A Systematic Review of Surgical Simulation in Gender Affirmation Surgery

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: The burgeoning field of gender affirmation surgery (GAS) is increasingly complex, challenging Plastic Surgeons to meet elevated functional and cosmetic standards. During the COVID-19 pandemic, remote learning provided for simulation training, offering residents procedural exposure before treating patients. As GAS continues to evolve and the pandemic quells, there will be an increasing demand for GAS with the expectation for surgeons to be masters of these techniques. This systematic review summarizes current simulation training models in GAS. METHOD(S) A systematic review was conducted using PRISMA-P guidelines through the following databases PubMed, Medline, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane. Inclusion criteria were English language peer-reviewed articles about surgical simulation techniques or training related to GAS. Skills and techniques taught and assessed, model type, equipment, and cost for each article were ed from articles. RESULT(S) Of 1,650 articles, 10 met inclusion criteria. Simulations included cadavers (n = 2), synthetic benchtop/3-dimensionally printed models (n = 6), and augmented/virtual reality interfaces (n = 2). Most simulations involved chest reconstruction +/- augmentation (n = 6) followed by vaginal reconstruction +/- repair (n = 3). One simulation involved facial GAS. All models emphasized surgical technique and anatomy. CONCLUSION(S) The evolving field of GAS requires that trainees be knowledgeable on surgical techniques surrounding this scope of practice. Surgical simulations teach residents to master operative techniques while addressing the sensitive nature of GAS. Given the new emphasis on remote learning, surgical simulation infrastructure adjacent to clinical training may benefit trainees with practical considerations for complexity and cost.