Total Phallic Reconstruction in the Genetic Male

Abstract

BackgroundTotal phallic reconstruction (TPR) is a reconstructive challenge. ObjectiveTo report both surgical outcomes and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) of genetic male patients undergoing TPR utilising a radial artery forearm free flap (RAFFF). Design, setting, and participantsA retrospective tertiary referral centre analysis of a series of genetic male patients with penile insufficiency (PI) either due to congenital micropenis, or from traumatic or surgical amputation was conducted. Surgical procedureRAFFF phalloplasty was conducted as a multistaged procedure: (1) TPR, (2) glans sculpting with second-stage urethroplasty when indicated, and (3) penile prosthesis implantation. MeasurementsA descriptive analysis of the patient's baseline features, surgical outcomes, and PROs was conducted. Results and limitationsA total of 108 patients were enrolled. The median age was 32.5 yr (interquartile range [IQR] 24–46) and median follow-up was 78.5 mo (IQR 30–129). A primary anastomotic urethroplasty was performed in 90 patients (83.4%) and a staged procedure in the remainder. Four patients experienced an acute arterial thrombosis, leading to complete loss of the phallus in two. Immediate surgical exploration saved the flap in two cases of venous thrombosis. Urethral complication occurred in 49.1% of patients. The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed an association (p=0.04) between the staged urethral reconstruction and the incidence of urethral complications. The limitations of our study are its retrospective nature and the lack of control. ConclusionsDespite the high incidence of postoperative complications and the possible need for revisions, TPR in the genetic male with PI using a RAFFF yields satisfactory aesthetic and functional results. Patient summaryin this report, we looked at the outcomes from TPR in a large population of male patients with penile inadequacy either due to congenital micropenis, or from traumatic or surgical amputation. Our results support the idea that penile reconstruction with a forearm free flap leads to satisfactory outcomes.