(038) Health-Related Quality of Life after Gender-Affirming Pelvic Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Various validated questionnaires have been designed to evaluate sexual dysfunction as it relates to specific phases of the sexual response cycle, which include desire, arousal, orgasm, and resolution. Although there is a breadth of data on the surgical and aesthetic outcomes of patients who have undergone gender-affirming pelvic surgery (GAPS), there are limited data on sexual outcomes as they relate to the sexual response cycle after GAPS. Questionnaires are a crucial tool for research and clinical assessment of sexual dysfunction. However, many of the validated questionnaires for sexual dysfunction were not created for use in transgender patients after GAPS. To date, there is not a validated questionnaire specifically for patients who have undergone GAPS. Objective We sought to review the most commonly used sexual function questionnaires and assess their inclusivity as it relates to transgender patients who have undergone GAPS. Methods A PubMed and PsycINFO search was carried out using the keywords: “Validated questionnaires” AND “sexual dysfunction” OR “arousal” OR “desire” OR “libido” OR “satisfaction” OR “quality of life”. We then reviewed the most commonly used validated sexual dysfunction questionnaires and graded them on the metrics of medical applicability of patients who had undergone vaginoplasty, metoidioplasty, or phalloplasty, affirming language, and inclusion of identities beyond fully binary transgender people. The validated questionaries were reviewed by a comprehensive sexual health expert and a gender-affirming surgeon. Results Of the 13 questionnaires reviewed, only 5 met all metrics for inclusiveness. 4/13 of the validated questionnaires used exclusionary gendered language (female vs male), 6/13 were not physiologically applicable to patients who had undergone GAS (vaginal lubrication, ejaculation etc) and 2/13 assumed heterosexual orientation. Conclusions The current clinical and research tools used to define sexual dysfunction are not inclusive of people who have undergone gender-affirming surgery. Validated questionnaires are needed to optimally assess the sexual outcomes of patients who have undergone GAS. Disclosure No.