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Introduction: Gender‐affirming genital surgery is one of several surgical procedures available to transgender and nonbinary (TGNB) individuals to improve congruence between their gender identity and sex assigned at birth. Despite increasing utilization of these procedures, patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs) to assess subjective outcomes following gender‐affirming genital surgery remain limited. Our aim was to provide a synopsis of PROMs currently being used to evaluate urinary outcomes among TGNB patients following gender‐affirming genital surgery and to assess each PROM for content that is relevant to TGNB patients. Methods: A multidatabase search was performed (Embase and PubMed) using search terms that included transgender, patient‐reported outcome measures, questionnaire, and gender‐affirming surgery. Studies that assessed subjective outcomes related to urinary outcomes and pelvic floor dysfunction following gender‐affirming genital surgery were reviewed. Gender‐affirming genital surgery included vaginal reconstruction (vaginoplasty) and penile reconstruction (phalloplasty and metoidioplasty). Included studies were evaluated for relevant content items and summarized in table. Results: Our literature search identified 820 unique articles. Twenty‐seven full articles were included in the final review. Until recently, measurement tools have been limited to unvalidated ad hoc questionnaires or PROMs developed for other conditions, such as urinary incontinence or vaginal prolapse, that are validated among the predominantly cisgender general population. Of the selected studies, PROMs used to evaluate urinary and pelvic floor dysfunction following gender‐affirming genital surgery included self‐construced ad hoc questionnaires (10 studies), Amsterdam Overactive Pelvic Floor Scale (four studies), King's Health Questionnaire (two studies), Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory (PFDI)−20 (two studies), Sheffield Pelvic Organ Prolapse (one study), International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire‐Urinary Incontinence (ICIQ‐UI) (one study), and ICIQ‐Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (one study). The PFDI‐20 asked about the most relevant symptoms to TGNB patients following genital surgery; however, not all cisgender validated questionnaires included important questions about voiding position, splayed or misdirected stream. The Affirming Surgery Form and Function Individual Reporting Measure (AFFIRM) questionnaire is the first PROM for assessing subjective urinary outcomes that are validated for TGNB individuals, and the GENDER‐Q is a promising new PROM with the aim of evaluating outcomes following surgical and other gender‐affirming treatments. Conclusion: Despite recent advancements, a need remains for standardized assessment tools to evaluate pelvic floor dysfunction and urinary symptoms following gender‐affirming genital surgery. Questionnaires developed for the general population to assess symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse and other urinary dysfunction do not fully capture the experiences unique to TGNB individuals undergoing this type of surgery. Nonetheless, PROMs validated specifically for TGNB individuals are necessary to more accurately evaluate outcomes of gender‐affirming genital surgery, allow for informed patient counseling, and create evidence‐based changes to improve these interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gender‐affirming care is treatment that recognizes and affirms the gender identity of transgender and gender‐diverse (TGD) individuals. Though not all TGD people choose to surgically transition, gender‐affirming surgeries (GAS) are an important part of many TGD people's transition. GAS can include a wide array of procedures aimed at aligning an individual's physical characteristics and gender identity. This review describes the most common procedures considered to be GAS, detailing important relevant considerations for each procedure. These include transfeminine procedures (i.e., breast augmentation, penile inversion vaginoplasty, orchiectomy, tracheal shave, and facial feminization); transmasculine procedures (i.e., chest masculinization, hysterectomy, phalloplasty, and metoidioplasty); and other procedures (i.e., fertility preservation and hair removal). Patient outcomes and the legal landscape for GAS are also discussed to contextualize these procedures within largest discourses surrounding gender‐affirming care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wound healing complications are not uncommon after genital gender‐affirming surgery and can pose significant challenges for the reconstructive surgeon. Acellular tissue matrices are products that contain extracellular matrix compounds without living cells and are used to expedite and improve wound healing. Some of these products have been described for a variety of different indications in gender‐affirming surgery. In this paper, the authors present a review of the current literature on the use of acellular tissue matrices in gender‐affirming surgery as well as the authors' institutional experience in using these products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Methods Results Conclusion To review the available literature on variant genital gender‐affirming surgery (GGAS), including the reasons for performing it, the surgeries themselves and their outcomes.A systematic review on the performance of variant GGAS was conducted (International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews [PROSPERO] identifier: CRD42022306684) researching PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane databases from inception up to 31 December 2023. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed, and risk of bias was assessed for each study using the five‐criteria quality assessment checklist.In total 23 case series were included, of which 17 on masculinising and six on feminising surgeries. Patients mainly choose these surgical procedures out of personal desire to avoid risk of complication or because they do not have dysphoria about certain parts of their genitalia. Complications in masculinising surgeries primarily arose from the extended urethra, which could be mitigated through primary perineal urethrostomy. Both phalloplasty and metoidioplasty carried a higher risk of urethral complications when the vagina was preserved. In feminising surgeries, risk of visceral damage and requirement for lifelong self‐dilation could be avoided when vulvoplasty was performed without vaginal canal creation. All studies had a high risk of bias.This review highlights the importance of variant GGAS and acknowledges the preferences of transgender and gender‐diverse individuals. Patients should be informed about the risks and benefits of each step in these procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Gender‐affirming surgery consists of a group of surgical procedures for patients presenting with gender incongruence. Patients may seek treatment of anatomic areas including the face, chest, breast, and genitalia. The aim of this scoping review is to provide a general understanding of wound healing to optimize outcomes and manage complications. Methods: A scoping review was performed to include wound healing principles, outcomes related to gender‐affirming surgery, and management of postsurgical wounds. Results: Based on the review performed and clinical experience, strategies to manage complications are recommended. These include an understanding of wound healing principles, patient optimization, and postoperative management. Conclusions: A comprehensive understanding of wound healing principles, perioperative optimization, and postoperative management of wounds assists the provider in mitigating and managing complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: The benefits of gender affirmation surgery have long been established, and with improved access to care, these operations are being performed with increased frequency. As these surgeries continue to be performed, the surgical techniques continue to evolve. Phalloplasty, or the creation of a phallus, remains one of the most complex surgical endeavors in which a variety of factors influence surgical decision making. This article aims to present the lesser known and less frequently performed means of phalloplasty in gender affirming genitourinary reconstruction. Methods: A literature review of relevant articles, whether case series or more comprehensive, was performed to describe some of the more obscure and less frequently utilized flaps for phalloplasty. Results: The most performed or widely accepted technique is that of the radial forearm free flap, but numerous other options decorate the surgical landscape. With limited and unreliable outcomes data, a standard of care is difficult to establish. Conclusions: Ultimately, phalloplasty reconstruction should aim to achieve standing micturition and penetrative intercourse, resolute tactile and erogenous sensation, desirable aesthetics of the phallus, and acceptable donor site morbidity. Although some procedures are more commonly performed, the standard for phalloplasty has not been established. Ultimately, approaching this reconstructive puzzle with persistent creativity will unearth more reliable options in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: The history of phallus construction parallels the advances made in plastic and reconstructive surgery whereby the era of microsurgery revolutionized numerous techniques. In 1993, we reported our early experience in phalloplasty. While the originally presented technique was a modification of the original design reported by Chang and Hwang, we now present further modifications of the past 30 years. Methods: Through critical review of our technical modifications, as well as others', we present a comprehensive review of elements of the radial forearm free flap phallus construction. Results: A radial forearm free flap is harvested and tubed to form the following components: urethra, shaft, and glans of the neophallus. When excess adipose tissue exists, the excess thickness is accommodated by increasing the proximal width of the flap. To optimize the venous drainage, the radial and ulnar superficial veins as well as the radial deep veins are included within the flap; however, venous flow is optimized through creation of an arteriovenous fistula within neo‐glans. To lengthen the native urethra, labia minora and vaginal mucosal flaps are employed at a preliminary stage during vaginectomy. New coronoplasty modifications offer esthetic refinements. Updates in scrotal reconstruction and implantation of erectile devices complete the total genitourinary reconstruction. Conclusions: Phallus construction has evolved significantly over time. While numerous techniques exist, no standard of care has been identified. Continue surgical evolution will provide modern solutions for problems most often encountered to improve overall outcomes for transgender and gender‐diverse patients pursuing masculinizing genitourinary reconstruction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Transmasculine genital reconstructive surgery involves the creation of a neourethra by way of metoidioplasty or phalloplasty. We aim to describe approaches in identifying complications associated with these procedures as well as the various reparative techniques that can be utilized to reestablish the neourethral tract. Methods: We prepared a guide to diagnostic and procedural interventions for urologic complications following transmasculine genital reconstructive surgery based on our clinical experience as well as those of our colleagues. We reviewed all current peer‐reviewed publications based on this topic. Results: These procedures have a considerable revision rate for urologic complications, which include urethrocutaneous fistulae, persistent vaginal remnant, and urethral strictures. These complications often present simultaneously and require appropriate workup and treatment. Conclusions: Several reconstructive techniques can be employed to restore the neourethral tract, as we describe in detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the surgical and functional outcomes of urethral reconstruction associated with phalloplasty, depending on the surgical techniques and patient history. Materials and Methods: We conducted a single‐centre retrospective study including 89 patients who underwent phalloplasty with urethral reconstruction between 2007 and 2018. Patients included were trans‐male patients undergoing gender‐affirming surgery and cis‐male patients undergoing penile reconstruction after trauma, congenital malformation, or cancer. Urethral reconstructions were performed by free flap or skin graft (total or thin). Secondary urethroplasty may include direct vision urethrotomy, excision‐anastomosis, or augmentation urethroplasty (skin graft, buccal mucosa graft). Patient demographics, medical history, peri‐ and postoperative data were collected from patient files. Functional results were evaluated using individual questionnaires. Results: The mean (±sd) follow‐up duration was 5.5 (±3.7) years. No significant difference was found for total urethral complication rate (fistula and/or stricture) according to type of urethral construction (70.9% for free flap urethra vs 73.5% for skin graft urethra; P = 0.911), nor according to the patient's grounds for surgery (72.7% for cis‐male vs 71.8% for trans‐male patients; P = 1). A total of 36 patients (40.5%) answered the functional questionnaire, of whom 80.5% reported usually voiding while standing and 47.5% were comfortable with urinating in public. Conclusions: Urethral construction in phalloplasty is associated with a high complication and revision rate regardless of the type of urethral reconstruction. Voiding in a standing position is generally possible but should not conceal feeble functional results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To assess our results of surgical treatment for urethral strictures in transgender men, and to provide a surgical treatment algorithm. Patients and methods: A single centre, retrospective cohort study was conducted of transgender men who underwent surgical correction of their urethral stricture(s) between January 2013 and March 2020. The medical charts of 72 transgender men with 147 urethral strictures were reviewed. The primary outcomes were the success and recurrence rates after surgical treatment for urethral strictures. Results: The median (interquartile range [IQR]) follow‐up was 61 (25–202) months. At last follow‐up, 50/72 (69%) were able to void while standing (after one [60%], two [20%], three [6%], four [8%], five [4%], or seven [2%] procedures), 10/72 (14%) await further treatment, two of the 72 (3%) sat to void despite good urodynamic function, and 10/72 (14%) had a definitive urethrostomy. Of 104 surgical treatments included in separate success rate analysis, 65 (63%) were successful (43/75 [57%] after phalloplasty, 22/29 [76%] after metoidioplasty). The highest success rates in short urethral strictures were seen after a Heineke‐Mikulicz procedure (six of seven cases), and in longer or more complicated urethral strictures after two‐stage with graft (four of six), two‐stage without graft (10/12), pedicled flap (11/15, 73%), and single‐stage graft (seven of seven) urethroplasties. Grafts used were buccal mucosa or full‐thickness skin grafts. Success rates improved over time, with success rates of 38% and 36% in 2013 and 2014, to 71% and 73% in 2018 and 2019, respectively. We concluded with a surgical treatment algorithm based on previous literature, stricture characteristics, and our surgical outcomes. Conclusion: The highest success rates were seen after a Heineke‐Mikulicz procedure in short urethral strictures; and after graft, pedicled flap, or two‐stage urethroplasties in longer or more complicated urethral strictures. Finally, most of the transgender men were able to void while standing, although in some multiple surgical procedures were necessary to accomplish this. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) recommends referral letters from two mental health providers within one year of gender‐affirming genital surgery (gGAS) to ensure patient readiness before primary surgeries. Many U.S. health insurance plans will not authorize second‐ and third‐stage surgeries or revision surgeries without two referral letters. Such requirements are not supported by WPATH guidelines. Objectives: This study investigates insurance requirements for referral letters and their negative impact on care. Materials and methods: We retrospectively reviewed all gGAS cases over a 4‐year period at our tertiary care medical center. Referral letter requirements for insurance authorization were documented. The nation's largest insurance companies, including commercial, state‐, and federally funded plans, were contacted to confirm requirements. We prospectively recorded time needed to complete insurance authorization for a patient subset. WPATH publications were reviewed. Results: Nearly all reviewed U.S. health insurance plans required annually updated referral letters for each gGAS procedure, including staged and revision surgeries. No updated letters changed clinical management. Referral letter requirements delayed care. WPATH states that letters should not be needed for staged surgeries. Some plans required letters even for initial surgical consultation, a practice not supported by WPATH. Discussion and Conclusion: Insurance companies' requirements for referral letters impede care and contradict WPATH guidelines. We advocate that, at minimum, referral letters should not be required for surgical consultations or for staged or revision surgeries after a patient has already had first‐stage primary gGAS. Universal referral letter requirements provide minimal clinical value, delay care, increase costs, and exacerbate gender dysphoria by invalidating gender transition. As with all procedures, surgeons themselves should be responsible for assessing patients' surgical readiness. Significant changes in mental health status or social situation should prompt surgeons to seek reassessment. WPATH recommendations regarding referral letters should be clarified and consolidated into a single document. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An abnormal clinical Allen's test is not a definitive exclusion criterion for free radial forearm flap use. A surgical Allen's test may be useful to determine whether flap harvest is feasible in patients with an abnormal clinical Allen's test. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Penile lengthening methods remain a controversial issue. Surgical procedures of 'lengthening phalloplasty' are characterized by poorly defined indications and an unacceptably high rate of complications, as recently outlined by a literature review, while non-surgical techniques are largely popularized by the media but often lack scientific evidence. In the literature we found only ten articles/abstracts of studies pertaining to the topic of our review. With our review, we aimed to explore whether non-surgical methods of penile lengthening may have some scientific background. We focused specifically on penile extenders, which among conservative methods are those whose efficacy is supported by some scientific evidence. It seems that penile traction devices should be proposed as the first-line treatment option for patients seeking a penile lengthening procedure. Penile size is a matter of great interest among men who are affected by 'short penis syndrome' or just believe themselves to have a small penis, even though the dimensions of the organ fall within the normal range. Surgical procedures of 'lengthening phalloplasty' lack standardized indications and carry a high risk of complications. Several non-invasive methods of penile lengthening have been described, such as vacuum devices, penile traction devices and penoscrotal rings; even 'physical exercises' have been popularized through the media. Most of these techniques, however, are not supported by any scientific evidence. We briefly analyse the efficacy and scientific background of such non-surgical methods of penile lengthening. It seems that penile extenders represent the only evidence-based technique of penile elongation. Results achieved do not seem to be inferior to surgery, making these traction devices an ideal first-line treatment option for patients seeking a penile lengthening procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients who have undergone reconstruction of bladder extrophy can have an extremely short penis, which can be functionally and psychologically debilitating. Penile reconstruction with the radial forearm free flap has the potential to provide these patients with improved genital appearance and sexual function. Quality of life after penile reconstruction is an important outcome measure in evaluation of the procedure. We describe five patients who underwent total penile reconstruction with radial forearm free flaps and interview them with a quality of life questionnaire. Responses were overwhelmingly positive with regard to improved self-image as well as sexual function. This series supports the overwhelmingly positive change in quality of life to be gained with radial forearm free flap penile reconstruction for patients with an extremely short native penis in the adult exstrophy patient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study Type - Therapy (case series) Level of Evidence 4 OBJECTIVE To report our experience of using a radial artery-based forearm free flap urethroplasty (RAFFFU) inside a pre-fashioned pedicled pubic phalloplasty for female-to-male gender reassignment. PATIENTS AND METHODS A neourethra based on the RAFFF was incorporated into a previously constructed phalloplasty in 27 patients. Surgical outcome, patients' satisfaction and voiding sensation of the neourethra were subjectively and prospectively assessed by direct questioning during the follow-up. RESULTS After a median follow-up of 9.2 months, all patients who completed the two stages of the procedure were able to void from the tip of the phallus while standing. Donor-site morbidity was minimal, with all patients reporting a complete recovery of forearm sensation and mobility. The overall satisfaction rate was 92%. CONCLUSIONS The RAFFFU is the best technique of total urethral construction in female-to-male transsexuals who opt not to undergo a RAFFF phalloplasty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Previous research has not addressed gender differences in coping strategies among patients with gender identity disorder (GID). Nor has the relationship of coping strategies to other demographic characteristics ever been clarified in GID. In this study, we tried to clarify the relationship between stress-coping strategies and demographic characteristics among patients with GID. Methods: The coping strategies of 344 patients with GID [227 female-to-male (FTM) and 117 male-to-female (MTF)] were assessed using the Japanese version of the Ways of Coping Questionnaires, Lazarus Stress-coping Inventory. Results: Comparison of the stress-coping inventory between MTF and FTM GID patients revealed that FTM GID patients were significantly more reliant on positive reappraisal strategies in stressful situations than MTF GID patients ( P = 0.007). Conclusions: The difference in the usage of positive reappraisal strategies between MTF and FTM type GID patients was not explained by other demographic characteristics, and we suppose that the gender difference in GID patients might influence the usage of positive reappraisal strategies. The ratio of FTM GID patients might be higher at our center because MTF GID patients can obtain vaginoplasty easily, whereas phalloplasty surgery for FTM GID patients is performed at only a few centers, including our clinic, in Japan. As a result, more FTM GID patients come to our clinic with a clear intention to undergo sexual rearrangement surgery, which might influence the gender difference in using positive reappraisal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE To report our experience of total phallic reconstruction (TPR) with the use of the radial-artery free flap (RAFF) in patients who have had a subtotal penectomy for penile or urethral cancer, as the goal of TPR is the creation of a sensate and cosmetically acceptable phallus with an incorporated neourethra that allows the patient to void while standing, and with the insertion of a penile implant to resume sexual activities, improving quality of life. PATIENTS AND METHODS The notes of the 15 patients who had undergone RAFF TPR between January 1998 and May 2008 were reviewed retrospectively. The surgical outcome, cosmesis of the phallus, complications, eventual need for revision surgery and patient satisfaction were recorded during the follow-up. RESULTS This technique allowed the reconstruction of a cosmetically acceptable phallus in all patients. After a median (range) follow-up of 20 (1–68) months all patients were satisfied with the cosmesis and size of the phallus, and 14 were able to void while standing. Among the seven patients who have subsequently had insertion of a penile prosthesis, five can now engage in sexual intercourse. Urethral strictures and fistulae were the commonest complications in, respectively, three and four cases, and one patient had his penile prosthesis explanted because of infection. CONCLUSIONS RAFF phalloplasty is an excellent technique for TPR, giving excellent cosmetic and functional results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE To assess the long-term outcome and cosmetic results of forearm free-flap phalloplasty for correcting micropenis associated with bladder exstrophy in men. PATIENTS AND METHODS From 1992 to 2000, six men with bladder exstrophy and unsatisfactory penile appearance underwent phalloplasty at our institution. The mean (range) follow-up was 113 (62–153) months. The surgical procedure consisted of a modified radial free-flap phalloplasty and prosthesis implantation. One-stage urethroplasty was electively performed according to the patient’s voiding pattern. Early and late complications were recorded and quality of life after phalloplasty was assessed. RESULTS The mean (range) age was 21.2 (17–26) years and flap survival was 100%. Two incontinent patients underwent immediate perineal urethrostomy. One sepsis occurred, requiring the removal of the penile prosthesis and a cutaneous continent urinary diversion; this patient was the only one to complain about the outcome. Two anastomotic urethral strictures were conservatively treated by endoscopic urethrotomy and only one patient underwent subsequent urethral self-dilatations. Five patients were very satisfied with the cosmesis of the neophallus and three patients reported having regular sexual intercourse. CONCLUSIONS Although short, this series indicates the low incidence of early complications and the excellent long-term satisfaction with forearm free-flap phalloplasty in bladder exstrophy. Phalloplasty has potential indications when adult exstrophy patients are dissatisfied with the cosmetic appearance of their external genitalia or have unsatisfactory sexual intercourse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE To assess the long-term outcome of forearm free-flap phalloplasty in transsexuals, as obtaining a satisfying neophallus in female-to-male transsexuals is a surgical challenge. PATIENTS AND METHODS We analysed retrospectively 56 transsexuals who had a phalloplasty using a radial forearm free-flap in our department from 1986 to 2002. The complication rate was assessed by regular examination. Patient satisfaction was evaluated by a questionnaire about cosmetic aspects, sexual life and overall satisfaction. RESULTS The mean follow up was 110 months; 53 of the 56 patients (95%) currently have a neophallus, after a mean of six surgical procedures. Satisfaction was assessed in 53 patients using a specific questionnaire: 51 (93%) of the patients reported that the phalloplasty allowed them to accord their physical appearance with their feeling of masculinity. There were flap complications in 14 patients (25%); three (5%) flaps were lost, with one each due to early haematoma, cellulitis and late arterial thrombosis. The other 11 flap complications were all transitory, e.g. infection, haematomas and vascular thrombosis. There were prosthesis complications in 11 of 38 patients (29%). Moreover, seven of 19 patients (37%) who had a urethroplasty presented with complex strictures and fistulae that led to perineal urethrostomy. CONCLUSION Our study shows that phalloplasty with a forearm free-flap leads to good results in term of flap survival and patient satisfaction. However, there was a high rate of complications. Patients must be clearly informed that the procedure can seldom be achieved in one stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Authors from Serbia describe their experience of total phalloplasty in children and adults using a musculocutaneous latissimus dorsi free flap, finding that this method successfully allowed the creation of a neophallus, facilitating subsequent urethroplasty and the safe insertion of a penile prosthesis. In the second article in this section, authors from Finland present the findings in 54 patients relating to skeletal health after intestinal bladder augmentation. OBJECTIVE To present total phalloplasty in children and adults using a musculocutaneous latissimus dorsi (MLD) free flap to create a large neophallus, that allows easy urethroplasty and implantation of a prosthesis. PATIENTS AND METHODS From April 1999 to January 2006, 16 patients (mean age 24 years, range 10–34) had a total phalloplasty; the indications were congenital anomalies of the penis in 12, iatrogenic in two and accidental penile trauma in two. The MLD flap is mobilized on a subscapular artery and vein, and a thoracodorsal nerve. The neophallus is created on-site and after dividing the neurovascular pedicle, transferred to the pubic region, where it is anastomosed with the femoral artery, saphenous vein and ilio-inguinal nerve. The donor site was closed directly in 15 patients while in one a split-thickness skin graft was used to cover the defect. In the following stages, two- or three-stage buccal mucosa urethroplasty was used in 11 patients; a penile prosthesis was implanted in seven. RESULTS The mean (range) follow-up was 31 (12–74) months; the penis was 14–18 cm long and 11–15 cm in circumference. There was no partial or total flap necrosis; the donor site healed satisfactorily in 13 patients while in the remaining three there was moderate scarring. The patency of the urethra was good in all patients. Two urethrocutaneous fistulae developed; one closed spontaneously and the other was successfully treated with minor surgery. The function of the implanted penile prostheses was satisfactory in all patients. CONCLUSIONS The MLD flap allows the creation of a neophallus of good size and with a good aesthetic appearance; it allows urethroplasty and safe implantation of a penile prosthesis, and it can also be used in children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To describe a novel phalloplasty technique and to study the results and complications in female patients with gender dysphoria.Between 1989 and 2000, 85 female-to-male transsexual patients had a phalloplasty fashioned from suprapubic abdominal wall flap that was tubed to form the phallus, and which incorporated the neourethra made from a pedicled tube of labial skin. The complete neourethral reconstruction was in one stage in 32 patients and in two in 48; five patients did not wish to have the neourethra fashioned.The cosmetic appearance of the phallus was considered good in 68% of the patients. The major complications (in 60 patients) were related to the neourethra (75%) with stricture formation (64%) and/or fistulae (55%) predominating. This complication rate was significantly less (P < 0.001) when the neourethra was created in two stages. Once the neourethra was completed, patients were then offered both penile and testicular prostheses. Sexual intercourse was possible with no prosthesis in 16 patients.The pubic phalloplasty offers an acceptable neophallus without disfiguring the donor skin site. The main complications stem from creating the neourethra and these may be reduced by a two-stage procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To describe metoidioplasty, a technique for creating a neophallus from an enlarged clitoris in female transsexuals, without needing the complex, multi-staged surgical construction of a large phallus, as this reconstruction is one of the most difficult in female transsexuals. From September 1995 to April 2002 metoidioplasty was used in 22 patients (aged 18–33 years). The technique is based on the repair of the most severe form of hypospadias and intersex. The ‘urethral plate’ and urethra are completely dissected from the clitoral corporeal bodies, then divided at the level of the glanular corona, and the clitoris straightened and lengthened. A longitudinal vascularized island flap is designed and harvested from the dorsal skin of the clitoris, transposed to the ventral side, tubularized and anastomosed with the native urethra. The new urethral meatus is brought to the top of the neophallus, and the skin of the neophallus and scrotum reconstructed using labia minora and majora flaps. The mean (range) follow-up was 3.9 (0.5–6) years; the neophallus was 5.7 (4–10) cm, considered satisfactory in 17 patients but the remaining five required additional phalloplasty. The complications were urethral stenosis in two and fistula in three patients. Metoidioplasty is an alternative to phalloplasty, allowing voiding while standing. In patients who desire a larger phallus, various techniques of phalloplasty can also be used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To analyse the cosmetic outcome of hypospadias surgery using photography, rather than the classical assessment by reoperation rate secondary to fistula, diverticulum, stenosis and residual penile curvature. Patients and methods The study included 181 consecutive patients with hypospadias who underwent surgery between 1997 and 1999. Distal hypospadias (47) was repaired using either the 'meatal advancement and glanuloplasty' or the glans approximation procedure. Proximal hypospadias (68) was repaired using the onlay island-flap technique with preservation of the urethral plate. Penile curvature when present was corrected by dorsal plication (≈ 20%). Two patients with perineal hypospadias required a two-stage repair. Complex repeat repairs (36) were defined as those patients who had undergone previous surgery 1-7 times and required a new urethroplasty by a secondary onlay island-flap technique. The follow-up ranged from 6 months to 3 years. Photographs of the penis were taken before, immediately and 3-12 months after surgery; these were assessed to document objectively the cosmetic outcome. The final photographs were evaluated for overall appearance, a mucosal collar, the location and configuration of the meatus. The standard was to create a penis that would pass cosmetically as a normal circumcised penis. Results The patients who had chordee without hypospadias (15) and fistula repair (13) did not undergo glanuloplasty and therefore were not included in the final photographic analysis; this left 153 patients with follow-up photographs. There were five cases of urethral fistula (7%) and one of meatal stenosis (1%) in the proximal group, and three of fistula (8%) and two meatal stenosis (6%) in the complex group. The distal group had one complication (haematoma) and the two-stage group had no complications. Analysis of the photographs showed that most patients had the appearance of a normal circumcised penis. Not unexpectedly, the patients who had... [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Penile lengthening and thickening techniques can be performed in different ways for treatment of congenital penile hypoplasia and dysmorphophobia in terms of aesthetics or function. Particularly for penile lengthening, a combination of surgery and stretcher device is suggested. Surgery for lengthening comprises three different stages: suture with plane alternating edges of the pubo-penile skin, infrapubic lipectomy, and section of the suspensory ligament. Our approach 1o penile thickening differs depending on whether dysmorphophobia is related to aesthetics or function. While pericavernosal apposition of autografts is suggested in the first case, a technique developed by the authors is performed in the latter, which comprises bilateral longitudinal incision of the corpora cavernosa and enlargement of the tunica albuginea by means of saphenous grafts. The endothelial lining, which constitutes the internal surface of the veins, is highly compatible with the endothelium of the corpora cavernosa; therefore, the incidence of postoperative subareolar fibrosis and occlusive vein pathology is lower than after surgery performed with techniques using grafts of other material. The described procedure did not cause postoperative complications in terms of infection, wound healing and cosmetic appearance. All subjects resumed regular sexual activity after 4 months without any disturbance or functional limitation. Diametrical measurements at the 9-month follow-up revealed an increase of 1.1–2.1 cm. The reliability and efficiency of these procedures are strongly influenced by factors other than technical problems; however, expert diagnosis and psychological consultation in the case of dysmorphophobia will confirm and specify the indications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We herein present an extremely rare case of primitive neuroectodermal tumor originating in the penis. A 16-year-old male adolescent presented with painful penile swelling. Pathological, immunohistochemical and cytogenetical examinations of the specimens obtained from total penectomy confirmed the diagnosis of primitive neuroectodermal tumor. After total penectomy, the patient received adjuvant chemotherapy with ifosfamide-based regimen for 48 weeks. As a series of therapies, the patient underwent penile reconstruction surgery after completing adjuvant chemotherapy. The patient has not shown any evidence of recurrence for the 7 years after penile reconstruction surgery, and voiding function is completely normal. A favorable outcome was observed by multimodal therapy including aggressive resection for local control, intensive adjuvant chemotherapy, and penile reconstruction with cosmetic and functional success. Similar therapeutic approaches might be selected for children with primary malignant tumors of the penis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses several issues of concern pertinent to medical field and practice. According to the "British Medical Journal," the prescription of diamorphine to drug users in Germany will not be extended when the project expires on June 2006. The program is being implemented in seven centers all over Germany. A report from the "Medical News Today" confirms the significance of male circumcision towards HIV prevention. Studies reveal a 50 to 60 percent reduction in HIV infection among circumcised males. Moreover, a ban on alcohol advertising on radio and TV was proposed by the incoming Dutch cabinet according to the Foundation for Alcohol prevention in the Netherlands (STAP).

Presents a letter to the editor in response to the article "Pedicled Pubic Phalloplasty in Females With Gender Dysphoria," previously published in the journal "BJU International."