Erogenous Sensitivity Research Articles

Updates on metoidioplasty.

Metoidioplasty presents a variant of phalloplasty in transmen who require simple and safe genital gender affirmation surgery (GAS). The aim is to evaluate updates on the technique, as well as personal experience. The surgical steps of metoidioplasty are removal of the vagina, clitoral straightening and lengthening, urethral lengthening using available flaps and grafts, and creation of the scrotum with testicular prostheses implantation. The surgical goal is to achieve appearance of male genitalia, voiding in standing position, and full erogenous sensitivity. Modifications of the technique have developed due to recent advances in anatomy and new requests from transmen. Besides full metoidioplasty, other variants include metoidioplasty before, after or simultaneously with total phalloplasty. Each variant has its' own advantages, which must be discussed with the candidate preoperatively. A total of 938 transmen with the mean age of 29 years underwent one-stage metoidioplasty between January 2004 and January 2022. In majority of cases (65%) metoidioplasty was performed as a final option, and the length of the neophallus ranged between 4and 10 cm. Urethral complications occurred in 143 cases, dislocation and rejection of testicular implant in 55 and vaginal remnant in 92 cases. Voiding in standing position was reported in almost all cases (99%), and 12.5% of transmen requested phalloplasty after metoidioplasty. Metoidioplasty is a safe, one-stage procedure with good esthetic and functional outcomes. It includes a wide spectrum of variants that can be offered to transmen as a part of genital reconstruction, with goal of achieving patients' satisfaction.

How Sensitive Is the Neophallus? Postphalloplasty Experienced and Objective Sensitivity in Transmasculine Persons.

IntroductionTactile and erogenous sensitivity of the neophallus after phalloplasty is assumed to affect the sexual well-being of transmasculine persons and, ultimately, their quality of life. The experienced and objective sensation of the neophallus and their association are largely unknown.AimThis study evaluated experienced tactile and erotic sensation of the neophallus in transmasculine persons and investigated how this was related to objective tactile sensitivity.MethodsBetween August 2017 and January 2020, 59 transmasculine persons who underwent phalloplasty were recruited to participate in a prospective follow-up study. Tactile sensitivity of the neophallus and donor-site was measured (Semmes-Weinstein Monofilament test) and compared, and participants were asked to fill out a questionnaire about experienced sensation of the neophallus and sexual wellbeing.Main outcome measuresExperienced and objective sensation of the neophallus were measured by using a questionnaire and Semmes-Weinstein Monofilament scores.ResultsNeophallic tactile sensitivity was significantly reduced compared to the donor-site (n = 44), with the proximal part being more sensitive than the distal part (median follow-up of 1.8 years, range 1.0–7.2)). Sensitivity of the neophallus was not significantly associated with the surgical flap used, yet increased significantly with follow-up time. The questionnaire was completed by 26 participants of which 24 (92.3%) experienced (some degree of) tactile sensitivity in their neophallus. Erogenous sensation was experienced by 23 (88.5%). Experienced and objectified tactile sensitivity were not significantly correlated (Spearmans's rho = 0.23, P = .26). Answers to open-ended questions showed that results often do not match expectations.ConclusionTactile sensation of the neophallus was reduced in most transmasculine persons and improved slowly over time. A significant association between subjective and objective measures could not be detected. Although experienced sensitivity varied between individuals, the vast majority reported to have tactile and erotic sensitivity in the neophallus.Transmasculine persons should be informed that sensitivity of the neophallus will likely be reduced.Elfering L, van de Grift TC, Al-Tamimi M, et al. How Sensitive Is the Neophallus? Postphalloplasty Experienced and Objective Sensitivity in Transmasculine Persons. Sex Med 2021;9:100413.

Latissimus dorsi free flap phalloplasty: a systematic review.

A phalloplasty is a complex genital reconstruction procedure of creating a neophallus. Several techniques to create a neophallus are described, based on different vascularized flaps, and each of them has its advantages and drawbacks. The aim of this study is to present musculocutaneous latissimus dorsi (MLD) flap as a viable option for total phalloplasty, with an interest in clinical outcomes and complications. A comprehensive literature review of all available reports about MLD flap phalloplasty was made. The following keywords were used on PubMed: latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous/myocutaneous free flap and phalloplasty. Research criteria revealed five articles and the results of 182 patients were analyzed. A total number of the patients, indications, operative technique, follow-up period, postoperative results, and complications were presented. In conclusion, MLD free flap presents a good choice for phalloplasty providing sufficient amount of tissue for safe implantation of penile prosthesis and successful penetrative sexual intercourse. The erogenous sensitivity is preserved with clitoris or glans penis incorporated into the base of the neophallus, and voiding in a standing position is achievable after urethral reconstruction. The main drawback is the lack of tactile sensation of the neophallus and the significant advantage is a well-concealed donor site.

Phalloplasty in biological men with penile insufficiency

Phalloplasty for penile insufficiency in biological men differs from trans-men by incorporating native tissue. The study objective was to report surgical and functional outcomes of phalloplasty in biological men. Phalloplasty was performed with a radial free forearm (RFFA) or pedicled anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap. The tube-within-tube technique was used for urethroplasty. Complications <30d postoperative were categorized according to Clavien-Dindo. 30 patients, median (IQR) age of 21 (18-30)y, were included. 17 patients (57%) had penile insufficiency due to exstrophy or hypospadias surgeries, 7 patients (23%) due to sexual development disorders. In 16 patients RFFA was used. 19 patients needed urethroplasty, the rest catheterized through stoma. Median follow-up was 33 (14-80)mo. Within 30d postoperative, 1 patients (3.3%) had Clavien-Dindo II and 6 patients (20%) Clavien-Dindo III complications. On long-term, 10 patients (33%) developed fistula, 6 needing urethroplasty. 7 patients (23%) had urethral strictures, all needing surgical intervention. All patients but one (98%) had erogenous sensitivity in the neo-phallus. All urethroplasty patients reported antegrade ejaculation. 16 patients (84%) voided through the urethra. 21 patients (70%) had an erectile device implanted. RFFA and ALT result in good erogenous sensitivity but fistulas and strictures are frequent.

Male-to-Female (MtoF) gender affirming surgery: Modified surgical approach for the glans reconfiguration in the neoclitoris (M-shape neoclitorolabioplasty)

The aim of this article is to describe our modified surgical technique for the reconfiguration of the glans in the clitoris and the labia minora, known as the "M-shape neoclitorolabioplasty". The glans with all its neurovascular bundle is isolated from the corpora cavernosa, incised in Y-shape mode and spread in order to obtain an M-shape glandular flap. The "belly" of the M-shape glans will constitute the triangular neoclitoris meanwhile the lateral flaps will constitute the labia minora. The inferior apex of the neoclitoris is fixed to the superior apex of the previously spatulated urethra. The two glans flaps are incised transversally to increase their length and sutured to the sides of the spatulated urethra forming the labia minora. Our technique permits to create an aesthetically pleasing neovagina preserving all the glandular erogenous sensitivity. 94 patients have been treated with our modified technique of male-to-female (MtoF) gender affirming surgery. At median follow-up of 27.57 months, 81 (86.1%) patients reported vaginal intercourse and 78 (82.9%) patients referred presence of erogenous sensitivity during dilatations, intercourse or masturbations. All the glandular tissue is preserved and reconfigured forming the neoclitoris and the labia minora. The M-shape reconfiguration permit to create an aesthetically pleasant neoclitoris. This technique could be applied safely and easily to patients undergoing gender affirming surgery, allowing the creation of a neovagina with the best possible erogenous sensitivity without losing aesthetical results.

Cadaver Study of Combined Neurovascular Sensate Flaps to Create Vaginal Erogenous Sensation During Male-to-Female Genital Confirmation Surgery: The Pedicle "O" Flap.

The lack of erogenous sensitivity in the neovagina is one of the major shortcomings for patients undergoing male-to-female genital confirmation surgery. Remnant fibers of the dorsal nerve of the penis (DNP) after clitroplasty can potentially be used for a second neurovascular pedicle flap for intravaginal erogenous sensation. An anatomic dissection of the DNP was performed in 10 male frozen pelvises to identify major trunks and their branches. Lateral branches of DNP were preserved for a sensate "O" pedicle flap for the vagina. The number of main branches in the lateral dorsal aspect of the penis was calculated to ensure sufficient erogenous innervation to the vagina. Cross sections of the penis were used for histological analysis. Optimal width and length of the new sensate flap were described. There were 1, 2, and 3 main branches in the lateral compartment in 2 (20%), 6 (30.7%), and 2 (42.8%) cadavers, respectively. A sensate pedicle flap from the lateral aspect of the glans penis with a mean width of 1.14 cm (range, 0.9-1.28 cm) ensured at least one main branch of the DNP for erogenous sensitivity of the vagina. This sensate vaginal flap and its neurovascular pedicle had a mean length of 9.8 cm (range, 8.7-10.3 cm) allowing its inset into the anterior vaginal canal. Lateral branches of the DNP can be preserved for a pedicle sensate flap to the vagina, which can provide patients with an erogenous vaginal "spot" during male-to-female confirmation surgery.

Aesthetic Refinement in the Creation of the Clitoris, Its Preputial Hood, and Labia Minora in Male-to-Female Transsexual Patients.

In male-to-female genital sex reassignment surgery, the clitoris, its prepuce, and the labia minora remain among the most difficult structures to construct. We describe the authors' clitoroplasty and vulvoplasty technique. All patients who underwent male-to-female sex reassignment surgery at a single center, between June 2012 and June 2016, were prospectively included. The standard pedicled island neurovascular flap of the glans penis was harvested in a letter M fashion with attached preputial skin. The central triangle of the M was used for the neoclitoris formation. Labia minora and the clitoral prepuce were created with both legs of the M and the preputial skin attached to it. Tactile and erogenous sensitivity was evaluated. Ninety-seven patients were included (mean age, 32 years; range, 17-54 years). All clitoroplasties and vulvoplasties were completed in the same surgical stage as the vaginoplasty. There were no cases of deep or total flap necrosis. Eight patients developed partial and superficial skin necrosis of the flap; one presented an abscess in labia majora, and another patient had urethral hematoma; both required drainage. None of the complications left any sequelae. At 6 months' follow-up all patients maintained tactile and erogenous sensitivity. The proposed technique represents an aesthetic refinement of the previously described pedicled glans penis flap by allowing the creation of a sensate neoclitoris, its preputial hood, and labia minora with excellent outcomes in the same surgical stage as the sex reassignment.

483 Sensitivity before and after gender confirming surgery on the glans penis and neoclitoris

Gender confirming surgery (GCS) is a cornerstone in the treatment of gender dysphoria. Reconstructing genitalia with tactile and erogenous sensitivity is crucial in GCS. To our knowledge, no previous study has compared the sensitivity before and after GCS in transgender women. Our aim was to compare the tactile and vibratory sensitivity before and one month after GCS, on the glans penis and neoclitoris, respectively. Furthermore, the aim was to evaluate if the neoclitoris sensitivity was in line with cis-women and if the patients had achieved orgasm one month after GCS. Eight transgender women were measured regarding sensitivity preoperatively and one month postoperatively on the glans penis and neoclitoris, respectively. Tactile and vibratory sensitivity measurements were performed with Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments and Bio-Thesiometer, respectively. A control group of 10 ciswomen were measured regarding genital sensitivity. The patients received questions concerning orgasm function one month postoperatively. The median tactile and vibratory thresholds for the transgender women’s glans penis were 24.0 g/mm2 and 0.26 μm, respectively. One month postoperatively the median tactile threshold for neoclitoris was 18.1 g/mm2 and the vibratory threshold 0.25 μm. The control group’s median tactile and vibratory thresholds were 1.4 g/mm2 and 0.04 μm, respectively. One of the transgender patients had achieved an orgasm.

Systematization of ambiguous genitalia

ABSTRACTSex assignment in newborns depends on the anatomy of the external genitalia, despite this stage being the final in embryogenesis. According to the current view, the genital tubercle is the embryonic precursor of penis and clitoris. It originates from mesenchymal tissue, but mesenchymal cells are arranged across the embryonal body and do not have specific androgen receptors. The nature of the signal that initiates early derivation of the indifferent genital tubercle is unknown at present. The aims of this article are to improve surgical management of intersex disorders and investigate the development of the genital tubercle. Clinical examination of 114 females with various forms of DSD revealed ambiguous (bisexual) external genitalia in 73 patients, and 51 of them underwent feminizing surgery. Intersexuality (ambiguity) in 46,XY patients results from disruptors in the pathways of sex steroid hormones or receptors; in 46,XX females arises from excessive levels of androgens. Systematization of intersex disorders distinguishes the karyotype, gonadal morphology, and genital anatomy to provide a differential diagnosis and guide appropriate surgical management. Modified feminizing clitoroplasty with preservation of the dorsal and ventral neurovascular bundles to retain erogenous sensitivity was performed in females with severe virilization (Prader degree III-V). The outgrowth of the genital tubercle and the fusion of the urethral fold proceed in an ordered fashion; but in some cases of ambiguity, there was discordance due to different pathways. Speculation about the derivation of the genital tubercle have discussed with a literature review. The genital tubercle derives from the following 3 layers: the ectodermal glans of the tubercle, the mesodermal corpora cavernosa and the endodermal urogenital groove. According to the new hypothesis, during the indifferent stages, the 5 sacral somites have to recede from their segmentation and disintegrate: the sclerotomes form the pelvic bones, the fused myotomes follow with their genuine neurotomes and the angiotomes join to the corpora cavernosa of the genital tubercle. Sexual differentiation of external genitalia is final in gender embryogenesis, but surprisingly derivation of the indifferent genital tubercle from 5 somites occurs before gonadal and internal organs development.

Microsurgical Reconstruction of Penis

Introduction: The absence or loss of the penis has serious psychological and social implications. History of reconstruction and construction of the penis has run parallel to the history of plastic surgery, creating higher expectations as techniques are improved. The reconstruction was first described in 1936 by the Russian surgeon Borgoras, although it was phalloplasty with tubular abdominal flap Gillies a very popular procedure and established the benchmark for decades. The era of microsurgery allowed the use of well-vascularized tissue with minimal defects at the donor sites. In 1984, Hwang and Chang described the use of the radial forearm free flap for reconstruction of the penis, giving a semieréctil function with autologous cartilage. The reconstruction include both aesthetic and functional objectives: Normal or near -normal appearance, presence of urethra at the distal end of the penis and allows urination in a standing position, protective and erogenous sensitivity, sufficient length and diameter to perform sexual penetration, internal stiffness to provide similar feel to the erection, procedure performed in a single surgical time and low donor site morbidity.

Second free radial forearm flap for urethral reconstruction after partial flap necrosis of tube-in-tube phalloplasty with radial forearm flap: A report of two cases

We present a salvage procedure to reconstruct the neo-urethra after partial flap necrosis occurring in free radial forearm flap (RFF) phalloplasty for sex reassignment surgery. Two cases of tube-in-tube phalloplasty using a free sensate RFF are described in which partial flap necrosis occurred involving the complete length of the neo-urethra and a strip of the outer lining of the neo-phallus. Neo-urethra-reconstruction was performed with a second RFF from the contralateral side providing well-vascularized tissue. No flap-related complications were observed. Twelve months postoperatively, both patients were able to void while standing. A satisfactory aesthetic appearance of the neo-phallus could be preserved with an excellent tactile and erogenous sensitivity. Using this technique, we successfully salvaged the neo-urethra and reconstructed the outer lining of the neo-phallus

Male circumcision decreases penile sensitivity as measured in a large cohort

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add? The sensitivity of the foreskin and its importance in erogenous sensitivity is widely debated and controversial. This is part of the actual public debate on circumcision for non-medical reason. Today some studies on the effect of circumcision on sexual function are available. However they vary widely in outcome. The present study shows in a large cohort of men, based on self-assessment, that the foreskin has erogenous sensitivity. It is shown that the foreskin is more sensitive than the uncircumcised glans mucosa, which means that after circumcision genital sensitivity is lost. In the debate on clitoral surgery the proven loss of sensitivity has been the strongest argument to change medical practice. In the present study there is strong evidence on the erogenous sensitivity of the foreskin. This knowledge hopefully can help doctors and patients in their decision on circumcision for non-medical reason. Objectives To test the hypothesis that sensitivity of the foreskin is a substantial part of male penile sensitivity. To determine the effects of male circumcision on penile sensitivity in a large sample. Subjects and Methods The study aimed at a sample size of ≈1000 men. Given the intimate nature of the questions and the intended large sample size, the authors decided to create an online survey. Respondents were recruited by means of leaflets and advertising. Results The analysis sample consisted of 1059 uncircumcised and 310 circumcised men. For the glans penis, circumcised men reported decreased sexual pleasure and lower orgasm intensity. They also stated more effort was required to achieve orgasm, and a higher percentage of them experienced unusual sensations (burning, prickling, itching, or tingling and numbness of the glans penis). For the penile shaft a higher percentage of circumcised men described discomfort and pain, numbness and unusual sensations. In comparison to men circumcised before puberty, men circumcised during adolescence or later indicated less sexual pleasure at the glans penis, and a higher percentage of them reported discomfort or pain and unusual sensations at the penile shaft. Conclusions This study confirms the importance of the foreskin for penile sensitivity, overall sexual satisfaction, and penile functioning. Furthermore, this study shows that a higher percentage of circumcised men experience discomfort or pain and unusual sensations as compared with the uncircumcised population. Before circumcision without medical indication, adult men, and parents considering circumcision of their sons, should be informed of the importance of the foreskin in male sexuality.

Male circumcision decreases penile sensitivity as measured in a large cohort

WHAT'S KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT? AND WHAT DOES THE STUDY ADD?: The sensitivity of the foreskin and its importance in erogenous sensitivity is widely debated and controversial. This is part of the actual public debate on circumcision for non-medical reason. Today some studies on the effect of circumcision on sexual function are available. However they vary widely in outcome. The present study shows in a large cohort of men, based on self-assessment, that the foreskin has erogenous sensitivity. It is shown that the foreskin is more sensitive than the uncircumcised glans mucosa, which means that after circumcision genital sensitivity is lost. In the debate on clitoral surgery the proven loss of sensitivity has been the strongest argument to change medical practice. In the present study there is strong evidence on the erogenous sensitivity of the foreskin. This knowledge hopefully can help doctors and patients in their decision on circumcision for non-medical reason. To test the hypothesis that sensitivity of the foreskin is a substantial part of male penile sensitivity. To determine the effects of male circumcision on penile sensitivity in a large sample. The study aimed at a sample size of ≈1000 men. Given the intimate nature of the questions and the intended large sample size, the authors decided to create an online survey. Respondents were recruited by means of leaflets and advertising. The analysis sample consisted of 1059 uncircumcised and 310 circumcised men. For the glans penis, circumcised men reported decreased sexual pleasure and lower orgasm intensity. They also stated more effort was required to achieve orgasm, and a higher percentage of them experienced unusual sensations (burning, prickling, itching, or tingling and numbness of the glans penis). For the penile shaft a higher percentage of circumcised men described discomfort and pain, numbness and unusual sensations. In comparison to men circumcised before puberty, men circumcised during adolescence or later indicated less sexual pleasure at the glans penis, and a higher percentage of them reported discomfort or pain and unusual sensations at the penile shaft. This study confirms the importance of the foreskin for penile sensitivity, overall sexual satisfaction, and penile functioning. Furthermore, this study shows that a higher percentage of circumcised men experience discomfort or pain and unusual sensations as compared with the uncircumcised population. Before circumcision without medical indication, adult men, and parents considering circumcision of their sons, should be informed of the importance of the foreskin in male sexuality.

Increased Sexual Health After Restored Genital Sensation in Male Patients with Spina Bifida or a Spinal Cord Injury: the TOMAX Procedure

In this study we prospectively investigated the contribution of restored penile sensation to sexual health in patients with low spinal lesions. In 30 patients (18 with spina bifida, 12 with spinal cord injury, age range 13 to 55 years) with no penile sensation but good groin sensation the new TOMAX (TO MAX-imize sensation, sexuality and quality of life) procedure was performed. This involves microsurgical connection of the sensory ilioinguinal nerve to the dorsal nerve of the penis unilaterally. Extensive preoperative and postoperative neurological and psychological evaluations were made. A total of 24 patients (80%) gained unilateral glans penis sensation. This was initially felt as groin sensation but transformed into real glans sensation in 11 patients (33%). These patients had better overall sexual function (p = 0.022) and increased satisfaction (p = 0.004). Although 13 patients (43%) maintained groin sensation, their satisfaction with sexuality was only slightly less than that of those with glans sensation. Improved sensations helped them manage urinary incontinence, thereby improving personal hygiene and independence. Most patients felt more complete and less handicapped with their penis now part of their body image. They also reported having more open and meaningful sexual relationships with their partners. Tactile and erogenous sensitivity was restored in the glans penis in patients with a low spinal lesion. This new sensation enhanced the quality of sexual functioning and satisfaction. The TOMAX procedure should become standard treatment for such patients.

Development of surgical phalloplasty techniques: Is there a gold standard?

Summary Introduction In the field of penile reconstruction surgery there is a range of techniques, including fasciocutaneous, septocutaneous, myocutaneous, osteocutaneous and osteomyocutaneous flaps, taken from the suprapubic, abdominal, inguinal, scapular, deltoid, thoracodorsal, fibular or anterolateral thigh areas or from the forearm or arm. Among this wide variety of techniques, is there a gold standard treatment to identify best practice, and what are the criteria that should be used to define such a standard? The aim of this article is to provide an overview of the main phalloplasty techniques and to show their advantages and drawbacks, in order to answer the ultimate question, of whether a gold standard can be identified or not. Method Literature review using Pubmed and selection of articles about the most common types of phalloplasty, and how these have changed over time. Selection of articles that evaluate the main techniques. Results Six phalloplasty techniques (flaps from the suprapubic, abdominal, inguinal, forearm, fibular and anterolateral thigh areas) are described. There have been few studies that formally evaluate these techniques, other than studies of complications, even though it is suggested that some techniques preserve erogenous sensitivity. Discussion The criteria that an ideal phalloplasty must fulfil are: 1) satisfactory aesthetic appearance; 2) creation of a neourethra which enables urination while standing up; 3) sufficient rigidity to have sexual relations; 4) tactile and erotic sensitivity; 5) surgery carried out in just one stage; 6) low levels of donor site morbidity and site must be easy to hide; 6) density, texture and colour to match the perineum. No technique currently meets all these criteria and thus no gold standard treatment can easily be identified. Any standard, if one is to exist, must stress the need to inform and educate patients in order that their needs be met and in order to reduce unrealistic expectations and postoperative disappointment.

Issues with the External and Internal Genitalia in Postpubertal Females Born with Classic Bladder Exstrophy: A Surgical Series

Study Objective To report our experience with surgical management of gynecological issues in postpubertal female patients born with classic bladder exstrophy (BE). Design Retrospective review of clinical charts. Setting Tertiary pediatric urology unit. Participants 16 postpubertal female BE patients. Interventions Cosmetic surgery to the external genitalia, widening of vaginal introitus, and treatment of pelvic organ prolapse. Main Outcome Measures patient satisfaction and additional gynecological problems during follow-up. Results Eight cases (14–43 years old) underwent cosmetic procedures. All resulted in improved cosmesis, but one case complained of reduced erogenous sensitivity after clitoridoplasty. Five cases (17–20 years old) underwent widening of the vaginal introitus. The modification was as short as possible to avoid any foreshortening of the dorsal vaginal wall. Three cases 33-45 years old presented with pelvic organ prolapse. All were sexually active. One had already given birth. All the three had previously been submitted elsewhere to a posterior vaginal cutback and one to hysterectomy. Two are still awaiting further treatment due to recurrent prolapse. Conclusion Female BE patients can seek advice to improve the appearance of the external genitalia at any ages. Clidoridoplasty should be considered carefully, because it may harm erogenous sensitivity. Problems with the vaginal introitus typically present at around 20 years of age, probably when BE patients become sexually active. Opening too widely the introitus can cause a foreshortening of the posterior vaginal wall, predisposing to pelvic organ prolapse. Treatment of pelvic organ prolapse is difficult.

ORIGINAL RESEARCH—INTERSEX AND GENDER IDENTITY DISORDERS: Gender Reassignment Surgery in Male-to-Female Transsexualism: A Retrospective 3-Month Follow-up Study with Anatomical Remarks

Greater acceptance of sexual minorities has enabled people with transsexualism access to adequate treatment and social integration. Gender reassignment surgery is a complex phase in the care of transsexual patients. In response to a greater volume of patients, surgical techniques have evolved and the outcome in patients with male-to-female transsexualism is now a very accurate imitation of female genitalia, enabling sexual intercourse with orgasm. To evaluate the results of surgical reassignment of genitalia in male-to-female transsexuals. A retrospective 3-month follow-up study of patients' opinions following gender reassignment surgery in 129 patients having a primary procedure (eight of whom had later sigmoideocolpoplasty) and five patients undergoing reoperation following an initial unsuccessful procedure at other units. All patients were male transsexuals. The surgical techniques are described in detail. Sexual functions and complications 3 months after surgery. All patients were satisfied with the first phase operation. Thirteen patients (9.7%) underwent successful sigmoideocolpoplasty. Main complications were as follows: rectal lesions developing during preparation of the vaginal canal (1.5%); bleeding from the stump of the shortened urethra in the first 48 hours postoperatively requiring secondary suturing (4.5%); temporary urinary retention requiring repeated insertion of urinary catheters for up to 6 days (5.2%); and healing of the suture between the perineum and the posterior aspect of the vaginal introitus healing by secondary intention (5.2%). The neoclitoris had erogenous sensitivity in 93.9% of patients and 65.3% reached orgasm in the first 3 months. Surgical conversion of the genitalia is a safe and important phase of the treatment of male-to-female transsexuals.

Scrotal Reconstruction in Female-to-Male Transsexuals: A Novel Scrotoplasty

One of the goals of genital construction in female-to-male transsexuals is the creation of an aesthetically acceptable result, both for phallus and scrotum, leaving minimal morbidity and recreating function. In the last 15 years, transsexuals have become more demanding, and scrotoplasty has received more attention than before. Traditional flaps for scrotal reconstruction in a biological male do not really apply in transsexuals: the labia majora seem to achieve the best results; still, they may not provide enough tissue and can be located much too posteriorly. Since November of 1993, more than 300 scrotal reconstructions (and radial forearm flap phalloplasties) have been performed in female-to-male transsexuals by the authors' gender team. Based on the authors' large experience, they modified previous techniques and developed a novel scrotoplasty consisting of a V-Y advancement of the major labia together with a rotation of these superiorly based labial flaps. Refinements (to achieve better sensation and shaping) are described. Twelve months after the original operation, one testicle implant and erection prosthesis procedures were performed. No major complications related to scrotoplasty occurred in the authors' series. Patients were all pleased at short- or long-term follow-up with their scrotum, located in its natural position in front of the legs. The authors' novel scrotoplasty can become the ultimate surgical technique to reconstruct the scrotum in female-to-male transsexual patients, further improving the final cosmetic result, with the possibility of enhanced erogenous sensitivity.

Genital Sensitivity After Sex Reassignment Surgery in Transsexual Patients

Tactile and erogenous sensitivity in reconstructed genitals is one of the goals in sex reassignment surgery. Since November 1993 until April 2003, a total of 105 phalloplasties with the radial forearm free flap and 127 vaginoclitoridoplasties with the inverted penoscrotal skin flap and the dorsal glans pedicled flap have been performed at Ghent University Hospital. The specific surgical tricks used to preserve genital and tactile sensitivity are presented. In phalloplasty, the dorsal hood of the clitoris is incorporated into the neoscrotum; the clitoris is transposed, buried, and fixed directly below the reconstructed phallic shaft; and the medial and lateral antebrachial nerves are coapted to the inguinal nerve and to one of the 2 dorsal nerves of the clitoris. In vaginoplasty, the clitoris is reconstructed from a part of the glans penis inclusive of a part of the corona, the inner side of the prepuce is used to reconstruct the labia minora, and the penile shaft is inverted to line the vaginal cavity. A long-term sensitivity evaluation (performed by the Semmes-Weinstein monofilament and the Vibration tests) of 27 reconstructed phalli and 30 clitorises has been performed. The average pressure and vibratory thresholds values for the phallus tip were, respectively, 11.1 g/mm and 3 microm. These values have been compared with the ones of the forearm (donor site). The average pressure and vibratory thresholds values for the clitoris were, respectively, 11.1 g/mm and 0.5 microm. These values have been compared with the ones of the normal male glans, taken from the literature. We also asked the examined patients if they experienced orgasm after surgery, during any sexual practice (ie, we considered only patients who attempted to have orgasm): all female-to-male and 85% of the male-to-female patients reported orgasm. With our techniques, the reconstructed genitalia obtain tactile and erogenous sensitivity. To obtain a good tactile sensitivity in the reconstructed phallus, we believe that the coaptation of the cutaneous nerves of the flap with the ilioinguinalis nerve and with one of the 2 nerves of the clitoris is essential in obtaining this result. To obtain orgasm after phalloplasty, we believe that preservation of the clitoris beneath the reconstructed phallus and some preservation of the clitoris hood are essential. To obtain orgasm after a vaginoplasty, the reconstruction of the clitoris from the neurovascular pedicled glans flap is essential.

A True One-Stage Nonmicrosurgical Technique for Total Phallic Reconstruction

A new nonmicrosurgical technique for one-stage total phallic reconstruction is presented. In this procedure, an innervated anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap including the medial half of the fascia latae is combined with a sartorius perforator flap. Both flaps are elevated together as an island chimeric flap based on the lateral circumflex femoral vessels and tunneled to the recipient area. The neourethra is created with thin and hairless skin of the sartorius perforator flap, while the ALT flap is used to construct the shaft and glans of the neophallus. The rigidity was provided with a penile prosthesis covered with a neotunica albuginea created with vascularized fascia latae for the first time in the literature. The lateral femoral cutaneous nerve of the ALT flap is coapted to the pudendal nerve to provide erogenous sensibility. Here, a 15-year-old male in whom this new procedure was used for one-stage total phallic reconstruction is presented. Two years of follow-up revealed that an esthetically acceptable and functional neopenis with a nonhairy competent urethra, erogenous sensitivity, and a proper rigidity was achieved with no complication. This new technique, namely, the "Istanbul on the thigh" flap, is a one-stage, safe, and timesaving technique which fulfills all essential goals of phallic reconstruction but does not require microsurgical equipment and expertise. Moreover, the donor scar is located at an unexposed area, easy to conceal. Although more clinical experience is needed, this new procedure seems to be a useful alternative in phallic reconstruction.