Flap Phalloplasty Research Articles

Free Bipedicled Radial Forearm and Posterior Interosseous Artery Perforator Flap Phalloplasty

IntroductionThe free radial forearm (FRFA) flap is universally still considered as the gold standard technique in penile reconstruction. Typically, a considerably large flap is required, often involving almost the entire circumference of the forearm. Partial necrosis may occur at the distal-most (dorsoradial) part of the flap as a result of insufficient perfusion. AimTo describe a new technique using the posterior interosseous artery (PIOA) to supercharge FRFA phalloplasty. MethodsIn a 12-month period, all patients having FRFA flap phalloplasty were enrolled. Perioperative, after complete flap dissection, an indocyanine green perfusion scan was performed. In case of insufficient perfusion at the distalmost part of the flap, a supramicrosurgical anastomosis was performed between the FRFA pedicle and the PIOA (artery only). Main Outcome MeasuresStudied outcomes included the rate of marginal necrosis, surgical time, postoperative posterior interosseous nerve damage and urethral complications (fistula, stenosis or necrosis). ResultsA total of 27 FRFA flap phalloplasties was performed. Anastomosis of the PIOA was needed in 15 cases. No marginal necrosis was observed in these cases. There were no cases of postoperative posterior interosseous nerve damage. There were no significant differences in urethral complications (fistula, stenosis or necrosis) between the 2 groups. Clinical ImplicationsIn selected cases where insufficient perfusion of the dorsoradial part of the flap is present, patients may benefit from arterial supercharging to prevent postoperative marginal necrosis. Strength & LimitationsStrengths include a single surgeon, thus lending continuity of skill and technique, a consecutive series, and 100% short-term follow-up. Limitations include single institution series and a limited number of patients. ConclusionArterial supercharging is effective in improving perfusion of large FRFA flaps used in phalloplasty when dorsoradial hypoperfusion is detected on an indocyanine green perfusion scan. It is a technically challenging addition to the standard technique because of the small size of the vessels, the close relationship between the PIOA and the posterior interosseous nerve, and the vulnerability of the newly constructed intra-flap anastomosis.De Wolf E, Claes K, Sommeling CE, et al. Free Bipedicled Radial Forearm and Posterior Interosseous Artery Perforator Flap Phalloplasty. J Sex Med 2019;16:1111–1117.

Transgender Surgery: Female to Male

Gender-confirming surgery is a life-altering and medically necessary set of procedures for some people suffering from gender dysphoria. For transgender men, there are a variety of surgical interventions available for masculinization, including facial, chest, trunk, and genital surgeries. Facial and truncal masculinizations are rarely sought. Chest masculinization is the most common procedure in transgender men and consists of bilateral mastectomy through various approaches dependent on the breast size and laxity with minimal complications. Metoidioplasty and phalloplasty are the most common genital procedures (the radial forearm free flap phalloplasty being the most common) but have significant complication profiles. Up to 40% of those undergoing genital masculinization suffer from urethral fistula or stricture. Current advances consist of neurotization of the phallus and implant placement. Future studies on patient-reported outcomes and long-term follow-up are needed. This review contains 16 figures, 3 tables, and 62 references. Key Words: chest masculinization, gender affirmation, metoidioplasty, penile implant, phalloplasty, radial forearm free flap, scrotoplasty, transgender, urethral fistula, vaginectomy

The role of cinematic rendering in pre-operative planning of a thoracodorsal artery perforator flap (TDAP) phalloplasty: a case study.

The thoracodorsal artery perforator (TDAP) flap is a muscle-sparing skin and fat flap that requires precise intramuscular dissection of the thoracodorsal artery perforators in the axillary region. Pre-operative image-based treatment planning is a crucial part of flap design. In this article, we discuss the first-ever reported use of the cinematic volume rendering technique (CVRT) to evaluate the thoracodorsal artery for a TDAP flap phalloplasty in a 49-year-old transgender patient. Cinematic volume rendering technique uses light maps to generate photo-realistic three-dimensional images of the thoracodorsal artery and its perforators. These images aid the surgeon in evaluating optimal perforators and latissimus dorsi muscle involvement for more efficient flap design.

Urethral Complications After Transgender Phalloplasty: Strategies to Treat Them and Minimize Their Occurrence.

Radial forearm free flap phalloplasty (RFFP) is the current standard of care for most FTM gender confirmation surgeries. This procedure is associated with a rate of urethral stricture as high as 51%, which falls only to 23-35% even among the most experienced contemporary surgeons. While some modifications have been proposed to combat this high complication rate, it still remains a major source of lasting morbidity. The method involves literature review of RFFP literature. Lowest stricture rates are found when neourethra is made with a long, meticulously constructed tube of well-vascularized perivaginal/periurethral and labia minora tissue. In cases of urethral stricture, urethroplasty is required in 94-96% of patients. Surgery should be delayed until all acute inflammation has subsided. Urethroplasty is technically challenging and fails in up to 50% of cases. Repeated surgery or salvage urethral exteriorization procedures, which can leave the patient with lifelong perineal urethrostomy, are often required. Patient and physician knowledge regarding the high burden and poor treatment options for urethral stricture after phalloplasty is incomplete, and patient acceptance of this reality is crucial for honest understanding of the potential complications of this increasingly common but extremely complex surgery. Clin. Anat. 31:187-190, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The anatomy of abdominal flap phalloplasty for transgender surgery.

Abdominal flap phalloplasty is surgical construction of a neophallus using a pedicled abdominal flap for patients transitioning female to male, for males whose penis is congenitally absent, or lost from trauma. It is an option for trans men whose goals do not require urethroplasty or vaginectomy but would like a phallus suitable for male gender appearance. A prosthesis can be placed for penetrative sexual capability. Surgical text descriptions were enhanced by creation of new anatomic illustrations. Anatomy of donor site and surgical technique leading to creation of the neophallus are demonstrated in detail with new relevant illustrations. Significant structures of the donor site of the abdominal flap include the superficial external pudendal artery and ilioinguinal nerve that provide the blood supply and sensory innervation to the base of the flap, respectively. As a pedicled phalloplasty procedure, microsurgical anastomosis is not needed. Patients can expect to have tactile sensation but not innate rigidity. The dorsal nerve of clitoris (and sometimes the clitoris itself) is preserved to provide erogenous sensation. Abdominal flap phalloplasty makes it possible to maintain the natural blood supply and innervation to the neophallus. The neophallus created by abdominal flap phalloplasty has the advantage of homogeneous skin color and texture from contiguous skin. Grafting leaves a less stigmatizing horizontal scar running from one side of the pelvis to the other along the lower abdomen. The anatomy of the abdominal flap phalloplasty supports creation of a neophallus for transsexual anatomy revision. Clin. Anat. 31:181-186, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The anatomy of forearm free flap phalloplasty for transgender surgery.

Transgender surgeries are becoming more frequent and visual interpretation of anatomy is essential for both surgeons and patients. Since the forearm free flap phalloplasty was introduced in 1984, it has been known to provide reliable cosmetic and functional results for transitioning men compared with phalloplasty by different flaps. Surgical text descriptions were enhanced by the creation of new anatomic illustrations. The forearm free flap consists of the anterior forearm skin, subcutaneous tissue, fascia containing the radial artery as the perforator and its venae comitantes, cephalic and basilic veins, and lateral and medial antebrachial cutaneous nerves are demonstrated in relation to the surgically derived flap. Song's forearm free flap phalloplasty requires two surgical stages with a three-month interval between the stages: prelamination of a neourethra and construction of a neophallus. The neophallus created by forearm flap phalloplasty is reported to achieve acceptable aesthetical and psychological satisfaction, appropriate size and shape, and satisfying sexual intercourse. Despite increasing experiences in gender confirming surgery with modifications made by many authors, urethral complications including fistula and/or stricture formation are the leading causes of reoperation. The poor esthetic outcome of the forearm donor site and a decrease in rigidity of the neophallus are the main limitations. Illustrations of anatomy help inform surgical choice and understanding of risks and benefits by patients. The anatomy of the free forearm flap phalloplasty supports creation of a neophallus for transsexual anatomy revision. Clin. Anat. 31:145-151, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Aesthetic Refinements after Radial Free Flap Phalloplasty: Optimizing the Donor Site and the Phallus.

Background:Phalloplasty with radial forearm flap is the gold standard for female-to-male sex reassignment surgery. However, it leaves a stigmatizing forearm scar, and as the new phallus is created with the forearm’s skin and fat, it does not look like that of a biological man. The aesthetic appearance of the donor site and the neophallus can be optimized after phalloplasty. In this study, we review refinement techniques (RTs) performed after radial forearm flap phalloplasty.Methods:We present a historical cohort of patients who underwent the following RTs: forearm fat grafting and localized laser in the forearm’s scars, and micropigmentation of the neophallus. Patient’s aesthetic satisfaction was evaluated using the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale for the forearm’s refinements and the Male Genital Self-Image Scale for the neophallus.Results:Between January 2014 and January 2016, 8 patients underwent forearm fat grafting with localized laser, and 7 patients micropigmentation of the neophallus after radial flap phalloplasties. All Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale parameters showed a statistically significant reduction between preoperative and postoperative values. Male Genital Self-Image Scale survey showed that all patients felt positively about their genitals after micropigmentation. Patients who underwent refinement procedures were highly satisfied with the aesthetic outcome and felt more confident. They also claim that they would choose to have the refinement procedure done again.Conclusions:The proposed RTs are minimally invasive interventions to complement and enhance female-to-male sex reassignment surgery with very few complications and excellent aesthetic results of both the forearm scars and the constructed phallus.

Phalloplasty in Female-to-Male Transsexuals by Gottlieb and Levine's Free Radial Forearm Flap Technique-A Long-Term Single-Center Experience Over More than Two Decades.

The free radial forearm flap phalloplasty is the most utilized method for penile reconstruction. Among the techniques described in the literature, evidence for the flap design after Gottlieb and Levine is poor. From January 1993 until December 2015, 402 phalloplasties were performed in our clinic. Among the 247 free radial forearm flap phalloplasties, 232 free radial forearm flap phalloplasties were performed after Gottlieb and Levine in 229 patients. Operation and patient-specific characteristics were evaluated. This study presents the highest number of free radial forearm flap phalloplasties after Gottlieb and Levine. The rate of total flap failure was 3%; 46% of the patients were heavy smokers. Urinary fistulae and strictures are common. The revision rate for urinary fistulae and/or strictures was 1.3 per patient. The number of postoperative complications, such as bleeding (14.2%), thrombosis of the flap requiring revision (11.2%), or delayed wound healing (16.8%) was considering the high rate of nicotine abuse (45.9%) reasonable. The free radial forearm phalloplasty in the design by Gottlieb and Levine is well established at our institution and has proven safe and reliable since 1993. The operative results are satisfactory for both patients and surgeons even in the presence of relevant comorbidities and heavy smoking. We acknowledge the long ordeal and psychological pressure that our patients suffer from, before presenting in our outpatient clinic.

Outcomes of Single Stage Phalloplasty by Pedicled Anterolateral Thigh Flap versus Radial Forearm Free Flap in Gender Confirming Surgery.

Phalloplasty is a critical step in female-to-male (transmale) gender confirming genital surgery. We examined outcomes between transmales who underwent phalloplasty with vaginectomy and full-length urethroplasty using the anterolateral thigh pedicled flap or the radial forearm free flap. We performed a single center, retrospective study of patients who underwent phalloplasty with vaginectomy and full-length urethroplasty using an anterolateral thigh pedicled flap or a radial forearm free flap from April 2013 to July 2016. All patients had at least 6 months of followup. Urethral and nonurethral complications were recorded. Complication rates were assessed using the OR of the anterolateral thigh pedicled flap and the radial forearm free flap groups. Of the 213 patients 149 and 64 underwent radial forearm free flap and anterolateral thigh pedicled flap phalloplasty, respectively. Patients with a radial forearm free flap had a significantly higher body mass index than those with an anterolateral thigh pedicled flap. The overall urethral complication rate for radial forearm free flap and anterolateral thigh pedicled flap phalloplasty was 31.5% and 32.8%, and the rate of partial or total neophallus loss was 3.4% and 7.8%, respectively. Patients in the pedicled flap cohort experienced significantly greater odds of urethral fistula (OR 2.50, p = 0.024), nonurethral complications (OR 2.38, p = 0.027) and phallus wound dehiscence (OR 5.03, p = 0.026). Anterolateral thigh pedicled flap phalloplasty was associated with overall greater odds of urethral and other complications at 6 months of followup. Our findings can help guide surgical decision making when selecting a flap for phalloplasty.

Double flap phalloplasty in transgender men: Surgical technique and outcome of pedicled anterolateral thigh flap phalloplasty combined with radial forearm free flap urethral reconstruction

IntroductionRadial forearm free flap (RFFF) tube‐in‐tube phalloplasty is the most performed phalloplasty technique worldwide. The conspicuous donor‐site scar is a drawback for some transgender men. In search for techniques with less conspicuous donor‐sites, we performed a series of one‐stage pedicled anterolateral thigh flap (ALT) phalloplasties combined with RFFF urethral reconstruction. In this study, we aim to describe this technique and assess its surgical outcome in a series of transgender men.Patients and MethodsBetween January 2008 and December 2015, nineteen transgender men (median age 37, range 21–57) underwent pedicled ALT phalloplasty combined with RFFF urethral reconstruction in one stage. The surgical procedure was described. Patient demographics, surgical characteristics, intra‐ and postoperative complications, hospitalization length, and reoperations were recorded.ResultsThe size of the ALT flaps ranged from 12 × 12 to 15 × 13 cm, the size of the RFFFs from 14 × 3 to 17 × 3 cm. Median clinical follow‐up was 35 months (range 3–95). Total RFFF failure occurred in two patients, total ALT flap failure in one patient, and partial necrosis of the ALT flap in one patient. Long‐term urinary complications occurred in 10 (53%) patients, of which 9 concerned urethral strictures.ConclusionsIn experienced hands, one‐stage pedicled ALT phalloplasty combined with RFFF urethral reconstruction is a feasible alternative surgical option in eligible transgender men, who desire a less conspicuous forearm scar. Possible drawbacks comprise flap‐related complications, difficult inner flap monitoring and urethral complications.

Ushering in the era of penile transplantation.

Penile transplantation is a novel approach to management of penile loss in the developing field of composite tissue allotransplantation (CTA). Prior management for significant penile loss has been free flap phalloplasty with issues related to function, cosmesis, and functional loss from the location of flap harvest. Transplantation has been an evolving field with advancement in CTA over the past several decades leading to the option of penile transplant. Management of penile injury with replantation provided some preliminary groundwork on the technical aspects for penile transplantation. Additionally, penile transplantation raises many ethical, emotional, and psychological considerations with need for patience amidst ongoing advancement within the field.

Sexual Function and Quality of Life Before and After Penile Prosthesis Implantation Following Radial Forearm Flap Phalloplasty

To provide sexual function and quality of life outcomes in patients with severe penile deficiency who underwent radial forearm flap phalloplasty with and without penile prosthesis implantation. Patients with history of severe penile deficiency who underwent microsurgical radial forearm flap phalloplasty with and without penile prosthesis implantation between 2007 and 2014 were identified. They completed a set of web-based validated questionnaires including the International Index of Erectile Function, the Pediatric Penile Perception Score, the Sexual Quality of Life for Men, and several items addressing general quality of life. Outcomes were compared between groups. Nine of the 12 identified patients who had prosthesis after phalloplasty and 4 out of the 7 phalloplasty-only patients completed the survey, resulting in an overall response rate of 68%. Among the phalloplasty-prosthesis patients, 66% reported current sexual activity and 78% reported regular masturbation, whereas 1 of the 4 phalloplasty-only patients reported both. Prosthesis patients scored notably higher in all domains of the International Index of Erectile Function except for sexual desire. In contrast, they demonstrated similar scores of penile perception, as well as general and sexual quality of life. Among patients who have undergone flap phalloplasty, the subsequent placement of penile prosthesis appears to effectively allow for both intercourse and masturbation, resulting in measurable improvements in orgasmic function, intercourse satisfaction, and overall sexual satisfaction. Despite these important benefits, prosthesis placement does not appear to result in improvements in penile perception scores, or general or sexual quality of life.

A Systematic Review of Metoidioplasty and Radial Forearm Flap Phalloplasty in Female-to-male Transgender Genital Reconstruction: Is the "Ideal" Neophallus an Achievable Goal?

Introduction:The complex anatomy and function of the native penis is difficult to surgically replicate. Metoidioplasty and radial forearm flap phalloplasty (RFFP) are the 2 most commonly utilized procedures for transgender neophallus construction.Methods:A MEDLINE search for metoidioplasty and RFFP in female-to-male genital reconstruction was performed. Primary outcome measures were subsequently compared. A systematic review was planned in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyse guidelines. Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) was utilized to evaluate the quality of evidence.Results:Using Population, Intervention, Comparison and Outcomes tool criteria, a total of 188 articles were identified; 7 articles related to metoidioplasty and 11 articles related to RFFP met inclusion criteria. The GRADE quality of evidence was low to very low for all included studies. In studies examining metoidioplasty, the average study size and length of follow-up were 54 patients and 4.6 years, respectively (1 study did not report [NR]). Eighty-eight percent underwent a single-stage reconstruction (0 NR), 87% reported an aesthetic neophallus (3 NR), and 100% reported erogenous sensation (2 NR). Fifty-one percent of patients reported successful intercourse (3 NR), and 89% of patients achieved standing micturition (3 NR). In studies examining RFFP, the average study size and follow-up were 60.4 patients and 6.23 years, respectively (6 NR). No patients underwent single-stage reconstructions (8 NR). Seventy percent of patients reported a satisfactorily aesthetic neophallus (4 NR), and 69% reported erogenous sensation (6 NR). Forty-three percent reported successful penetration of partner during intercourse (6 NR), and 89% achieved standing micturition (6 NR). Compared with RFFP, metoidioplasty was significantly more likely to be completed in a single stage (P < 0.0001), have an aesthetic result (P = 0.0002), maintain erogenous sensation (P < 0.0001), achieve standing micturition (P = 0.001), and have a lower overall complication rate (P = 0.02).Conclusions:Although the current literature suggests that metoidioplasty is more likely to yield an “ideal” neophallus compared with RFFP, any conclusion is severely limited by the low quality of available evidence.

PREPUTIAL PEDICLED FLAP PHALLOPLASTY FOR REPAIR OF SEVERE WEBBED PENIS

To evaluate the effectiveness of preputial pedicled flap phalloplasty for repair of severe webbed penis. Between May 2011 and May 2015, 23 boys with severe webbed penis were treated. The age ranged from 2 years and 8 months to 8 years and 3 months (mean, 4 years and 8 months). According to El-Koutby & El Gohary classification, 14 cases were rated as grade 3 simple webbed penis and 9 cases as compound webbed penis (2 cases of type 1, 2 cases of type 2, and 5 cases of type 3). The penis length was 2.1-5.4 cm (mean, 3.4 cm), and the penoscrotal angle was 130-160° (mean, 144°). All the glans could not be exposed. No other urinary system diseases and no history of penile surgery were found in children. All cases underwent one stage preputial pedicled flap phalloplasty. After successful correction, the penis length was 3.6-6.4 cm (mean, 4.7 cm); the penoscrotal angle was 90-110° (mean, 97°). Clear skin boundaries were observed at penile and scrotal parts. No web skin or scrotal skin was left on the penis. Primary healing of incision was obtained, with no necrosis of the flap or infection. All cases were followed up 12 to 41 months (mean, 25 months). No penile curvature, abnormal sensation of glans, or recurrence of the penoscrotal angle occurred, and the patients had normal urination. Preputial pedicled flap phalloplasty can be used as one stage repair for severe webbed penis. The penis is close to natural state and had satisfactory appearance, avoiding the possibility of long-term edema and penile curvature.

Author Reply

Since 1-stage phallic reconstruction using the radial forearm free flap was reported in 1984 by Chang and Hwang 1 Chang T.S. Hwang W.Y. Forearm flap in one-stage reconstruction of the penis. Plast Reconstr Surg. 1984; 74: 251-258 Crossref PubMed Scopus (323) Google Scholar and Kao et al, 2 Kao X.S. Kao J.H. Ho C.L. Yang Z.N. Shi H.R. One-stage reconstruction of the penis with free skin flap: report of three cases. J Reconstr Microsurg. 1984; 1: 149 Crossref PubMed Scopus (30) Google Scholar the radial forearm free flap has become the most frequently used flap in penile reconstruction. Massanyi et al reported positive results using this technique in patients with exstrophy. 3 Massanyi E.Z. Gupta A. Goel S. et al. Radial forearm free flap phalloplasty for penile inadequacy in patients with exstrophy. J Urol. 2013; 190: 1577-1582 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (41) Google Scholar The technique of phallic reconstruction using radial forearm free flap is universally considered the standard technique for penile reconstruction. 4 Hage J.J. Bout C.A. Bloem J.J. Megens J.A. Phalloplasty in female-to-male transsexuals: what do our patients ask for?. Ann Plast Surg. 1993; 30: 323-326 Crossref PubMed Scopus (85) Google Scholar , 5 Fang R.H. Kao Y.S. Ma S. Lin J.T. Phalloplasty in female-to-male transsexuals using free radial osteocutaneous flap: a series of 22 cases. Br J Plast Surg. 1999; 52: 217-222 Abstract Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (100) Google Scholar , 6 Monstrey S. Hoebeke P. Dhont M. et al. Radial forearm phalloplasty: a review of 81 cases. Eur J Plast Surg. 2005; 28: 206-212 Crossref Scopus (59) Google Scholar , 7 Monstrey S. Hoebeke P. Selvaggi G. et al. Penile reconstruction: is the radial forearm really the standard technique?. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2009; 124: 510-518 Crossref PubMed Scopus (191) Google Scholar

Surgical Outcomes of Erectile Implants After Phalloplasty: Retrospective Analysis of 95 Procedures

IntroductionThe creation of a neophallus is a complex surgery that must meet functional and esthetic requirements. It is a long and demanding surgical process whose final stage consists of the implantation of a rigid or inflatable material that can be used to reproduce an erection. Data in the literature are scarce, with only the pioneering series present, which includes the use of the first devices and techniques. AimTo report the outcome of patients with phalloplasty after implantation of erectile implants using standardized surgical techniques and the use of recent prosthesis types with or without a vascular graft. MethodsThis is a retrospective hospital-based analysis of all patients with phalloplasty who underwent implantation of an erectile prosthesis from March 2007 to May 2015. Factors associated with complications were investigated by multivariate logistic regression analysis. Main Outcome MeasuresEarly-onset (during the first month after surgery) and late-onset complications, including erosion, infections, malpositioning, and dysfunction. ResultsSixty-nine patients were included in the study and 95 procedures were analyzed. After a median follow-up of 4 years (minimum = 169 days, maximum = 6.1 years), the original prosthesis was still in place in 43 patients (62.3%). Patients underwent phalloplasty after female-to-male transsexualism (n = 62, 89.9%), malformation (n = 4, 5.8%), or trauma (n = 3, 4.3%). The proportions for the different types of phalloplasty were 58% for forearm free flap phalloplasty (n = 40), 33.3% for suprapubic phalloplasty (n = 23), and 7% for other (n = 6). The erectile prostheses used were the two-piece AMS Ambicor (n = 71, 74.7%), the Ambicor with a vascular graft (n = 19, 20.0%), and the AMS 700CXR, AMS 700CX, or AMS600-650 (n = 5, 5.2%). There were no early-onset complications in 89 procedures (93.7%) and, when present, they were always related to infection (n = 4, 4.2%). Late-onset complications were erosion (n = 4, 4.2%), infection (n = 4, 4.2%), dysfunction (n = 10, 10.5%), and malpositioning (n = 12, 12.6%). No significant difference was observed for malpositioning (12.7% vs 10.5%, P = .87) and dysfunction (7.0% vs 10.5%, P = .78) between the AMS Ambicor prosthesis and the Ambicor prosthesis with a vascular graft. ConclusionThis study provides updated data on complications after the implantation of erectile implants. Multicenter studies, including the evaluation of patient satisfaction, are needed to increase our understanding of factors associated with the outcomes.

Abstract: A Systematic Review Examining Metaidoioplasty and Radial Forearm Flap Phalloplasty in Female-to-Male Genital Reconstruction: Is the Ideal Neophallus an Achievable Goal?

INTRODUCTION: The ideal neophallus in female-to-male genital reconstruction is achieved in a single-stage, is aesthetic, has tactile and erogenous sensation, achieves sexual intercourse and standing micturition with a functional neourethra, and has minimal complications and donor site morbidity. Metaidoioplasty and radial forearm flap phalloplasty (RFFP) are the most common procedures for neophallus construction despite no comparative studies of the procedures. METHODS: A MEDLINE search for metaidoioplasty and RFFP in female-to-male genital reconstruction was performed with outcomes compared. RESULTS: A total of 188 articles were identified; 7 articles related to metaidoioplasty and 11 articles related to RFFP met inclusion criteria. In studies examining metaidoioplasty, average study size and follow-up was 50.9 patients and 4.6 years (2 studies did not report [NR] these metrics). 88% had a single-stage reconstruction (1 NR), 87% reported a satisfactorily aesthetic neophallus (4 NR), 100% reported erogenous sensation (3 NR), no studies reported tactile sensation (7 NR), 51% of patients were able to achieve sexual intercourse (4 NR), average strictures/fistulae per patient was 0.28 (0 NR), 75% achieved standing micturition (3 NR), average overall complications per patient was 0.43 (0 NR), and donor site morbidity was 6% (0 NR). In RFFP, study size and follow-up was 60.4 patients and 6.23 years (6 NR). No patients had single-stage reconstruction (8 NR), 70% reported a satisfactorily aesthetic neophallus (4 NR), 69% reported erogenous sensation (6 NR), 77% reported tactile sensation (9 NR), 43% were able to achieve sexual intercourse (6 NR), average strictures/fistulae per patient was 0.51 (4 NR), 75% achieved standing micturition (6 NR), average overall complications per patient was 0.88 (3 NR), and donor site morbidity was 11% (3 NR). Comparing the groups, sample size (p=0.7722) and follow up (p=0.1798) were similar. Compared to RFFP, metaidoioplasty was significantly more likely to be completed in a single stage (p<0.0001), have an aesthetic result (p=0.0002), maintain erogenous sensation (p<0.0001) and have lower overall complication rates (p=0.02). Outcomes for standing micturition (p=1.000), urethral stricture/fistulae (p=0.08), donor site morbidity (p=0.11), and ability for sexual intercourse (p=0.1061) were similar; tactile sensation could not be compared. CONCLUSIONS: Current literature suggests metaidoioplasty may more successfully achieve an ideal neophallus than RFFP. High-quality studies with emphasis on patient-reported outcome measures are required to more critically evaluate female-to-male genital reconstruction.

Immediate pedicled gracilis flap in radial forearm flap phalloplasty for transgender male patients to reduce urinary fistula

Radial forearm phalloplasty is accompanied by high rates of fistula formation. We examined the effect of placing a pedicled gracilis myofascial flap around the urethral anastomosis at the time of radial forearm flap transfer on the development of postoperative urethrocutaneous fistula. Fifteen patients underwent phalloplasty with urethroplasty between June 2012 and October 2015, and they met the inclusion and exclusion criteria for the study. We retrospectively reviewed patients' medical records and extracted patient demographic data, prelamination technique used (mucosa, skin graft, both, or neither), and whether or not a gracilis myofascial flap was harvested at the time of flap transfer and used to reinforce the native-neourethral anastomosis. The chi-squared test was used to evaluate the association between the presence of a gracilis flap and fistula formation. Four patients received a gracilis flap as part of their primary phalloplasty operation. None of these patients developed a fistula. Eleven patients did not receive a gracilis flap at the time of initial surgery and seven developed a fistula. In our patient series, inclusion of a pedicled myofascial gracilis flap at the time of radial forearm phalloplasty with urethroplasty was associated with an absence of fistula formation. Therefore, we have since made inclusion of this flap a standard practice for all transmales undergoing phalloplasty with urethroplasty.

P-05-018 One-stage pedicled anterolateral thigh flap phalloplasty combined with free radial forearm flap urethral reconstruction in transgender men: Surgical technique and outcome in nineteen patients

P-05-018 One-stage pedicled anterolateral thigh flap phalloplasty combined with free radial forearm flap urethral reconstruction in transgender men: Surgical technique and outcome in nineteen patients

Comparative Study of the Free Microvascular Groin Flap: Optimizing the Donor Site After Free Radial Forearm Flap Phalloplasty

To improve the donor-site morbidity of the radial forearm flap through coverage with a free vascularized groin flap and comparing this flap coverage to the current standard, a full-thickness skin graft (FTSG). A retrospective analysis of all free radial forearm flap phalloplasties for transgender surgery at our institution was performed. We examined patient characteristics, donor site defects, surgical procedure, and clinical courses. Between October 2013 and February 2016, 27 consecutive patients underwent phalloplasty for female-to-male reassignment surgery with free radial forearm flaps. A total of 7 free groin flaps (group A) and 20 full-thickness skin graft from the groin region (group B) for donor-site defect coverage of the forearm were performed. The mean age in group A was 28.4 years with a mean body mass index of 21.6 kg/m(2) and a mean follow-up time of 10.6 months. The mean surgery time was 724 minutes. The mean patients' functional rating was 3.6 accompanied by the mean patients' aesthetical rating of 3.7. The mean age in group B was 30.5 years with a mean body mass index of 23.7 kg/m(2) and a mean follow-up time of 13.4 months. The mean surgery time was 563 minutes. The mean patients' functional rating was 3.1 accompanied by the mean patients' aesthetical rating of 2.9. We suggest that the free microvascular groin flap should be considered for immediate defect closure after phalloplasty with a radial forearm flap due to its beneficial functional and aesthetic results and the low rate of complications.