Anatomic maps of erogenous sensation and pleasure in the penis: are there difference between circumcised and uncircumcised men?

BACKGROUND: The effects of male circumcision on sexual function remain controversial. Heterogeneity across previous studies and low-quality scientific evidence have resulted in poor understanding of the effects of circumcision on erogenous sensation of the penis and orgasm function. AIM: In this study we sought to describe and assess differences in erogenous genital sensation and reported orgasm function in circumcised compared with uncircumcised men. METHODS: Adult male subjects who were recruited on a paid anonymous online survey platform were shown illustrations of 12 anatomic regions of the penis. Subjects were prompted to designate regions as pleasurable when touched during partnered sex and to rate each on a 1-10 scale, with higher erogeneity scores correlating with greater pleasure. Subjects were also asked to characterize their orgasms across 6 experiential domains. OUTCOMES: Outcomes were differences between circumcised and uncircumcised men in the probabilities that regions would be designated as pleasurable, average pleasure scores, and self-reported orgasm parameters. RESULTS: In total, 227 circumcised (mean [SD] age 46.6 [17.7] years) and 175 uncircumcised men (47.8 [18.1] years) completed the survey. There were no significant differences in average ratings across all regions between circumcised and uncircumcised men. However, significantly more circumcised men reported preferences for the tip of the penis (38% vs 17%, P = .02) and the middle third of the ventral penile shaft (63% vs 48%, P = .04). Additionally, there were no significant differences in orgasm quality and function across all queried domains between circumcised and uncircumcised cohorts. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Our findings suggest that circumcision does not change how men describe erogenous genital sensation or how they experience orgasm. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS: In this study we expanded upon existing literature regarding comparison of sexual function in circumcised and uncircumcised men in its scale and investigation of diverse domains. Limitations include the survey format of data collection. CONCLUSION: We found no differences in reported erogenous ratings or orgasm function between circumcised and uncircumcised men. These findings suggest that male circumcision does not negatively impact penile erogeneity or orgasm function.

Intensive Care Unit Monitoring After Pharyngeal Flap Surgery: Is It Necessary?

PURPOSE: To assess the incidence of perioperative complications and the utility of intensive care monitoring in patients undergoing posterior pharyngeal flap surgery for velopharyngeal dysfunction (VPD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was a retrospective evaluation of patients who underwent posterior pharyngeal flap surgery for treatment of VPD and an assessment of the incidence of perioperative complications. Descriptive statistics were computed. RESULTS: Over an 18-year period, 145 patients underwent pharyngeal flap surgery for VPD; 133 (91.7%) had complete data and were included as subjects. Mean patient age was 9.4 ± 7.4 years; 50.4% were female. One hundred twenty-six patients (94.7%) had a history of cleft palate. Thirty-four patients (25.5%) had asthma or obstructive sleep apnea. Eighty-three patients (62.4%) were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) for postoperative monitoring. The average length of hospital stay was 1.9 ± 0.9 days (range, 1 to 5 days). There were no incidents of serious postoperative complications, including death, bleeding, flap dehiscence or loss, or airway compromise requiring reintubation. Two patients (1.5%) had perioperative complications related to respiratory issues, one of whom required readmission to the ICU (0.8%). There were no differences in complications between those who were routinely admitted to the ICU and those who went directly to the floor (P = 1.00). There was no association between respiratory comorbidities and complications (P = .06). CONCLUSION: The perioperative complication rate for posterior pharyngeal flap surgery is low (<2%). Routine ICU admission for monitoring is not necessary.

Effects of Cleft Width and Veau Type on Incidence of Palatal Fistula and Velopharyngeal Insufficiency After Cleft Palate Repair.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative fistulae and velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) are 2 important complications after cleft palate repair. The effects of preoperative cleft width on outcomes after cleft palate repair have been rarely studied. METHODS: A retrospective review of all patients undergoing primary cleft palatoplasty by a single surgeon between 2004 and 2011 was performed. Primary outcomes were palatal fistula and VPI, defined as the need for corrective surgery after failing conservative speech-language therapy. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with the primary outcomes. RESULTS: One hundred seventy-seven patients (84 men and 93 women) were identified. Median age at repair was 10 months with median follow-up of 3.80 years. Preoperative cleft width was 10 mm or less for 72 (41%) patients, 11 to 14 mm for 54 (30%) patients, and 15 mm or greater for 51 (29%) patients. Palatal fistula was observed in 8 (4.5%) patients, but required surgical repair in only 2 (1.1%). Fistula was overall associated with Veau IV classification (odds ratio, 8.13; P < 0.01) but not with cleft width. Velopharyngeal insufficiency needing surgical intervention occurred in 9 patients (7.38% of patients older than 4 years) and was associated with increasing cleft width (odds ratio, 1.29; P = 0.011). Outcomes were similar for patients undergoing surgery in the earlier and later halves of the study. CONCLUSIONS: This retrospective review is one of the first from the United States to explore the associations between measured cleft width and outcomes after palatoplasty. Overall rates of palatal fistula and VPI were low, corroborating previous studies showing good outcomes with the 2-flap palatoplasty. After adjusting for multiple variables including Veau type, cleft width was associated with higher VPI rates but not with fistula formation. Cleft width is a unique preoperative factor that should be considered and studied as a potential predictor of outcomes.

Velopharyngeal Insufficiency Rates After Delayed Cleft Palate Repair: Lessons Learned From Internationally Adopted Patients.

Most surgeons recommend cleft palate repair between 6 and 12 months of age. Internationally adopted patients often undergo delayed repair due to social circumstances. There are few outcomes studies on this population. We conducted a 13-year retrospective review of all patients undergoing primary cleft palate repair at a single tertiary-care academic medical center between 1993 and 2006. The primary outcome was velopharyngeal insufficiency, defined as the recommendation for corrective surgery after multiple formal speech assessments. Two hundred one patients (102 males and 99 females) were identified. One hundred eighty-three repairs were performed before 18 months of age (standard repair group). Eighteen repairs were performed after 18 months of age (delayed repair group), with international adoption being a circumstance in 16 cases. The delayed and standard repair groups were similar with regard to sex, presence of craniofacial syndrome, Veau class, cleft size and laterality, type of repair, and operating surgeon. Mean follow-up was 9.3 years, with minimum follow-up of 5.0 years. Six (33%) of 18 patients in the delayed repair group developed velopharyngeal insufficiency compared to 23 (13%) of 183 in the standard repair group (P = 0.03 by Fisher exact test). These data demonstrate that internationally adopted patients undergoing delayed palate repair suffer especially poor speech outcomes. Physiologic differences in patients undergoing late repair, as well as social factors including adaptation to a new language and culture, may be factors. Early repair should be performed when possible.

Early postoperative outcomes associated with the anterolateral thigh flap in Gustilo IIIB fractures of the lower extremity.

PURPOSE: A core concept in plastic surgery has been the replacement of "like-with-like" tissue. Applying this concept to the lower extremity, the anterolateral thigh (ALT) perforator flap has become a frequently used free flap for restoration of soft tissue defects involving the distal lower extremity. The objective of this study was to evaluate the rate of early postoperative complications associated with the ALT perforator free flap for coverage of high-energy traumatic open fractures of the lower extremity (Gustilo IIIB) and explore related patient risk factors. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of 74 patients undergoing free tissue transfer for lower extremity limb coverage was performed. Early postoperative complications were defined as any 1 or more of the following having occurred within 6 months from surgical reconstruction: hematoma, wound infection, deep venous thrombosis, thromboembolism, partial flap loss, complete flap loss, continued osteomyelitis, and progression to amputation occurring within the first 6 months after the injury. Statistical analyses were performed using GraphPad software. Fisher exact test was performed to identify risk factors associated with greater morbidity. RESULTS: Of all patients, 26 (35%) were identified as those habitually using tobacco product and 48 (64%) were identified as nonusers of tobacco product. Moreover, 10 patients (14%) had other risk factors for atherosclerotic disease and 64 patients (86%) did not have other risk factors for atherosclerosis. Mean (SD) time to reconstruction was 4.74 (1.3) days (range, 3-8 days). Of all defects, 34 (46%) were reconstructed using adipocutaneous flaps and 40 (54%) were reconstructed using fasciocutaneous flaps. The most frequent complication was partial flap loss or superficial epidermolysis 4 (5.4%). Fisher exact test was performed, showing that patients who used tobacco product (cigarette smokers) and had other risk factors for atherosclerosis were significantly more at risk for complications (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In this retrospective review, those patients who had a positive history of tobacco use at the time of injury and those with risk factors for atherosclerosis had a significantly increased risk of flap complications. Although this is not surprising given the vasoconstrictive effects of nicotine and the impaired blood flow to the lower extremity in patients with atherosclerosis, this study will allow the surgeon to better counsel patients who have a history of tobacco use through complex reconstruction of the lower extremity. This analysis is a preliminary investigation into the safety and efficacy of the ALT fasciocutaneous or adipocutaneous flap to reconstruct high-energy open fractures of the lower extremity.

Endocrine, gender dysphoria, and sexual function benefits of gender-affirming bilateral orchiectomy: patient outcomes and surgical technique.

Background: Gender-affirming bilateral orchiectomy (GABO) may be completed as either a standalone procedure (sGABO) or at the same time as gender-affirming vaginoplasty (vGABO). GABO is postulated to decrease gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) dosages and reduce gender dysphoria, but these phenomena are not empirically described in the medical literature. Aim: The primary aim of this study was to describe changes in GAHT dosages after sGABO and vGABO. A secondary aim was to assess sGABO patients' preoperative decision-making priorities and postoperative satisfaction. Methods: A retrospective chart review identified 204 patients who completed GABO as either a standalone procedure (64% of patients) or at the same time as vaginoplasty (36%). Patient demographic data, surgical outcomes, and pre- and postoperative GAHT dosage data were recorded. Patients completed an opinion questionnaire to assessed decision-making priorities, as well as postoperative satisfaction and changes in quality-of-life measures. Outcomes: Primary outcomes included pre- and postoperative dosages of estradiol, progesterone, and spironolactone. Secondary outcomes included sGABO patient priorities, satisfaction with sGABO, changes in quality-of-life measures between sGABO and vGABO patients, and sGABO recommendations to future patients. Results: The sGABO and vGABO patients experienced a statistically significant dosage reduction in all three GAHT assessed: estradiol, progesterone, and spironolactone (P < .05). All patients discontinued spironolactone postoperatively. Zero complications related to GABO were recorded for patients in either group. The patient questionnaire revealed that sGABO patients prioritize decreasing endogenous testosterone and reducing their GAHT as most important in their decision to undergo sGABO prior to vaginoplasty. A majority of sGABO patients reported improvement in all nine quality-of-life indices. None of the sGABO patients would recommend against sGABO to a friend who is waiting for vaginoplasty. Clinical Implications: For patients who are interested in vaginoplasty, sGABO may serve as a more immediate, low-risk, intermediary step that comes with the benefits of GABO, including significant GAHT medication reduction and gender dysphoria relief. Strengths and Limitations: This study offers a comprehensive evaluation of the impact of GABO on patients, combining empirical data with subjective patient feedback. Limitations include the retrospective design and the use of unvalidated survey questions. Conclusion: Prevaginoplasty GABO is a viable option to more immediately alleviate gender dysphoria and reduce GAHT medications for patients who are interested in gender-affirming vaginoplasty.

Frontal sinus mucocele development in an adult patient with Apert syndrome.

Frontal sinus mucoceles may present many years after traumatic injuries or surgical procedures involving the frontal bone, but have been rarely reported after fronto-orbital advancement. We describe a case of frontal sinus mucocele development in a 43-year-old patient with Apert syndrome who underwent fronto-orbital advancement as a child. This was treated with resection and free fibula osteomuscular flap reconstruction. Computer-aided design and manufacturing techniques were used to virtually plan the procedure and guide the osteotomies intraoperatively. Follow-up at 1 year postoperatively revealed no evidence of recurrence.

Effects of Gender-affirming Hormone Therapy on Orgasm Function of Transgender Men and Women: A Long Term Follow Up.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the reported changes in orgasm quality and function of transgender men (TM) and transgender women (TW) after commencing gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT). METHODS: We queried potential changes in orgasm function before and after commencing GAHT (minimum 1 year) among 130 consecutive TW and 33 TM. We queried the following domains under a uniform condition (masturbation): (1) Lead-time to reach orgasm, (2) Duration of orgasm, (3) Body location of orgasm sensation, (4) Description of orgasm as either a single or multiple-peak event, (5) Duration of post-orgasm refractory period, and (6) Overall satisfaction with orgasm quality. RESULTS: Within groups by gender, TW and TM reported similar responses to our inventory before starting GAHT. After commencing GAHT, TW reported notable changes in orgasm function: increase in lead-time necessary to reach orgasm, orgasm duration, and overall orgasm satisfaction. Similarly, TM reported an increase in duration of orgasm and increased overall satisfaction with orgasm quality. Over half of the TW reported experiencing orgasms in new/additional body locations. Additionally, prior to commencing GAHT, the majority of TM and TW patients reported their orgasms as a short, single-peak event but following GAHT these same patients reported longer and protracted multiple-peak orgasms. CONCLUSIONS: GAHT has the potential to positively improve orgasm quality for transgender patients undergoing gender transition. It is important to share such data with patients prospectively before treatments.

The spectrum of complications following left ventricular assist device placement.

INTRODUCTION: Left ventricular assist device (LVAD) support is associated with many complications, but relatively few studies have examined the full spectrum of complications beyond infectious and bleeding events. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of patients receiving either a pulsatile-flow Heartmate XVE (HM1; Thoratec Corp., Pleasanton, CA, USA) or continuous-flow Heartmate II (HM2; Thoratec Corp.) LVAD at our institution (June 2000 to March 2012). Frequency and date of onset of nonbleeding, noninfectious complications were examined. RESULTS: One hundred eighty-two LVADs were implanted, 49 HM1, and 133 HM2. Support duration was longer for HM2s (median 358 vs. 112 days; p = 0.0003). Overall, the most frequent complications were respiratory failure, ventricular arrhythmia, atrial arrhythmia, right heart failure, and renal failure. Respiratory failure, arrhythmias, severe psychiatric events, and renal failure all occurred with median date of onset ≤ seven days postprocedure. Right heart failure, hepatic failure, thromboembolism, and transient ischemic attacks had a median date of onset 8 to 30 days postprocedure. Stroke, hemolysis, and device failure occurred mostly more than a month postoperatively. Right heart failure, hepatic failure, and device failure were more frequent in HM1 patients than in HM2 patients. Several events, including stroke, had much later onset in HM2 patients. CONCLUSION: In this 10-year review of complications following LVAD implantation, the most common adverse events tended to occur early after implantation. As pulsatile-flow HM1s showed greater frequency and earlier onset of some adverse events, our data suggest better overall outcomes with the continuous-flow HM2s.

Primary Use of the Deep Inferior Epigastric Pedicle for Free-flap Phalloplasty: Rationale, Technique, and Outcomes.

Most free-flap phalloplasty reports describe the femoral artery and great saphenous vein as recipient vessels, with the deep inferior epigastric artery and venae comitantes (DIEA/V) only rarely reported. We review our experience with preferentially using the DIEA/V as recipient vessels in gender-affirming free-flap phalloplasty, with DIEV as primary venous outflow. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed consecutive patients who underwent gender-affirming free-flap phalloplasty at our single institution from June 2017 through June 2021. The DIEA/V was used as recipient vessels, with the DIEA/V pedicle externalized via a passageway made through the external inguinal ring. Results: Thirty-eight consecutive free flaps (26 radial forearm free-flap phalloplasties, 10 anterolateral thigh phalloplasties, and two radial forearm free-flap urethroplasties) were performed. Mean age was 37.3 years; mean BMI was 25.7. Mean follow-up was 17.9 months. All flaps were anastomosed to the DIEA/V, without use of vein grafts. Most flaps (89.5%) had at least two veins anastomosed. To augment outflow, a saphenous vein branch was used in one of 38 (2.6%) cases and other superficial veins were used in two of 38 (5.3%) cases. One of 38 (2.6%) cases (early in our experience) resulted in total flap loss. Conclusions: Advantages of the DIEA/V as free-flap phalloplasty recipient vessels include a short, direct pathway for vessels, excellent donor-recipient vessel size match that allows end-to-end anastomoses, and elimination of risks associated with arterialized interposed veins. When venous outflow appears compromised, we recommend a low threshold to use additional local or saphenous veins, though this is rarely needed given the DIEV's reliability.

Comparison of Permanent Hair Removal Procedures before Gender-Affirming Vaginoplasty: Why We Should Consider Laser Hair Removal as a First-Line Treatment for Patients Who Meet Criteria.

INTRODUCTION: Permanent genital hair removal is required before gender-affirming vaginoplasty to prevent hair-related complications. No previous studies have directly compared the relative efficacy, costs, and patient experiences with laser hair removal (LHR) vs electrolysis treatments. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) oversight of medical devices is poorly understood and commonly misrepresented, adversely affecting patient care. AIM: This study compares treatment outcomes of electrolysis and LHR for genital hair removal and investigates FDA regulation of electrolysis and LHR devices. METHODS: Penile-inversion vaginoplasty and shallow-depth vaginoplasty patients completed surveys about their preoperative hair removal, including procedure type, number/frequency of sessions, cost, and discomfort. Publicly available FDA-review documents and databases were reviewed. MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURE: Compared to electrolysis, LHR was associated with greater efficiency, decreased cost, decreased pain, and improved patient satisfaction. RESULTS: Of 52 total (44 full-depth and 8 shallow-depth) vaginoplasty patients, 22 of 52 underwent electrolysis only, 15 of 52 underwent laser only, and 15 of 52 used both techniques. Compared to patients that underwent LHR only, patients that underwent only electrolysis required a significantly greater number of treatment sessions (mean 24.3 electrolysis vs 8.1 LHR sessions, P < .01) and more frequent sessions (every 2.4 weeks for electrolysis vs 5.3 weeks for LHR, P < .01) to complete treatment (defined as absence of re-growth over 2 months). Electrolysis sessions were significantly longer than LHR sessions (152 minutes vs 26 minutes, P < .01). Total treatment costs for electrolysis ($5,161) were significantly greater than for laser ($981, P < .01). Electrolysis was associated with greater pain and significantly increased need for pretreatment analgesia, which further contributed to higher net costs for treatment with electrolysis vs laser. Many LHR and electrolysis devices have been FDA-cleared for safety, but the FDA does not assess or compare clinical efficacy or efficiency. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: For patients with dark-pigmented hair, providers should consider LHR as the first-line treatment option for preoperative hair removal before gender-affirming vaginoplasty. STRENGTH AND LIMITATIONS: This is the first study to compare electrolysis and LHR for genital hair removal. The discussion addresses FDA review/oversight of devices, which is commonly misrepresented. Limitations include the survey format for data collection. CONCLUSION: When compared with electrolysis, LHR showed greater treatment efficiency (shorter and fewer treatment sessions to complete treatment), less pain, greater tolerability, and lower total cost. Our data suggests that, for patients with dark genital hair, providers should consider recommending laser as the first-line treatment for permanent genital hair removal before vaginoplasty. Yuan N, Feldman A, Chin P, et al. Comparison of Permanent Hair Removal Procedures before Gender-Affirming Vaginoplasty: Why We Should Consider Laser Hair Removal as a First-Line Treatment for Patients Who Meet Criteria. Sex Med 2022;10:100545.

Penile and Scrotal Skin Measurements to Predict Final Vaginal Depth With Penile Inversion Vaginoplasty.

INTRODUCTION: No nomogram exists to predict maximum achievable neovaginal depth before penile inversion vaginoplasty (PIV) based on available penile & scrotal skin (SS). Maximal depth is important to patients and is determined by available skin and available anatomic space within the pelvis and varies with surgical technique. AIM: We endeavored to create a nomogram to predict expected postoperative vaginal depth. METHODS: Retrospective review of all patients undergoing primary PIV at a single institution from June 2017 to February 2020 (n = 60). Pre-op: Dorsal penile and midline scrotal skin length were measured. Intra-op: Tubularized scrotal skin length measured on a dilator. Immediate post-op: Final vaginal depth measured with a dilator. OUTCOMES: The amount of available penile and scrotal skin was not associated with vaginal depth. The only variable that did significantly increase depth was the use of penile + scrotal skin, as compared to penile skin alone. (P < .001) RESULTS: In patients who underwent PIV-SS, the final vaginal depth (13.3 ± 1.9 cm) was 87% of pre-op measured penile skin length (15.3 ±- 3.0 cm). In patients who underwent PIV+SS, pre-op penile skin length was 11.1 ± 4.7±cm and pre-op midline scrotal length was 22.8 ± 2.6 cm. with a final post-op vaginal canal depth of 15.2 ± 1.3 cm. In 45/46 (98%) surgeries utilizing SS grafts, SS tube length exceeded the length necessary to achieve maximal vaginal depth, and required trimming and discard. Given that in most cases there was an excess of SS, final post-op depth equaled the maximal vaginal depth that could be surgically dissected, and was not limited by the amount of available skin. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Our findings suggest that for most patients it should not be necessary to include additional tissue sources (eg, peritoneum) to create a vaginal canal during primary vaginoplasty. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS: Any penile skin that was discarded due to poor quality (eg, tight phimosis, poor viability) was not measured and accounted for. This likely resulted in a slight overestimation of the contribution of the penile skin to the final vaginal depth, but did not change the overall finding that final depth was not limited by available skin. CONCLUSION: SS grafts, when harvested and tubularized using optimized technique, supplied an excess of skin necessary to line a vaginal canal space of maximal achievable depth. We found that additional tissue sources can, instead, be reserved for future salvage surgery if it becomes necessary to augment depth. Smith SM, Yuan N, Stelmar J, et al. Penile and Scrotal Skin Measurements to Predict Final Vaginal Depth With Penile Inversion Vaginoplasty. Sex Med 2022;10:100569.

A Proposed Inventory to Assess Changes in Orgasm Function of Transgender Patients Following Gender Affirming Treatments: Pilot Study.

INTRODUCTION: While providers generally counsel patients about possible effects of gender affirming treatments, such as gender affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) and gender affirming surgery (GAS), on sexual function - the effects of these treatments on orgasm function and quality are not well understood. AIM: To develop a gender transition orgasm quality inventory based on orgasm function domains transgender patients communicated were important to them. METHODS: We conducted a series of interviews in which we asked transgender patients to describe which factors related to orgasm (ie, orgasm quality and orgasm-related sexual function) were most important to them. This work generated a list of 6 domains which we incorporated into a survey instrument. The 6 domains that our work generated are: (1) Lead-time to reach orgasm, (2) Duration of orgasm, (3) Body location of orgasm sensation; (4) Description of orgasm as either a single or multiple-peak event, (5) Duration of postorgasm refractory period, and (6) Overall satisfaction with orgasm quality. Using this new questionnaire, we queried potential changes in orgasm function before and after commencing GAHT (minimum 1 year) among 130 consecutive transgender women (TW) and 33 transgender men (TM) as a pilot study. RESULTS: Within groups by gender, TW and TM cohorts reported similar responses to our inventory before starting GAHT. After commencing GAHT, TW reported notable changes in orgasm function: increase in lead-time necessary to reach orgasm, orgasm duration, and overall orgasm satisfaction; and decrease in post-orgasm refractory period. Similarly, TM reported an increase in duration of orgasm and increased overall satisfaction with orgasm quality; and a decrease in post-orgasm refractory period. Over half of the TW reported experiencing orgasms in new/additional body locations. Additionally, prior to commencing GAHT, the majority of TM and TW patients reported their orgasms as a short, single-peak event but following GAHT these same patients reported longer and protracted multiple-peak orgasms. CONCLUSION: We have developed a novel questionnaire with the purpose of assessing patient self-reported changes in orgasm function following gender affirming treatments. Findings from our pilot study shows that GAHT has the potential to positively improve sexual function and orgasm quality for transgender patients undergoing gender transition. We encourage future studies to utilize our novel questionnaire to assess potential changes in orgasm function related to various gender affirming procedures. Zaliznyak M, Lauzon M, Stelmar J, et al. A Proposed Inventory to Assess Changes in Orgasm Function of Transgender Patients Following Gender Affirming Treatments: Pilot Study. Sex Med 2022;10:100510.

'Modified Phallourethroplasty' as a Surgical Alternative to Phalloplasty With Urethral Lengthening: Technique, How We Present This Option to Patients, and Clinical Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Most complications after masculinizing genital gender-affirming surgery (gGAS) are associated with urethral lengthening (+UL). While many transmasculine patients desire +UL for standing urination, not all patients prioritize this benefit over the significantly increased risk of complications. Currently, phalloplasty without UL (-UL) appears to be seldom offered, and previous -UL techniques create genital anatomy that is visibly different from the anatomy created by phallourethroplasty+UL (P+UL). AIM: To describe a novel surgical technique to create a normal-appearing phallus tip, scrotum, and perineal urethral opening that avoids urethral complications associated with +UL. METHODS: We describe our surgical technique and approach to patient counseling. We report patient satisfaction outcomes from the first cohort of patients to undergo this 'modified phallourethroplasty' (-UL) approach to date. OUTCOMES: Among patients who elected phalloplasty over metoidioplasty, 13/40 (32.5%) patients elected P-UL. Prior to 1/2020, before we standardized how we presented this option to patients, 17.4% elected this option. Of the patients that elected P-UL, 8 have completed first-stage and 7 have completed second-stage surgeries. RESULTS: All patients that have undergone P-UL have expressed satisfaction with body image and urinary function. Among patients asked to rank which of 14 preoperative factors were most important (1 = most important, 14 = least important), having a normal-appearing phallus (mean rank 4.14) and minimizing complications (mean rank 8.14) were ranked more highly than ability to urinate in a standing position (mean rank 9.14). When asked what factors most influenced their choice to have -UL (ranked from 1 to 9), elimination of risks was rated the most important (mean rank 2.71) and expected decrease in risk of needing revision surgery was rated the second most important (mean rank 3.57). CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: The significant reduction in +UL-related complications decrease morbidity, urgent revision surgeries, and cost to our healthcare system. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS: Strengths include a novel technique that provides a surgical alternative to P+UL that eliminates the majority of phalloplasty related postoperative complications. Limitations include the small number of patients who have completed first and second stage surgery, and short follow up time. CONCLUSION: It is important to understand what factors drive individual patients' choices. Patients considering masculinizing gGAS should be offered both +UL and -UL options. The costs and benefits of each option should be presented objectively and in the context of each patient's unique priorities and needs. Smith SM, Yuan N, Lee G, et al. 'Modified Phallourethroplasty' as a Surgical Alternative to Phalloplasty With Urethral Lengthening: Technique, How We Present This Option to Patients, and Clinical Outcomes. Sex Med 2022;10:100495.

An Alternative Option for Gender-Affirming Revision Vaginoplasty: The Tubularized Urachus-Peritoneal Hinge Flap.

INTRODUCTION: Gender-affirming peritoneal vaginoplasty has been described, and previous descriptions are modifications of the Davydov technique. AIM: To describe our alternative technique for gender-affirming peritoneal vaginoplasty (PV) using a single-pedicled, urachus-peritoneal hinge flap, discussing proposed advantages. METHODS: Retrospective review of all consecutive transfeminine patients with neovaginal shortening after prior penile inversion vaginoplasty (PIV) who underwent our PV technique from May 2019 to July 2022.  PV was performed via combined transperineal and laparoscopic (robot-assisted) approaches. After spatulation of the neovaginal remnant, a midline, inferiorly based urachus-peritoneal hinge flap was elevated craniocaudally from the umbilicus to the mid-posterior bladder. The free end of the flap was flipped posteriorly and sutured to posterior edge of the open canal remnant, forming a peritoneal pouch. The lateral edges of the pouch were sutured together for water-tight closure. Patients resumed dilation on POD 6 and douching on POD 10. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Ten transfeminine patients underwent PV, with good outcomes. We measured: Pre-op penile and scrotal skin lengths, intra-op tubularized scrotal skin length, pre and post-op vaginal depth and width (immediate and at last follow-up). RESULTS: Pre-op: mean neovaginal depth was 9.2cm (SD 1.5); width was 12cm. Immediate post-op: mean depth was 15.1 cm (SD 2.2 cm, mean net increase: 5.9 cm). At mean follow-up of 18.3 months, mean depth was 12.5 cm (SD 2.1 cm, mean net increase: 3.3 cm) and width was 12 cm. There were no immediate post-op complications. Eight (80%) of the 10 patients report satisfactory vaginal receptive intercourse. The other 2 have not yet attempted vaginal receptive intercourse. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Advantages of the proposed technique over existing techniques include no tension on peritoneal suture lines and total exclusion of the rectum. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS: Strengths include a short learning curve for urologic surgeons with robotic experience.  The study is limited by small sample size. CONCLUSIONS: Our PV technique is a safe and effective option for salvage peritoneal vaginoplasty after primary PIV. Smith SM, Yuan N, Stelmar J, et al. An Alternative Option for Gender-Affirming Revision Vaginoplasty: The Tubularized Urachus-Peritoneal Hinge Flap. Sex Med 2022;10:100572.

How Early in Life do Transgender Adults Begin to Experience Gender Dysphoria? Why This Matters for Patients, Providers, and for Our Healthcare System.

INTRODUCTION: The age at which transgender women (TW) and men (TM) first experience gender dysphoria (GD) has not been reported in a U.S. population of adults seeking genital gender-affirming surgery (gGAS). Because gender is an innate part of identity, we hypothesized that untreated GD would be a part of individuals' earliest memories. Understanding GD onset can help guide providers with when and how to focus care to patients not yet identified as "transgender AIM: (i) Determine the age at which transgender adults seeking gGAS first experience GD (ii) Determine the number of life-years that transgender adults spend living with untreated GD METHODS: During initial consultation for gGAS, we asked patients the earliest age at which they experienced GD and the age at which they had their earliest episodic memory. We also queried history of anxiety, depression, and suicide attempt. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Patients self-reported their earliest recollections of experiencing GD, earliest memories in general, and history of anxiety, depression, and suicide attempt. RESULTS: Data from 155 TW (mean age 41.3; SD 16.3) and 55 TM (mean age 35.4; SD 10.8) were collected. Most patients (TM: 78%; TW: 73%) reported experiencing GD for the first time between ages 3 and 7 years.  For TM the mean age of onset was 6.17 years; for TW it was 6.71 years. A total of 81% of TW and 80% of TM described their first recollection of GD as one of their earliest memories. Mean years of persistent GD before the start of gender transition were 22.9 (TM) and 27.1 (TW). Rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide ideation decreased following gender transition. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that GD typically manifests in early childhood and persists untreated for many years before individuals commence gender transition. Diagnosis and early management during childhood and adolescence can improve quality of life and survival. Zaliznyak M, Yuan N, Bresee C, et al. How Early in Life do Transgender Adults Begin to Experience Gender Dysphoria? Why This Matters for Patients, Providers, and for Our Healthcare System. Sex Med 2021;9:100448.

Requirement of mental health referral letters for staged and revision genital gender-affirming surgeries: An unsanctioned barrier to care.

BACKGROUND: The World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) recommends referral letters from two mental health providers within one year of gender-affirming genital surgery (gGAS) to ensure patient readiness before primary surgeries. Many U.S. health insurance plans will not authorize second- and third-stage surgeries or revision surgeries without two referral letters. Such requirements are not supported by WPATH guidelines. OBJECTIVES: This study investigates insurance requirements for referral letters and their negative impact on care. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed all gGAS cases over a 4-year period at our tertiary care medical center. Referral letter requirements for insurance authorization were documented. The nation's largest insurance companies, including commercial, state-, and federally funded plans, were contacted to confirm requirements. We prospectively recorded time needed to complete insurance authorization for a patient subset. WPATH publications were reviewed. RESULTS: Nearly all reviewed U.S. health insurance plans required annually updated referral letters for each gGAS procedure, including staged and revision surgeries. No updated letters changed clinical management. Referral letter requirements delayed care. WPATH states that letters should not be needed for staged surgeries. Some plans required letters even for initial surgical consultation, a practice not supported by WPATH. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Insurance companies' requirements for referral letters impede care and contradict WPATH guidelines. We advocate that, at minimum, referral letters should not be required for surgical consultations or for staged or revision surgeries after a patient has already had first-stage primary gGAS. Universal referral letter requirements provide minimal clinical value, delay care, increase costs, and exacerbate gender dysphoria by invalidating gender transition. As with all procedures, surgeons themselves should be responsible for assessing patients' surgical readiness. Significant changes in mental health status or social situation should prompt surgeons to seek reassessment. WPATH recommendations regarding referral letters should be clarified and consolidated into a single document.

Mesenchymal Stem Cells Enhance Nerve Regeneration in a Rat Sciatic Nerve Repair and Hindlimb Transplant Model.

This study investigates the efficacy of local and intravenous mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) administration to augment neuroregeneration in both a sciatic nerve cut-and-repair and rat hindlimb transplant model. Bone marrow-derived MSCs were harvested and purified from Brown-Norway (BN) rats. Sciatic nerve transections and repairs were performed in three groups of Lewis (LEW) rats: negative controls (n = 4), local MSCs (epineural) injection (n = 4), and systemic MSCs (intravenous) injection (n = 4). Syngeneic (LEW-LEW) (n = 4) and allogeneic (BN-LEW) (n = 4) hindlimb transplants were performed and assessed for neuroregeneration after local or systemic MSC treatment. Rats undergoing sciatic nerve cut-and-repair and treated with either local or systemic injection of MSCs had significant improvement in the speed of recovery of compound muscle action potential amplitudes and axon counts when compared with negative controls. Similarly, rats undergoing allogeneic hindlimb transplants treated with local injection of MSCs exhibited significantly increased axon counts. Similarly, systemic MSC treatment resulted in improved nerve regeneration following allogeneic hindlimb transplants. Systemic administration had a more pronounced effect on electromotor recovery while local injection was more effective at increasing fiber counts, suggesting different targets of action. Local and systemic MSC injections significantly improve the pace and degree of nerve regeneration after nerve injury and hindlimb transplantation.

Biomimetic Scaffolds for Osteogenesis.

Skeletal regenerative medicine emerged as a field of investigation to address large osseous deficiencies secondary to congenital, traumatic, and post-oncologic conditions. Although autologous bone grafts have been the gold standard for reconstruction of skeletal defects, donor site morbidity remains a significant limitation. To address these limitations, contemporary bone tissue engineering research aims to target delivery of osteogenic cells and growth factors in a defined three dimensional space using scaffolding material. Using bone as a template, biomimetic strategies in scaffold engineering unite organic and inorganic components in an optimal configuration to both support osteoinduction as well as osteoconduction. This article reviews the various structural and functional considerations behind the development of effective biomimetic scaffolds for osteogenesis and highlights strategies for enhancing osteogenesis.