmation surgery has been established as an effective and medically indicated treatment for gender dysphoria. Although most data on gender-affirming surgeries are from adult populations, there is growing literature establishing their effectiveness in adolescents and young adults. Therefore, it is critical to evaluate the perioperative outcomes for gender-diverse youth to deliver safe and affirming care. The primary objective of this retrospective case series is to examine the perioperative characteristics and outcomes of patients with gender identity disorders (International Classification of Diseases [ICD]-10-code F64) who underwent chest reconstruction (mastectomy) and genital surgery (phalloplasty, metoidioplasty, and vaginoplasty) in a pediatric academic hospital. The secondary aim is to evaluate the value of a specialized anesthesia team for improving clinical outcomes, interdisciplinary communication, and further advancing the transgender perioperative experience. We identified 204 gender affirmation surgical cases, 177 chests/top surgeries, and 27 genital/bottom surgeries. These findings indicate gender-diverse individuals who underwent life-changing surgery at our institution had a median age of 18 years old, with many patients identifying as transmen. Our data suggests that postoperative pain was significant, but adverse events were minimal. The evolution of a specialty anesthesia team and initiatives (anesthesia management guidelines, scheduling, continuity, and education) necessitate direct care coordination and multidisciplinary planning for gender affirmation surgery in transgender youth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nelson J. Aquino
- Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (S.J.S.); (A.W.C.); (K.V.G.); (J.P.C.); (B.V.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Elizabeth R. Boskey
- Center for Gender Surgery, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (E.R.B.); (O.G.)
| | - Steven J. Staffa
- Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (S.J.S.); (A.W.C.); (K.V.G.); (J.P.C.); (B.V.)
| | - Oren Ganor
- Center for Gender Surgery, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (E.R.B.); (O.G.)
| | - Alyson W. Crest
- Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (S.J.S.); (A.W.C.); (K.V.G.); (J.P.C.); (B.V.)
| | - Kristin V. Gemmill
- Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (S.J.S.); (A.W.C.); (K.V.G.); (J.P.C.); (B.V.)
| | - Joseph P. Cravero
- Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (S.J.S.); (A.W.C.); (K.V.G.); (J.P.C.); (B.V.)
| | - Bistra Vlassakova
- Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (S.J.S.); (A.W.C.); (K.V.G.); (J.P.C.); (B.V.)
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Brownstone LM, DeRieux J, Kelly DA, Sumlin LJ, Gaudiani JL. Body Mass Index Requirements for Gender-Affirming Surgeries Are Not Empirically Based. Transgend Health 2021; 6:121-124. [PMID: 34414267 DOI: 10.1089/trgh.2020.0068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Body mass index (BMI) requirements for gender affirmation surgery (GAS) are ubiquitous and vary across providers. Requirement variation is not surprising given little data to suggest an association between BMI and GAS outcomes. Implementation of subjective BMI requirements limits access to GAS and negatively impacts patient health and safety. We outline the literature on BMI and GAS outcomes, discuss clinical utility of GAS, and summarize dangers of prescribing weight loss as a prerequisite for surgery. We propose that providers use empirically supported indices of health and comorbidity instead of BMI to determine surgical eligibility for all patients considering GAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa M Brownstone
- Counseling Psychology, University of Denver, Morgridge College of Education, Denver, Colorado, USA
| | - Jaclyn DeRieux
- Department of Surgery, Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital, Santa Barbara, California, USA
| | - Devin A Kelly
- Counseling Psychology, University of Denver, Morgridge College of Education, Denver, Colorado, USA
| | - Lanie J Sumlin
- Eating Disorder Care, Denver, Colorado, USA.,School of Education and Human Development, Counseling Psychology and Counselor Education, University of Colorado, Denver, Colorado, USA
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12
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Harris J, Premaratne ID, Spector JA. Facial Masculinization from Procedures to Payment: A Review. LGBT Health 2021; 8:444-453. [PMID: 34403627 DOI: 10.1089/lgbt.2020.0128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
As the demand for gender-affirming procedures continues to increase, patients and providers have a greater imperative to understand the current state of facial masculinization. Facial reconstruction for transgender women has been shown to treat gender dysphoria effectively and reduce rates of discrimination and victimization. Although facial masculinization surgery for transgender men is less common, there are multiple surgical and nonsurgical options to supplement the effect of hormone therapy on facial appearance, including but not limited to: receding the hair line, flattening the forehead, expanding the supraorbital ridge, increasing the dorsal nasal projection, squaring the jaw, and augmenting the chin. This review aims to summarize these techniques for providers who wish to inform transgender male patients about their options and discuss them in the context of patient satisfaction and availability of insurance coverage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Harris
- Laboratory of Bioregenerative Medicine and Surgery, Division of Plastic Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA
| | - Ishani D Premaratne
- Laboratory of Bioregenerative Medicine and Surgery, Division of Plastic Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA
| | - Jason A Spector
- Laboratory of Bioregenerative Medicine and Surgery, Division of Plastic Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA.,Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
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13
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Tirrell AR, Abu El Hawa AA, Bekeny JC, Fan KL, Del Corral G. Minimizing opioid consumption by eliminating patient-controlled analgesia after penile inversion vaginoplasty with enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol. Andrology 2021; 10:232-240. [PMID: 34392611 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Genital-based gender affirmation surgery is a physically demanding procedure requiring extensive postoperative pain management. However, perioperative opioid use for these procedures is relatively understudied. OBJECTIVES This study analyzes whether intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) enhances pain control after penile inversion vaginoplasty (PIV) in the setting of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols, and whether non-PCA (NCA)-based regimens could reduce postoperative opioid use. METHODS All patients undergoing PIV with ERAS protocols by a single provider from December 2018 to November 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Patient demographics, comorbid conditions, pain scores, length of stay (LOS), and opioid usage during their hospitalization were collected. Postoperative opioid use and pain scores were compared between PCA and NCA patient cohorts. RESULTS A total of 61 patients were included. 30 patients received intravenous PCA postoperatively, and 31 patients used NCA-based narcotic pain control. All patients underwent ERAS protocol perioperatively. Average patient age was 34.5 years (SD 11.9) in the PCA cohort and 37.6 years (SD 11.9) in the NCA cohort (p = 0.242). Average total postoperative opioid use during hospital stay was reduced by 53.7% in the NCA cohort, with an average use of 501.6 morphine milligram equivalents (MME) (SD 410.3) among PCA patients and an average use of 232.0 MME (SD 216.5) among NCA patients (p = 0.003). Daily average pain scores for postoperative days 1 to 6 did not differ between the PCA and NCA patient groups (p > 0.05). Average hospital LOS was shorter among NCA patients, 6.2 days (SD 1.0) versus 7.3 days (SD 1.4), respectively, (p < 0.001). DISCUSSION In combination with an ERAS non-narcotic pain control protocol, it may be possible to reduce opioid use by more than 50% and shorten length of postoperative hospital stay among patients by implementing NCA pain management protocols. CONCLUSION Minimizing postoperative opioid consumption after PIV will benefit patients and their sustained well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail R Tirrell
- Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Areeg A Abu El Hawa
- Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Jenna C Bekeny
- Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Kenneth L Fan
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Gabriel Del Corral
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
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14
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Küenzlen L, Nasim S, Neerven SV, Binder M, Wellenbrock S, Kühn S, Spennato S, Rieger UM, Bozkurt A. Multimodal evaluation of donor site morbidity in transgender individuals after phalloplasty with a free radial forearm flap: a case-control study. J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg 2021; 75:25-32. [PMID: 34321186 DOI: 10.1016/j.bjps.2021.05.068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2020] [Revised: 04/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In phalloplasty, there is a lack of standardized follow-up examinations of motor function and strength after harvesting oversized radial forearm free flaps (RFFF). METHODS We evaluated the donor site of 20 transmen after phalloplasty, using a multimodal, standardized approach, assessing the following parameters: opposition of the thumb, composite range of motion of the finger joints, grip strength, mobility of the wrist, lesion of the superficial branch of the radial nerve, the dorsal branch of the ulnar nerve, the sensation of pain, and cold intolerance. The contralateral, nonoperated forearm was used as a control. RESULTS No impairment of the mobility of the thumb (Kapandji score median 10, range 5-10) or fingers (all fingers at both sides pulp-to-palm 0 cm, nail-to-table 0 cm) were detected. Grip strength (median 36,3kg, p=0.629) and wrist extension (62.5°vs.70°, p=0.357), flexion (70°vs.70°, p=0.535), pronation (90°vs.90°), supination (90°vs.90°), radial (30°vs.30°, p=0.195), and ulnar deviation (40°vs.50°, p=0.125) did not statistically differ between donor and control hand. Injury of the dorsal branch of the ulnar nerve was uncommon (0% hypoesthesia, 10% positive Tinel's sign). We did not observe any persistent pain of the donor forearm (NRS median 0, range 0-9). We did observe irritation of the superficial branch of the radial nerve (hypoesthesia 40%, neuroma 45%). CONCLUSION The harvest of an oversized RFFF for phalloplasty does not cause any significant difference in motor function or strength between the donor and nonoperated hand. A potential risk of injuring the radial nerve branch is to be avoided. An aesthetic impairment could be addressed in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara Küenzlen
- Department of Plastic & Aesthetic, Reconstructive & Hand Surgery, AGAPLESION Markus Hospital Frankfurt, Wilhelm-Epstein-Straße 4, 60431 Frankfurt/Main, Germany.
| | - Sahra Nasim
- Department of Plastic & Aesthetic, Reconstructive & Hand Surgery, AGAPLESION Markus Hospital Frankfurt, Wilhelm-Epstein-Straße 4, 60431 Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - Sabien van Neerven
- Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Moritz Binder
- Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Sascha Wellenbrock
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Fachklinik Hornheide, Münster, Germany
| | - Shafreena Kühn
- Department of Plastic & Aesthetic, Reconstructive & Hand Surgery, AGAPLESION Markus Hospital Frankfurt, Wilhelm-Epstein-Straße 4, 60431 Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - Stefano Spennato
- Department of Plastic & Aesthetic, Reconstructive & Hand Surgery, AGAPLESION Markus Hospital Frankfurt, Wilhelm-Epstein-Straße 4, 60431 Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - Ulrich M Rieger
- Department of Plastic & Aesthetic, Reconstructive & Hand Surgery, AGAPLESION Markus Hospital Frankfurt, Wilhelm-Epstein-Straße 4, 60431 Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - Ahmet Bozkurt
- Department of Plastic, Hand, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery, Helios University Hospital Wuppertal, Germany
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Selvaggi G, Manner K, Sakinis A, Olausson M. A pilot retrospective CT angio study of the internal pudendal arteries in male bodies, for the purpose of penis transplantation to trans men. J Plast Surg Hand Surg 2021; 56:63-68. [PMID: 34010105 DOI: 10.1080/2000656x.2021.1927058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Literature reports four successful cases where penile transplantation has been performed for cis men. To date, no penis transplantation has ever been attempted for trans men. Modern surgical techniques for penis reconstruction for (trans) men with gender incongruence present multiple drawbacks, and sometimes fail to meet patients' expectations. Penis transplantation could represent an alternative solution. With the aim of planning penis transplantation to trans men, a previous study from our same group suggested a surgical technique for explantation of penis and associated vessels, nerves and urethra en-bloc from a cadaver: further radiographic imaging of vascular anatomy was recommended. To measure length and diameter of the internal pudendal arteries at three set points in biological males, in order to confirm its viability for transplantation. A retrospective examination of existing CT images visualizing the internal pudendal arteries in 12 bodies, assigned male at birth, was performed. Diameters were measured in three points: 1. the take off of the artery; 2. distal to its rectal branch; and, 3. at the bifurcation of the two terminal branches of the artery, i.e. the bulbourethral artery and the dorsal artery of the penis. Mean diameters of the selected points were 2.4 mm, 1.9 mm, and 1.5 mm on both sides. Mean lengths of internal pudendal arteries were 111.2 mm on the left, and 120.1 mm on the right side. Diameters of the internal pudendal artery is sufficient for arterial anastomosis at all measured points. Lengths are sufficient to reach recipient vessels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gennaro Selvaggi
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Kristiina Manner
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Augustinas Sakinis
- Department of Radiology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Michael Olausson
- Department of Transplantation Surgery, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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16
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Hamidian Jahromi A, Akin J, Reynolds A. Examination of current available methods for pain management after vaginoplasty procedures. Pain Manag 2021; 11:433-435. [PMID: 33829864 DOI: 10.2217/pmt-2021-0016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Tweetable abstract As vaginoplasties become increasingly prevalent, it is imperative to develop efficient techniques to achieve adequate postoperative pain control. Currently available pain management methods following vaginoplasties are briefly discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Hamidian Jahromi
- Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Jennifer Akin
- Rush Medical College, Rush University, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
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17
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Louis M, Travieso R, Oles N, Coon D. Narrative review of facial gender surgery: approaches and techniques for the frontal sinus and upper third of the face. Ann Transl Med 2021; 9:606. [PMID: 33987304 DOI: 10.21037/atm-20-6432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Facial gender confirmation surgery (FGCS) is a series of procedures which seek to harmonize a patient's face with his/her self-image and gender identity. Originally described in San Francisco in the 1980s, FGCS has evolved to encompass all elements of the craniofacial skeleton and facial soft tissue. This field in plastic and reconstructive surgery has quickly gained more attention in the past decade due to the pioneering work of groups around the world along with increased social acceptance and medical care of the transgender community. This narrative review focuses on the upper third of the face. Key differences in the forehead and the hairline of cis men and women are discussed which inform pharmacologic and surgical interventions. Hairline modifying therapies including pharmacotherapy and hair transplantation are explained. Virtual surgical planning (VSP), a tool broadly used in surgical fields, has a special role in FGCS and we offer advice in using VSP when addressing the frontal sinus. Use of VSP allows the surgeon to provide reproducible and accurate results. We then discuss the history of the frontal sinus setback and offer our algorithmic approach to recontouring the forehead with detailed description of the operative steps and decision making. Finally, postoperative care and complications considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Louis
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Roberto Travieso
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Johns Hopkins Center for Transgender Health, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Norah Oles
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Johns Hopkins Center for Transgender Health, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Devin Coon
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Johns Hopkins Center for Transgender Health, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD, USA
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18
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Gorbea E, Gidumal S, Kozato A, Pang JH, Safer JD, Rosenberg J. Insurance Coverage of Facial Gender Affirmation Surgery: A Review of Medicaid and Commercial Insurance. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2021; 165:791-797. [PMID: 33722109 DOI: 10.1177/0194599821997734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To provide a portrait of gender affirmation surgery (GAS) insurance coverage across the United States, with attention to procedures of the head and neck. STUDY DESIGN Systematic review. SETTING Policy review of US medical insurance companies. METHODS State policies on transgender care for Medicaid insurance providers were collected for all 50 states. Each state's policy on GAS and facial gender affirmation surgery (FGAS) was examined. The largest medical insurance companies in the United States were identified using the National Association of Insurance Commissioners Market Share report. Policies of the top 49 primary commercial medical insurance companies were examined. RESULTS Medicaid policy reviews found that 18 states offer some level of gender-affirming coverage for their patients, but only 3 include FGAS (17%). Thirteen states prohibit Medicaid coverage of all transgender surgery, and 19 states have no published gender-affirming medical care coverage policy. Ninety-two percent of commercial medical insurance providers had a published policy on GAS coverage. Genital reconstruction was described as a medically necessary aspect of transgender care in 100% of the commercial policies reviewed. Ninety-three percent discussed coverage of FGAS, but 51% considered these procedures cosmetic. Thyroid chondroplasty (20%) was the most commonly covered FGAS procedure. Mandibular and frontal bone contouring, rhinoplasty, blepharoplasty, and facial rhytidectomy were each covered by 13% of the medical policies reviewed. CONCLUSION While certain surgical aspects of gender-affirming medical care are nearly ubiquitously covered by commercial insurance providers, FGAS is considered cosmetic by most Medicaid and commercial insurance providers, potentially limiting patient access. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level V.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrique Gorbea
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Division of Facial Plastic Surgery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Sunder Gidumal
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Division of Facial Plastic Surgery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Aki Kozato
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Division of Facial Plastic Surgery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - John Henry Pang
- Center for Transgender Medicine and Surgery, Mount Sinai Health System and Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA.,Department of Surgery, Division of Plastic Surgery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Joshua D Safer
- Center for Transgender Medicine and Surgery, Mount Sinai Health System and Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Joshua Rosenberg
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Division of Facial Plastic Surgery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA.,Center for Transgender Medicine and Surgery, Mount Sinai Health System and Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
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19
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Grimstad F, McLaren H, Gray M. The gynecologic examination of the transfeminine person after penile inversion vaginoplasty. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2021; 224:266-273. [PMID: 33039391 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2020.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2020] [Revised: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
As more transfeminine patients (transgender and gender-diverse persons, sex assigned male at birth, who identify on the feminine spectrum of gender) are undergoing gender-affirming penile inversion vaginoplasty, gynecologists, as providers of vaginal care for both native and neovaginas, should be prepared to welcome these patients into their practice and offer long-term pelvic healthcare. Many parts of the anatomy, clinical examination, and aftercare differ from both native vaginas and other neovaginal surgical techniques. Transgender and gender-diverse patients cite a lack of clinician knowledge as a barrier to accessing affirming and competent healthcare. Although publications are emerging regarding this procedure, most focus on intraoperative and postoperative complications. These studies are not positioned to provide long-term pelvic health guidance or robust instruction on typical examination findings. This clinical opinion aims to address that knowledge gap by describing the gynecologic examination in the transfeminine person who has undergone a penile inversion vaginoplasty. We review the anatomic changes with surgery and the neovagina's physiology. We describe the examination of the vulva, vagina, and urethra and discuss special considerations for performing pelvic examinations on patients with a penile inversion vaginoplasty neovagina. We will also address common pathologic findings and their initial management. This clinical opinion originates from the expertise of gynecologists who have cared for high volumes of transfeminine patients who have undergone penile inversion vaginoplasties at tertiary care centers performing gender-affirming genital surgery, along with existing research on postpenile inversion vaginoplasty outcomes. Gynecologists should be familiar with the anatomic changes that occur with penile inversion vaginoplasty gender-affirming surgery and how those changes affect care. Providing transgender patients with comprehensive care including this sensitive examination can and should be part of the gynecologist's scope of practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frances Grimstad
- Division of Gynecology, Department of Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.
| | - Hillary McLaren
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS
| | - Meredith Gray
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Metoidioplasty is a variant of phalloplasty for transmen that includes the creation of the neophallus from a hormonally enlarged clitoris, urethral lengthening and scrotoplasty. The procedure results in male appearance of genitalia, voiding in standing position and preserved sexual arousal, but without possibility for penetrative intercourse. We evaluated outcomes of metoidioplasty at our center, based on latest surgical refinements. METHODS During the period of 14 years (from February 2006 to April 2020), 813 transmen with mean age of 24.4 years and mean body mass index of 24.6, underwent one stage metoidioplasty. Hysterectomy was simultaneously performed in 156, and mastectomy in 58 cases. Hysterectomy, mastectomy and metoidioplasty were done as a one-stage procedure in 46 transmen. Patients are divided in 5 groups, depending on the type of urethroplasty. Postoperative questionnaires were used to evaluate cosmetic and functional outcomes, as well as patients' satisfaction. RESULTS Follow-up ranged from 16 to 180 months (mean 94 months). Mean surgery time was 170 minutes and mean hospital stay was 3 days. Length of the neophallus ranged from 4.8 cm to 10.2 cm (mean 5.6 cm). Urethroplasty was complication-free in 89.5% of cases, and ranged between 81% to 90.3% in different groups. Urethral fistula and stricture occured in 8.85% and 1.70% of cases, respectively. Other complications included testicular implant rejection in 2%, testicular displacement in 3.20% and vaginal remnant in 9.60% of cases. From 655 patients who answered the questionnaire, 79% were totally satisfied and 20% mainly satisfied with the result of surgery. All patients reported voiding in standing position and good sexual arousal of the neophallus, without possibility for penetrative intercourse due to small size of the neophallus. CONCLUSION Metoidioplasty has good cosmetic and functional outcomes, with low complication rate and high level of patients' satisfaction. In transmen who request total phalloplasty after metoidioplasty, all available phalloplasty techniques are feasable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noemi Bordas
- Department of Urology, Semmelweis Hospital, Kiskunhalas, Hungary
- Belgrade Centre for Urogenital Reconstructive Surgery, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Borko Stojanovic
- Belgrade Centre for Urogenital Reconstructive Surgery, Belgrade, Serbia
- School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Marta Bizic
- Belgrade Centre for Urogenital Reconstructive Surgery, Belgrade, Serbia
- School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Arpad Szanto
- Urology Clinic, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Miroslav L. Djordjevic
- Belgrade Centre for Urogenital Reconstructive Surgery, Belgrade, Serbia
- School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
- Department of Urology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
- *Correspondence: Miroslav L. Djordjevic,
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua S Jue
- Department of Urology Lenox Hill Hospital Northwell Health Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell New York, NY
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22
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Ferrando CA. Adverse events associated with gender affirming vaginoplasty surgery. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2020; 223:267.e1-6. [PMID: 32446999 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2020.05.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2019] [Revised: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is an abundance of reports on the surgical techniques for vaginoplasty surgery. However, careful review reveals a paucity of evidence-based data in addition to few reports on outcomes related to all of the varying techniques. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to describe the perioperative adverse events related to vaginoplasty surgery for transgender women and to determine a threshold case number needed to reduce adverse events. STUDY DESIGN This was a retrospective study of all women who underwent vaginoplasty surgery for gender affirmation at a tertiary care center. All cases were performed by a single board-certified female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery specialist. Women were included if 6-month outcomes were available. Once patients were identified, perioperative data were collected. Comparisons of adverse events and perioperative outcomes were made between varying threshold case numbers to determine the case number needed to significantly reduce adverse events. An a priori review of the literature was done to determine the incidence of commonly reported adverse events, and these incidences were used as a frame of reference to determine a threshold case number needed to replicate these reported incidence rates. Once this threshold was determined, outcomes were compared between cases performed before and after this threshold. RESULTS Between December 2015 and March 2019, 76 vaginoplasty surgeries were performed. Six-month outcomes data were available for all patients. Mean age and body mass index of all patients were 41 (±17) years and 27.3 (±5.1) kg/m2, respectively. Median (range) time on hormone therapy preceding surgery was 36 (12-360) months, and 7.9% (6) of patients had undergone previous orchiectomy. Of the patients, 83.4% (71) underwent full-depth vaginoplasty, whereas the remaining patients underwent a zero-depth procedure. Median (range) surgical time was 210 (138-362) minutes. Median (range) follow-up for all patients was 12.5 (6-50) months. The incidence of any intraoperative adverse event was 2.6% (95% confidence interval, 1.8-4.1) for all patients, whereas the incidence of any immediate (<30 days) and delayed (>30 days and <6 months) postoperative event was 19% (95% confidence interval, 16.4-22.2) and 25% (95% confidence interval, 22.4-28.4), respectively. Performance of 50 cases was identified to be a threshold that reduced adverse events in both clinically and statistically significant ways. Cases performed after the first 50 cases had lower surgical times (187 (138-224) vs 240 (162-362) minutes, P<.0001), a lower incidence of delayed postoperative adverse events (15.4% vs 36%, P=.007), including a lower incidence of urinary stream abnormalities, introital stenosis, and the need for revision surgery. The incidence of intraoperative and immediate adverse events was not different between the groups. CONCLUSION The incidence of serious adverse events related to vaginoplasty surgery is low, whereas minor events are common. After a threshold of 50 vaginoplasty surgeries, these events were reduced, including the need for revision surgery.
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23
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Abstract
Condylomata acuminata (genital warts) have been identified in transgender women after gender affirmation surgery. We describe a case of a 57-year-old transgender woman with biopsy-proven neovaginal condylomata acuminata following gender-affirmation vaginoplasty using the penile skin inversion technique. The patient was successfully treated with trichloroacetic acid. To our knowledge, this is the first case report demonstrating successful treatment of neovaginal condyloma with trichloroacetic acid. We provide a review of the relevant literature and highlight the evidence for the clinical utility of trichloroacetic acid in transgender women with condyloma of the neovagina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydia A Fein
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Staci J Marbin
- University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
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24
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Dennis M, Granger A, Ortiz A, Terrell M, Loukos M, Schober J. The anatomy of the musculocutaneous latissimus dorsi flap for neophalloplasty. Clin Anat 2017; 31:152-159. [PMID: 29178203 DOI: 10.1002/ca.23016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2017] [Accepted: 11/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
In transgender surgery, the ideal neophallus is one that: (a) is constructed using a reproducible procedure, (b) possesses tactile and erogenous sensation, (c) is large and rigid enough (naturally, or using a prosthesis) to permit penetrative intercourse, (d) leaves acceptable donor site morbidity, (e) results in esthetically satisfactory appearance, and (f) allows for voiding while standing. The musculocutaneous latissimus dorsi (MLD) flap has favorable results in the area of neophalloplasty. Among its advantages are acceptable donor site appearance, stiffness sufficient for intercourse, and esthetically satisfactory genital appearance. The anatomy of the MLD flap supports the creation of a neophallus for transsexual anatomy revision. Herein, we give an overview of the advantages and disadvantages of the procedure, and the anatomical details and surgical steps involved. Novel illustrations were created from standard surgical text descriptions to clarify this topic for surgical training and patient understanding and decision making. A review of the relevant literature regarding the anatomy, procedure development, and outcomes is presented. The MLD flap uses part of the latissimus dorsi muscle with branches of the thoracodorsal vessels and nerve to construct a neophallus. A thin strip of muscle around the pedicle is harvested, resulting in a slightly curvilinear scar. The blood supply is connected to the femoral artery and saphenous vein or the deep inferior epigastric artery and vein, while the nerve is connected to the ilioinguinal nerve or the obturator nerve. The MLD flap for neophalloplasty is a reliable graft with a well concealed scar and low donor site morbidity. Clin. Anat. 31:152-159, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Dennis
- Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Erie, Pennsylvania
| | - A Granger
- School of Medicine, St. George's University, West Indies, Grenada.,Department of Neurology, NYU Langone Hospital - Brooklyn, Brooklyn, New York
| | - A Ortiz
- School of Medicine, St. George's University, West Indies, Grenada
| | - M Terrell
- Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Erie, Pennsylvania
| | - M Loukos
- School of Medicine, St. George's University, West Indies, Grenada
| | - J Schober
- Pediatric Urology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center - Hamot Hospital, Erie, Pennsylvania
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Abstract
Gender identity is the sense of belonging that one feels for a particular sex psychologically and socially, independent of one's biological sex. There is much less systematic data on gender identity in females with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). We report a case of non-classical CAH presenting as a case of gender identity disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prerna Kukreti
- Department of Psychiatry, GB Pant Hospital, Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi, India
| | - Manish Kandpal
- Department of Psychiatry, GB Pant Hospital, Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi, India
| | - R C Jiloha
- Department of Psychiatry, GB Pant Hospital, Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi, India
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