Neovaginal cancer after sigmoid vaginoplasty: Implications for postoperative cancer surveillance.

Background: Intestinal vaginoplasty can be performed as vaginal reconstruction procedure. Aa pedicled intestinal segment is isolated and transferred to the (neo)vaginal cavity to form the neovaginal lining. Case: A 38-year old patient with Fanconi anemia and congenital vaginal absence, who underwent sigmoid vaginoplasty at the age of one, visited the outpatient clinic with a palpable neovaginal mass. At MRI examination, a neovaginal tumor was observed of approximately 25 × 10 mm without lymphadenopathy, which turned out to be a mucinous adenocarcinoma (T3N0M0). She underwent excision of the total mesocolon, including the sigmoid neovagina, coloanal anastomosis and anus. Summary and Conclusion: Postoperative cancer surveillance seems justified after sigmoid vaginoplasty, even more so in patients with a (genetically) high risk of developing cancer and/or with a history of malignancy.

A systematic review of female sexual function after surgery for locally advanced or recurrent colorectal cancer - first step to filling the knowledge gap.

AIM: Locally advanced and recurrent colorectal cancer can require extended surgery, including reconstruction of the vagina. This complex surgery carries high morbidity. The aim of this study was to analyse the impact on female sexual functioning of pelvic exenteration (PE), with or without vaginal flap reconstruction, for locally advanced or recurrent colorectal cancer. METHOD: The protocol with search strategies for PubMed (Medline), EMBASE and the Cochrane Library was registered in PROSPERO. Studies published from 2000 onwards meeting the inclusion criteria were considered. Study selection (Rayyan), data extraction, rating of evidence (GRADE) and risk of bias (ROBINS-I) were conducted independently by two reviewers. RESULTS: Six of 2479 identified records were included: four retrospective and two cross-sectional studies. Of all 860 patients included, PE was performed in 314 patients. Seven hundred and thirty-two had rectal cancer (85.1%), 80 nonadvanced rectal cancer (10.9%), 393 locally advanced rectal cancer (53.7%) and 217 locally recurrent rectal cancer (29.6%); for 45 patients the type of rectal cancer remained unspecified (6.1%). Three studies reported on both preoperative and postoperative female sexual activity. Of the 153 women who were sexually active preoperatively, 64 (41.8%) reported postoperative sexual activity. The VRAM flap was used the most frequently and resulted in a sexual activity ratio of 18% postoperatively. Four studies, using six different validated questionnaires, reported mostly lowered sexual functioning postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Most studies showed that PE can result in severe sexual dysfunction despite reconstruction. Future prospective studies can fill the current knowledge gap by assessing long-term sexual outcomes in women.

Gender-Affirming Vaginoplasty: A Comparison of Algorithms, Surgical Techniques and Management Practices across 17 High-volume Centers in North America and Europe.

Penile inversion vaginoplasty is the most common gender-affirming genital surgery performed around the world. Although individual centers have published their experiences, expert consensus is generally lacking. Methods: Semistructured interviews were performed with 17 experienced gender surgeons representing a diverse mix of specialties, experience, and countries regarding their patient selection, preoperative management, vaginoplasty techniques, complication management, and postoperative protocols. Results: There is significant consistency in practices across some aspects of vaginoplasty. However, key areas of clinical heterogeneity are also present and include use of extragenital tissue for vaginal canal/apex creation, creation of the clitoral hood and inner labia minora, elevation of the neoclitoral neurovascular bundle, and perioperative hormone management. Pathway length of stay is highly variable (1-9 days). Lastly, some surgeons are moving toward continuation or partial reduction of estrogen in the perioperative period instead of cessation. Conclusions: With a broad study of surgeon practices, and encompassing most of the high-volume vaginoplasty centers in Europe and North America, we found key areas of practice variation that represent areas of priority for future research to address. Further multi-institutional and prospective studies that incorporate patient-reported outcomes are necessary to further our understanding of these procedures.

Principles and outcomes of gender-affirming vaginoplasty.

Vaginoplasty is the most frequently performed gender-affirming genital surgery for gender-diverse people with genital gender incongruence. The procedure is performed to create an aesthetic and functional vulva and vaginal canal that enables receptive intercourse, erogenous clitoral sensation and a downward-directed urine stream. Penile inversion vaginoplasty (PIV) is a single surgical procedure involving anatomical component rearrangement of the penis and scrotum that enables many patients to meet these anatomical goals. Other options include minimal-depth, peritoneal and intestinal vaginoplasty. Patient quality of life has been shown to improve drastically after vaginoplasty, but complication rates have been documented to be as high as 70%. Fortunately, most complications do not alter long-term postoperative clinical outcomes and can be managed without surgical intervention in the acute perioperative phase. However, major complications, such as rectal injury, rectovaginal fistula, and urethral or introital stenosis can substantially affect the patient experience. Innovations in surgical approaches and techniques have demonstrated promising early results for reducing complications and augmenting vaginal depth, but long-term data are scarce.

An external validation of a novel predictive algorithm for male nipple areolar positioning: an improvement to current practice through a multicenter endeavor.

The correct positioning of nipple-areolar complexes (NAC) during gender-affirming mastectomies remains a particular challenge. Recently, a Dutch two-step algorithm was proposed predicting the most ideal NAC-position derived from a large cisgender male cohort. We aimed to externally validate this algorithm in a Belgian cohort. The Belgian validation cohort consisted of cisgender men. Based on patient-specific anthropometry, the algorithm predicts nipple-nipple distance (NN) and sternal-notch-to-nipple distance (SNN). Predictions were externally validated using the performance measures: R2-value, means squared error (MSE) and mean absolute percentage error (MAPE). Additionally, data were collected from a Belgian and Dutch cohort of transgender men having undergone mastectomy with free nipple grafts. The observed and predicted NN and SNN were compared and the inter-center variability was assessed. A total of 51 Belgian cisgender and 25 transgender men were included, as well as 150 Dutch cisgender and 96 transgender men. Respectively, the performance measures (R2-value, MSE and MAPE) for NN were 0.315, 2.35 (95%CI:0-6.9), 4.9% (95%CI:3.8-6.1) and 0.423, 1.51 (95%CI:0-4.02), 4.73%(95%CI:3.7-5.7) for SNN. When applying the algorithm to both transgender cohorts, the predicted SNN was larger in both Dutch (17.1measured(±1.7) vs. 18.7predicted(±1.4), p= <0.001) and Belgian (16.2measured(±1.8) vs. 18.4predicted(±1.5), p= <0.001) cohorts, whereas NN was too long in the Belgian (22.0measured(±2.6) vs. 21.2predicted(±1.6), p = 0.025) and too short in the Dutch cohort (19.8measured(±1.8) vs. 20.7predicted(±1.9), p = 0.001). Both models performed well in external validation. This indicates that this two-step algorithm provides a reproducible and accurate clinical tool in determining the most ideal patient-tailored NAC-position in transgender men seeking gender-affirming chest surgery.

ESSM Position Statement "Sexual Wellbeing After Gender Affirming Surgery".

INTRODUCTION: Much has been published on the surgical and functional results following Gender Affirming Surgery ('GAS') in trans individuals. Comprehensive results regarding sexual wellbeing following GAS, however, are generally lacking. AIM: To review the impact of various GAS on sexual wellbeing in treatment seeking trans individuals, and provide a comprehensive list of clinical recommendations regarding the various surgical options of GAS on behalf of the European Society for Sexual Medicine. METHODS: The Medline, Cochrane Library and Embase databases were reviewed on the results of sexual wellbeing after GAS. MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURE: The task force established consensus statements regarding the somatic and general requirements before GAS and of GAS: orchiectomy-only, vaginoplasty, breast augmentation, vocal feminization surgery, facial feminization surgery, mastectomy, removal of the female sexual organs, metaidoioplasty, and phalloplasty. Outcomes pertaining to sexual wellbeing- sexual satisfaction, sexual relationship, sexual response, sexual activity, enacted sexual script, sexuality, sexual function, genital function, quality of sex life and sexual pleasure- are provided for each statement separately. RESULTS: The present position paper provides clinicians with statements and recommendations for clinical practice, regarding GAS and their effects on sexual wellbeing in trans individuals. These data, are limited and may not be sufficient to make evidence-based recommendations for every surgical option. Findings regarding sexual wellbeing following GAS were mainly positive. There was no data on sexual wellbeing following orchiectomy-only, vocal feminization surgery, facial feminization surgery or the removal of the female sexual organs. The choice for GAS is dependent on patient preference, anatomy and health status, and the surgeon's skills. Trans individuals may benefit from studies focusing exclusively on the effects of GAS on sexual wellbeing. CONCLUSION: The available evidence suggests positive results regarding sexual wellbeing following GAS. We advise more studies that underline the evidence regarding sexual wellbeing following GAS. This position statement may aid both clinicians and patients in decision-making process regarding the choice for GAS. Özer M, Toulabi SP, Fisher AD, et al. ESSM Position Statement "Sexual Wellbeing After Gender Affirming Surgery". Sex Med 2022;10:100471.

Treatment of Urethral Strictures in Transmasculine Patients.

BACKGROUND: Urethral strictures are a common complication after genital gender-affirming surgery (GGAS) in transmasculine patients. Studies that specifically focus on the management of urethral strictures are scarce. The aim of this systematic review is to collect all available evidence on the management of urethral strictures in transmasculine patients who underwent urethral lengthening. METHODS: We performed a systematic review of the management of urethral strictures in transmasculine patients after phalloplasty or metoidioplasty (PROSPERO, CRD42021215811) with literature from PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis-(PRISMA) guidelines were followed, and risk of bias was assessed for every individual study using the 5-criterion quality appraisal checklist. RESULTS: Eight case series were included with a total of 179 transmasculine patients. Only one study discussed the management of urethral strictures after metoidioplasty. Urethral strictures were most often seen at the anastomosis between the fixed and pendulous urethra. For each stricture location, different techniques have been reported. All studies were at a high risk of bias. The current evidence is insufficient to favor one technique over another. CONCLUSIONS: Different techniques have been described for the different clinical scenarios of urethral stricture disease after GGAS. In the absence of comparative studies, however, it is impossible to advocate for one technique over another. This calls for additional research, ideally well-designed prospective randomized controlled trials (RCTs), focusing on both surgical and functional outcome parameters.

Fifteen-Year Experience with the Ghent Technique of Penile Inversion Vaginoplasty.

BACKGROUND: Demand for male-to-female gender-affirmation surgery is rising. Creation of a vaginal vault and a feminine vulva remains challenging, especially in circumcised patients. The authors present the 15-year results of the technique developed by the senior author (S.M.). METHODS: A retrospective case review was performed of all penile inversion vaginoplasties carried out by the senior author between 2003 and 2017. Age, hormonal therapy time, body mass index, smoking, diabetes, circumcision, and the need for full-thickness skin grafts to lengthen the vaginal vault were investigated as potential risk factors for postoperative complications. RESULTS: A total of 384 penile inversion vaginoplasties were retained, with 85.7 percent of patients requiring a full-thickness skin graft to lengthen the vaginal vault. Rectum perforation occurred in six patients (1.6 percent). Early revisions were necessary in 8.4 percent of patients and late revision surgery was performed in 37.1 percent of cases. There was no independent risk factor for early complications. Diabetes was an independent risk factor for late revision surgery. After vaginoplasty, 97.2 percent of patients reported being able to engage in penetrative intercourse, and 83.4 percent of patients reported having orgasms. CONCLUSIONS: Vaginoplasty is possible in all trans women, with most patients being able to engage in penetrative intercourse and reach an orgasm. To reach the desired depth of 14 cm, the neovaginal vault is usually lined with full-thickness skin grafts from the scrotum and/or abdomen. Diabetes was the only independent risk factor for revision surgery. Rectal tears are a rare complication and can usually be managed conservatively. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

Urethral Complications After Metoidioplasty for Genital Gender Affirming Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Possible options of genital gender affirming surgery in transmasculine are metoidioplasty or phalloplasty. As opposed to phalloplasty, no flapbased neophallic reconstruction is needed in metoidioplasty. Urethral lengthening is needed in metoidioplasty if the patient desires voiding at the tip of the neophallus. This urethral lengthening poses the patient at risk for urethral complications. AIM: Our primary goal was to describe the morbidity and specific the urethral complications related to metoidioplasty. Second, we sought for predictors of these urethral complications. METHODS: Our institutional database was retrospectively analyzed to identify transmasculine who underwent metoidioplasty between 2006 and 2020. This cohort was further evaluated for surgical morbidity, urethral complications and potential predictors for urethral complications. OUTCOMES: The rate of surgical morbidity and urethral complications (temporary/permanent fistula, stricture or fistula and stricture) was calculated. Potential predictors evaluated herein were BMI, concomitant vaginectomy, active smoking and additional urethral lengthening (AUL). They were tested with logistic regression analysis with calculation of Odds Ratio (OR). RESULTS: Seventy-four patients underwent metoidioplasty with a median follow-up of 44 months. Median age was 26 years. AUL was done in 36 (48.6%) patients and established by a transverse preputial skin island and labium minus flap in respectively 34 and 2 patients. Within 30 days after metoidioplasty, 3 (4.1%) high-grade complications were noted. Urethral complications of any kind were noted in 42 (56.8%) patients. All fistulas, permanent fistulas and strictures were seen in resp. 34 (45.9%), 27 (36.5%) and 14 (18.9%) patients. AUL is a significant predictor for all urethral complications (OR 15.5), strictures (OR 24.5), all fistula's (OR 6.07) and permanent fistulas (OR 3.83). In contrast, smoking is only a predictor for all fistulas (OR 6.54) and permanent fistulas (OR 3.76). CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Obtaining information about the risk of complications is important in preoperative patient counselling. Patient who desires AUL are at higher risk to develop urethral complications and patients who continue to smoke at the period of metoidioplasty have a higher risk of fistula formation. STRENGTH & LIMITATIONS: Sufficient events to calculate predictors for urethral complications. However, this is a retrospective study with still a small number of patients with a relative short follow-up. CONCLUSION: Urethral complications are frequent after metoidioplasty and approximately 50% needs corrective surgery. AUL is an independent risk factor for fistula and stricture formation, whereas smoking is a risk factor for fistula formation. Waterschoot M, Hoebeke P, Verla W, et al. Urethral Complications After Metoidioplasty for Genital Gender Affirming Surgery. J Sex Med 2021;18:1271-1279.

Implantation of the ZSI 475 FTM Erectile Device After Phalloplasty: A Prospective Analysis of Surgical Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Until recently, all available erectile devices were manufactured in accordance with the anatomy of a native penis and led to high explantation rates when implanted in the neophallus. AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate surgical outcomes after implantation of the ZSI 475 FTM in the neophallus; this is the first erectile device specifically manufactured for implantation after phalloplasty. METHODS: This is a prospective observational study of patients undergoing implantation of the ZSI 475 FTM in the neophallus at a tertiary referral center since September 2017. Patients with a follow-up < 3 months were excluded from this analysis. OUTCOMES: Intraoperative and postoperative complications were analyzed with descriptive statistics and explantation-free survival was assessed using a Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. RESULTS: In total, 57 patients were included with a median (IQR) follow-up of 16 (10-21) months. No intraoperative complications occurred. Postoperative complications were seen in 18 of 57 (32%) patients and included cylinder protrusion (1/57, 1.8%), infection (8/57, 14%), malpositioning (4/57, 7.0%), mechanical failure (4/57, 7.0%), and urinary retention (1/57, 1.8%). A total of 13 of 57 (23%) devices were explanted which corresponds with an estimated explantation-free survival rate (SD) of 84% (4.9), 80% (5.6), and 80% (5.6) after, respectively, 6, 12, and 18 months of follow-up. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: By better addressing the specific needs after phalloplasty, this innovative erectile device might lead to improved cylinder protrusion, malpositioning, and mechanical failure rates, but device infection remains common. STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS: This is the largest study on this topic to date and the first to report prospective data. Main limitations involve the relatively small sample size and the limited follow-up. CONCLUSION: Short-term cylinder protrusion, malpositioning, and mechanical failure rates are encouraging, although device infection remains a common problem. These complications resulted in a device explantation rate of 23%. Verla W, Goedertier W, Lumen N, et al. Implantation of the ZSI 475 FTM Erectile Device After Phalloplasty: A Prospective Analysis of Surgical Outcomes. J Sex Med 2021;18:615-622.

Phalloplasty in cis-men with penile insufficiency: evaluation of outcomes and surgical complications : Good ability to achieve orgasm, high urinary complication rate.

Phalloplasty is the gold-standard treatment for cis-men with penile insufficiency, which is often secondary to congenital conditions. The study-objective is to evaluate the functional outcomes and surgical complications in this population. A retrospective database comprised of cis-men undergoing a phalloplasty at a tertiary referral center from 2004 to 2019 was created. Phalloplasty was performed with various flaps. The tube-within-tube-technique was used for urethroplasty when possible. Complications <30 days postoperative were categorized according to Clavien-Dindo. Functional outcomes were assessed by bladder emptying and ability to achieve orgasm. Thirty patients were included. Nineteen of them needed urethroplasty, the remaining 11 patients had a catheterizable stoma. Within 30 days postoperative, 3 patients (10%) developed partial-flap necrosis (Clavien-Dindo III), 1 patient (3.3%) developed graft failure (Clavien-Dindo III), 2 patients (6.6%) developed infected hematomas (Clavien-Dindo III) and 1 phalloplasty (3.3%) was complicated by hematuria (Clavien-Dindo II). In the long-term, 10 patients (33%) developed fistulae, 6 (20%) requiring urethroplasty. Seven patients (23%) had urethral strictures, all needing urethroplasty or urethrotomy. Sixteen patients (84%) emptied their bladder per urethra, the three remaining necessitated conversion to perineostomy. Median (IQR) Qmax on uroflow was 15.7 (11.9-19.2)mL/s with median (IQR) voiding volume of 259 (137-307) mL and median (IQR) residual volume of 11.5 (0-20) ml on ultrasound. All patients but 1 (97%) reported ability to achieve orgasm. RFFA and ALT result in phalli with great ability to achieve orgasm but urethral complications are frequent.

The Baker Classification for Capsular Contracture in Breast Implant Surgery Is Unreliable as a Diagnostic Tool.

BACKGROUND: Breast implants are frequently used in cosmetic and reconstructive breast surgery. Capsular contracture, the most common long-term complication, is usually graded using the Baker classification. Despite its widespread use, the reliability of the Baker classification has never been established. The aim of this study was to determine the interobserver reliability and agreement of the Baker classification. METHODS: Sixty women who had undergone cosmetic breast augmentation were included. They were examined independently by two plastic surgeons from an observer pool. The Baker score was determined, along with firmness, dislocation, symmetry, and pain using four-point scales. Patients were asked to complete the BREAST-Q postaugmentation module. The interobserver reliability and agreement were calculated for all variables with a quadratic weighted kappa. RESULTS: The interobserver reliability of the Baker classification was poor (kappa, 0.55; 95 percent CI, 0.37 to 0.72). Interobserver reliability of the clinical parameters firmness (0.64; 95 percent CI, 0.49 to 0.79), dislocation (0.49; 95 percent CI, 0.26 to 0.73), and symmetry (0.61; 95 percent CI, 0.34 to 0.88) was also poor. Pain scores seemed more reliable (0.72; 95 percent CI, 0.56 to 0.89); however, most patients had no pain. The interobserver agreement for the Baker score was 48 percent; in 43 percent, the observers differed one category; and in 12 percent, the difference was more than one category. CONCLUSIONS: Interobserver reliability and observer agreement of the Baker classification for capsular contracture were poor. Consensus about how to adequately rate the symptoms of capsular complaints is lacking. A more reliable method of measurement or description is needed, especially for scientific research purposes, to assess the long-term problems associated with breast implants. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Diagnostic, IV.

Injuries associated with electronic nicotine delivery systems: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Since its introduction on the market in 2007, the number of reports on injuries caused by the overheating, ignition, or explosion of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDSs) has increased significantly. These injuries appear to have different causes, the most important one being lithium-ion battery overheating to the point of ignition or explosion. METHODS: A literature search for all relevant studies concerning ENDS-related traumatic injuries of all kinds was conducted, according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses protocol. The search started with the first introduction of ENDSs in 2007 and ended February 2020. Articles included were reports on patients who sustained flame, chemical, or traumatic injuries of the skin, soft tissue, and/or bone, related to the use of ENDSs. RESULTS: This systematic review includes 180 patients from 41 case series and reports, published between 2016 and 2020. The mean age was 30.8 years (range, 17-59 years) with an overall male predominance (168 of 180 patients, 93%). In most injuries, multiple anatomical sites were affected, with the thigh/lower limb being the most commonly injured area (77%) followed by the upper limb/hand (43%). Eighty-two patients (51%) required a surgical treatment, 70 patients (43%) were managed conservatively with dressings or ointments, and 9 patients (6%) underwent enzymatic debridement. Thirty-five percent of all patients underwent skin grafting. CONCLUSION: Injuries from overheating, ignition, or explosion of ENDSs are an emerging, underreported, and underresearched issue. There is a need for increased regulation of ENDSs and improved surveillance of related injuries. Both health care providers and consumers should be made aware of the risks and be advised about how to safely handle these devices. In contrast to other articles, this systematic review includes all types of injuries related to ENDS overheating, ignition, and explosion. To our knowledge, this is the most extensive systematic review performed to date. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Review article, level III.

Phalloplasty in biological men with penile insufficiency.

INTRODUCTION: 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. PATIENTS & METHODS: 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 <30 d postoperative were categorized according to Clavien-Dindo. RESULTS: 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 30 d 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. CONCLUSION: RFFA and ALT result in good erogenous sensitivity but fistulas and strictures are frequent.

Effectiveness of Preoperative Depilation of the Urethral Donor Site for Phalloplasty: Neourethral Hair Growth and its Effects on Voiding.

BACKGROUND: For transgender men choosing to undergo phalloplasty with urethral lengthening, there is a potential for hair growth in the neourethra. Depilation of the urethral donor site may reduce subsequent intraurethral hair growth. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effectiveness of preoperative laser depilation and assess the correlation between urethral hair density and voiding among transgender men undergoing phalloplasty with urethral lengthening. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This was a retrospective study of 25 transgender men undergoing phalloplasty with urethral lengthening between July 2010 and April 2015 at the VU University Medical Center in Amsterdam. INTERVENTION: Phalloplasty with urethral lengthening using skin with or without preoperative depilation. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Data on preoperative laser depilation treatments were obtained from the local laser center. Intraurethral images were captured via urethroscopy and used to rate hair density. Images of the contralateral forearm were used as a reference. Hair density was rated in terms of the number of hairs per view as zero, low (1-9), moderate (10-19), or high (≥20). Voiding was assessed using the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) questionnaire, a 24-h voiding diary, and uroflowmetry. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: Twenty-five patients underwent urethroscopy. In the depilation group (n = 14) the hair reduction was significant and hair density was downgraded on average by 1.0 points (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.5-1.5). The mean number of laser treatment sessions was 6 (range 2-10). In the no-depilation group (n = 11), hair density did not significantly differ between the urethra and the contralateral arm (mean difference 0.18, 95% CI 0.5-0.9). The majority of the patients reported mild voiding complaints (median IPSS score 7, range 2-28) and had a normal functional bladder capacity and a nonobstructed urinary flow with low postvoid volumes. CONCLUSIONS: Laser epilation treatment reduces hair growth but does not eliminate hair. Voiding complaints do not seem to be related to hair density in the urethra. PATIENT SUMMARY: For skin donor sites used in penis construction for transgender men, the amount of hair growth is reduced by preoperative laser depilation, but hair is still present in the new urethra. Hair in the urethra does not cause urinary voiding complaints.

Male-to-female gender affirmation surgery: breast reconstruction with Ergonomix round prostheses.

People with gender dysphoria are becoming more prevalent and more universally accepted. Social, hormonal, and surgical gender transition are able to substantially improve their quality of life. Various gender affirmation surgery (GAS) options are available to address gender dysphoria in the male-to-female (MtF) population, including facial and chest feminization, body contouring,  and genital surgery. While hormone replacement therapy may result in some degree of breast development, it is often insufficient to effectively result in an adequate female-like breast contour. The creation of a female chest is generally the first surgical step in the transition. The primary aim of this manuscript is to describe the surgical technique with ergonomix round prostheses used at our high-volume GAS center and to point out how anatomical differences between trans-female and cis-female patients impact surgery. Furthermore, we provide an overview of the demographic data and postoperative outcomes.

The Surgical Techniques and Outcomes of Secondary Phalloplasty After Metoidioplasty in Transgender Men: An International, Multi-Center Case Series.

INTRODUCTION: Some transgender men express the wish to undergo genital gender-affirming surgery. Metoidioplasty and phalloplasty are procedures that are performed to construct a neophallus. Genital gender-affirming surgery contributes to physical well-being, but dissatisfaction with the surgical results may occur. Disadvantages of metoidioplasty are the relatively small neophallus, the inability to have penetrative sex, and often difficulty with voiding while standing. Therefore, some transgender men opt to undergo a secondary phalloplasty after metoidioplasty. Literature on secondary phalloplasty is scarce. AIM: Explore the reasons for secondary phalloplasty, describe the surgical techniques, and report on the clinical outcomes. METHODS: Transgender men who underwent secondary phalloplasty after metoidioplasty were retrospectively identified in 8 gender surgery clinics (Amsterdam, Belgrade, Bordeaux, Austin, Ghent, Helsinki, Miami, and Montreal). Preoperative consultation, patient motivation for secondary phalloplasty, surgical technique, perioperative characteristics, complications, and clinical outcomes were recorded. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The main outcome measures were surgical techniques, patient motivation, and outcomes of secondary phalloplasty after metoidioplasty in transgender men. RESULTS: Eighty-three patients were identified. The median follow-up was 7.5 years (range 0.8-39). Indicated reasons to undergo secondary phalloplasty were to have a larger phallus (n = 32; 38.6%), to be able to have penetrative sexual intercourse (n = 25; 30.1%), have had metoidioplasty performed as a first step toward phalloplasty (n = 17; 20.5%), and to void while standing (n = 15; 18.1%). Each center had preferential techniques for phalloplasty. A wide variety of surgical techniques were used to perform secondary phalloplasty. Intraoperative complications (revision of microvascular anastomosis) occurred in 3 patients (5.5%) undergoing free flap phalloplasty. Total flap failure occurred in 1 patient (1.2%). Urethral fistulas occurred in 23 patients (30.3%) and strictures in 27 patients (35.6%). CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: A secondary phalloplasty is a suitable option for patients who previously underwent metoidioplasty. STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS: This is the first study to report on secondary phalloplasty in collaboration with 8 specialized gender clinics. The main limitation was the retrospective design. CONCLUSION: In high-volume centers specialized in gender affirming surgery, a secondary phalloplasty in transgender men can be performed after metoidioplasty with complication rates similar to primary phalloplasty. Al-Tamimi M, Pigot GL, van der Sluis WB, et al. The Surgical Techniques and Outcomes of Secondary Phalloplasty After Metoidioplasty in Transgender Men: An International, Multi-Center Case Series. J Sex Med 2019;16:1849-1859.

Surgical Outcomes of Neoscrotal Augmentation with Testicular Prostheses in Transgender Men.

INTRODUCTION: Testicular prosthesis implantation may be used for neoscrotal augmentation in transgender men. AIM: Assess the clinical outcomes and risk factors for postoperative complications of this procedure in transgender men. METHODS: All transgender men who underwent neoscrotal augmentation with testicular implants between January 1992 and December 2018 were retrospectively identified. A retrospective chart study was performed that recorded surgical characteristics and postoperative complications. Risk factors on complications were identified using uni- and multivariate analyses. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Surgical outcomes included explantation due to infection, extrusion, discomfort, or leakage. RESULTS: We identified 206 patients, and the following prostheses were placed: Dow Corning (n = 22), Eurosilicone (n = 2), Nagor (n = 205), Polytech (n = 10), Promedon (n = 105) , Prometel (n = 22), Sebbin (n = 44), and unknown (n = 2). The mean clinical follow-up time was 11.5 ± 8.3 years. In 43 patients (20.8%), one or both prostheses were explanted due to infection, extrusion, discomfort, prosthesis leakage, or urethral problems. Currently, scrotoplasty according to Hoebeke is the most frequently performed technique. Our review found that for this technique explantation occurred in 6 of 52 patients (11.5%). A history of smoking was a risk factor for postoperative infections and prosthesis explantation. In earlier years, larger prostheses were immediately placed at scrotal reconstruction; however, a trend can be seen toward smaller and lighter testicular prostheses and delayed implantation. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Patients wanting to undergo this procedure can be adequately informed on postoperative outcomes. STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS: Strengths of this study include the number of patients, long clinical follow-up time, and completeness of data. Weaknesses of this study include its retrospective nature and the high variability of prostheses and surgical techniques used. CONCLUSION: Over the years, scrotoplasty techniques and testicular prostheses preferences have changed. Explantation rates have dropped over the last decade. Pigot GLS, Al-Tamimi M, Ronkes B, et al. Surgical Outcomes of Neoscrotal Augmentation with Testicular Prostheses in Transgender Men. J Sex Med 2019;16:1664-1671.