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.

Metoidioplasty.

Gender affirmation surgery for transmale patients is still challenging, as creation of the neophallus is one of the most demanding steps in surgical treatment. Metoidioplasty, as a one-stage procedure, can be considered in patients who desire gender affirmation surgery without undergoing a complex, multistage procedure with creation of an adult-sized neophallus. Metoidioplasty presents one of the variants of phalloplasty for patients in whom the clitoris is large enough under testosterone treatment. Advanced urethral reconstruction provides low complication rates with satisfying results of standing micturition.

Gender Dysphoria: Bioethical Aspects of Medical Treatment.

Gender affirmation surgery remains one of the greatest challenges in transgender medicine. In recent years, there have been continuous discussions on bioethical aspects in the treatment of persons with gender dysphoria. Gender reassignment is a difficult process, including not only hormonal treatment with possible surgery but also social discrimination and stigma. There is a great variety between countries in specified tasks involved in gender reassignment, and a complex combination of medical treatment and legal paperwork is required in most cases. The most frequent bioethical questions in transgender medicine pertain to the optimal treatment of adolescents, sterilization as a requirement for legal recognition, role of fertility and parenthood, and regret after gender reassignment. We review the recent literature with respect to any new information on bioethical aspects related to medical treatment of people with gender dysphoria.

Ileal vaginoplasty as vaginal reconstruction in transgender women and patients with disorders of sex development: an international, multicentre, retrospective study on surgical characteristics and outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the surgical outcomes of ileal vaginoplasty in transgender women and patients with disorders of sex development (DSD). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Transgender women and patients with DSD, who underwent ileal vaginoplasty at the VU University Medical Center Amsterdam, University Hospital Trieste, University Hospital Essen, and Belgrade University Hospital, were retrospectively identified. A chart review was performed, recording surgical technique, intraoperative characteristics, complications, and re-operations. RESULTS: We identified a total of 32 patients (27 transgender and five non-transgender), with a median (range) age of 35 (6-63) years. Ileal vaginoplasty was performed as the primary procedure in three and as a revision procedure in the remaining 29. The mean (sd) operative time was 288 (103) min. The procedure was performed laparoscopically (seven patients) or open (25). An ileal 'U-pouch' was created in five patients and a single lumen in 27. Intraoperative complications occurred in two patients (one iatrogenic bladder damage and one intraoperative blood loss necessitating transfusion). The median (range) hospitalisation was 12 (6-30) days. Successful neovaginal reconstruction was achieved in all. The mean (sd) achieved neovaginal depth was 13.2 (3.1) cm. The median (range) clinical follow-up was 35 (3-159) months. In one patient a recto-neovaginal fistula occurred, which lead to temporary ileostomy. Introital stenosis occurred in four patients (12.5%). CONCLUSION: Ileal vaginoplasty can be performed with few intra- and postoperative complications. It appears to have similar complication rates when compared to sigmoid vaginoplasty. It now seems to be used predominantly for revision procedures.

Genital reconstruction for the transgendered individual.

INTRODUCTION: Gender dysphoria is defined as one's belief that his/her body does not reflect his/her true "inner" identification of physical sex and requires medical and/or surgical treatment that will alter his/her body to better reflect what he/she believes is his/her true gender. OBJECTIVE: The aim was to describe current surgical techniques available in genital reconstruction for female-to-male (FTM) and male-to-female (MTF) transgender patients. STUDY DESIGN: We reviewed recently published papers concerning the most common procedures in genital reconstruction in FTM transgenders and in MTF transgenders. RESULTS: There is a wealth of available surgical procedures for FTM transgenders that will adjust their body and genitals toward the male gender. Chest masculinization combined with either metoidioplasty or phalloplasty are the most common procedures resulting in high patient satisfaction. Standardization of the procedures for vaginoplasty in MTF transgenders led to the penile inversion skin technique becoming a "gold standard" for vaginal lining in MTF patients, providing satisfying functional and esthetical outcome of the surgery. In extreme cases of shortage of skin, or when a vaginoplasty has failed, a vaginal lining can be created from hairless skin grafts, or a section of intestine may be used (bowel vaginoplasty). CONCLUSION: A multidisciplinary approach including psychiatrists, psychologists, plastic surgeons, urologists, and gynecologists is the only effective treatment in transgenders. The surgeons' familiarity with the surgical procedure and the patients' desired body images should meet at the same level to guarantee a successful outcome.

Reversal Surgery in Regretful Male-to-Female Transsexuals After Sex Reassignment Surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Sex reassignment surgery (SRS) has proved an effective intervention for patients with gender identity disorder. However, misdiagnosed patients sometimes regret their decision and request reversal surgery. This review is based on our experience with seven patients who regretted their decision to undergo male-to-female SRS. AIMS: To analyze retrospectively seven patients who underwent reversal surgery after regretting their decision to undergo male-to-female SRS elsewhere. METHODS: From November 2010 through November 2014, seven men 33 to 53 years old with previous male-to-female SRS underwent reversal phalloplasty. Preoperatively, they were examined by three independent psychiatrists. Surgery included three steps: removal of female genitalia with scrotoplasty and urethral lengthening, total phalloplasty with microvascular transfer of a musculocutaneous latissimus dorsi flap, and neophallus urethroplasty with penile prosthesis implantation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Self-reported esthetic and psychosexual status after reversion surgery and International Index of Erectile Function scores for sexual health after phalloplasty and penile prosthesis implantation. RESULTS: Follow-up was 13 to 61 months (mean = 31 months). Good postoperative results were achieved in all patients. In four patients, all surgical steps were completed; two patients are currently waiting for penile implants; and one patient decided against the penile prosthesis. Complications were related to urethral lengthening: two fistulas and one stricture were observed. All complications were repaired by minor revision. According to patients' self-reports, all patients were pleased with the esthetic appearance of their genitalia and with their significantly improved psychological status. CONCLUSION: Reversal surgery in regretful male-to-female transsexuals after SRS represents a complex, multistage procedure with satisfactory outcomes. Further insight into the characteristics of persons who regret their decision postoperatively would facilitate better future selection of applicants eligible for SRS.

Severe penile injuries in children and adolescents: reconstruction modalities and outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To review our experience with severe penile trauma, mechanism of injury, and their treatment modalities in 16 children younger than 18 years. Management of penile trauma poses diverse challenges to the reconstructive urologist, as injuries vary from abrasions to total emasculation. METHODS: Analysis of 16 patients with severe penile injuries referred to us between 2002 and 2011 was undertaken. The median age at surgery was 13 years (range, 5-17). Etiology of penile trauma and choice of treatment were evaluated. The management included a wide variety of surgical techniques that were tailored to the individual patient. Results were analyzed to define etiology, that is, mechanism of penile injury and to estimate modalities of surgical management and postoperative outcomes. Also, postoperative questionnaire was used, which included questions on functioning and esthetical appearance of participating patients and overall satisfaction. RESULTS: The causes of penile injury in these series were traffic accidents (2), iatrogenic trauma (5), self-amputation (1), electrocution (1), burns (3), dog bite (2), zipper injury (1), and mother's hair strangulation (1). The mean follow-up was 46 months (range, 14-122), and examinations were uneventful, except for 2 fistulae formation after neophallic urethral reconstruction. CONCLUSION: The main goal of reconstructive surgery is to have a penis with normal appearance and functions. Severe penile injuries should be treated on a case-by-case basis using the most propitious techniques.

Fast-track surgery concepts for congenital urogenital anomalies.

AIM: To investigate the possibility of fast-track surgery concepts in pediatric urology department as a single center study model of a developing country. MATERIAL OF STUDY: The study included 1620 patients surgically treated at the pediatric urology department, from 2009 to 2011. According to the congenital anomalies, all patients were classified in one of four groups: I - testicular anomalies (197 patients); II - external genital anomalies (453); III - upper urinary tract anomalies (801) and IV - associated anomalies (169). We analyzed the total duration of stay in the hospital of all patients among all treating doctors concerning the anomaly. RESULTS: Statistically significant difference in total length of hospitalization of all patients in Group I was noted in Doctors 1 and 5 (F=10.36** for F0.05;5;12=3.11 and F0.01;5;12=5.06), as well as in the Group II (F=17.01** for F0.05;5;12=3.11 and F0.01;5;12=5.06). Statistical analysis was not possible to be performed in groups III and IV because of lack of the patients. DISCUSSION: Analyzing the length of hospitalization of the patients treated at the urology department, all doctors showed the tendency to shorten the total length of hospitalization in patients of all groups. Majority of the studies carried out on pediatric urology departments in developed countries, showed that over 50% of children were successfully treated using fast-track surgery concept. CONCLUSIONS: Modern methods of surgical management and anesthesia allow decrease of hospitalization length, financial savings to the healthcare system and better comfort for patients.

Comparison of two different methods for urethral lengthening in female to male (metoidioplasty) surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Metoidioplasty presents one of the variants of phalloplasty in female transsexuals. Urethral lengthening is the most difficult part in this surgery and poses many challenges. AIM: We evaluated 207 patients who underwent metoidioplasty, aiming to compare two different surgical techniques of urethral lengthening, postoperative results, and complications. METHODS: The study encompassed a total of 207 patients, aged from 18 to 62 years, who underwent single stage metoidioplasty between September 2002 and July 2011. The procedure included lengthening and straightening of the clitoris, urethral reconstruction, and scrotoplasty with implantation of testicular prostheses. Buccal mucosa graft was used in all cases for dorsal urethral plate formation and joined with one of the two different flaps: I-longitudinal dorsal clitoral skin flap (49 patients) and II-labia minora flap (158 patients). MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENT: Results were analyzed using Z-test to evaluate the statistical difference between the two approaches. Also, postoperative questionnaire was used, which included questions on functioning and esthetical appearance of participating subjects as well as overall satisfaction. RESULTS: The median follow-up was 39 months (ranged 12-116 months). The total length of reconstructed urethra was measured during surgery in both groups. It ranged from 9.1 to 12.3 cm (median 9.5) in group I and from 9.4 to 14.2 cm (median 10.8) in group II. Voiding while standing was significantly better in group II (93%) than in group I (87.82%) (P < 0.05). Urethral fistula occurred in 16 patients in both groups (7.72%). There was statistically significant difference between the groups, with lower incidence in group II (5.69%) vs. group I (14.30%) (P < 0.05). Overall satisfaction was noted in 193 patients. CONCLUSION: Comparison of the two methods for urethral lengthening confirmed combined buccal mucosa graft and labia minora flap as a method of choice for urethroplasty in metoidioplasty, minimizing postoperative complications.

Treatment for failed epispadias repair presenting in adults.

PURPOSE: We evaluated the results of 1-stage and multistage penile reconstruction in adults with complications after multiple failed epispadias repairs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 23 adults underwent penile disassembly for repeat epispadias repair from February 2006 to June 2011. Median age at surgery was 27 years (range 17 to 41). Surgical treatment included penile disassembly with complete straightening and lengthening of the penis, followed by urethral reconstruction. The corpora cavernosa were completely separated from the glans cap with the neurovascular bundles and from the urethra. The urethra, which was short in all cases, was divided at the glans level. Penile straightening and lengthening were achieved by tunica albuginea incision and grafting. The urethra was reconstructed 3 to 6 months later using combined buccal mucosa graft and genital skin flaps. Success was defined as a functional penis without urethral fistula or stricture, or residual chordee as well as a cosmetically acceptable penile appearance. RESULTS: Mean followup was 33 months (range 14 to 78). Of the patients 19 had a completely straightened and lengthened penis. Improved length of the erect penis was 2.7 to 6.6 cm. In 4 patients mild curvature developed without the need for additional correction. Urethral fistula in 3 cases was repaired 6 months after urethroplasty in 2, while it closed spontaneously in 1. All 21 sexually active patients reported good erectile function. CONCLUSIONS: Adults with complications after childhood epispadias repair are still a difficult population to treat. A radical surgical approach must be used to achieve a successful outcome.

[Possibilities of fast track surgery principles in the treatment of congenital urological anomalies].

INTRODUCTION: Urogenital congenital anomalies are among the most common congenital anomalies and very frequent pathology in paediatric urology. Health care systems strive to shorten the duration and reduce the costs of hospitalization, while maintaining treatment effectiveness. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the duration of hospital stay of surgically treated patients with congenital urogenital anomalies and estimate the possibility of using fast track surgery principles in paediatric urology in the local settings of a developing country. METHODS: Retrospective non-randomized study included 552 patients who had been surgically treated at the Urology Department of the University Children's Hospital, during 2010. In line with their congenital anomalies, all patients were classified in one of four groups: I--upper urinary tract anomalies (252 patients); II--genital anomalies (164 patients); III--testicular anomalies (76 patients) and IV--associated anomalies (60 patients). We analyzed the total duration of stay as well as pre- and post-operative stay in the hospital. RESULTS: The average duration of hospitalization was 4.7 +/- 4.0 days. Patients with testicular anomalies stayed for the shortest period (2.3 +/- 1.9 days) (p < 0.01) and patients with associated anomalies stayed in the hospital the longest (6.5 +/- 4.7 days) (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Modern methods of surgical treatment allow reduction of hospitalization, financial savings to the healthcare system and greater comfort for patients. Our results showed that this is also possible to apply in our environment.

Rectosigmoid vaginoplasty: clinical experience and outcomes in 86 cases.

INTRODUCTION: There are several techniques for creation of a neovagina. However, rectosigmoid segment presents the most natural substitute for vaginal tissue. AIM: To evaluate the anatomical and functional results of sigmoid vaginoplasty and long-term sexual and psychological outcomes in 86 patients with vaginal absence. METHODS: Between April 2000 and February 2009, 86 patients, aged 18 to 57 years (mean 22) underwent rectosigmoid vaginoplasty. Indications were vaginal agenesis (54), female transgenderism (27), and genital trauma (5). Rectosigmoid segments ranging from 8 cm to 11 cm were isolated, to avoid excessive mucus production. Preferably, it should be dissected distally first in order to check its mobility and determine the correct site for its proximal dissection. Stapling device was used for the colorectal anastomosis as the safest procedure. Creation of perineal cavity for vaginal replacement was performed using a simultaneous approach through the abdomen and perineum. Perineal skin flaps were designed for anastomosis with rectosigmoid vagina for the prevention of postoperative introital stenosis. Main Outcome Measures. Sexual and psychosocial outcomes assessment was based on the Female Sexual Function Index, Beck Depression Inventory, and standardized questionnaires. RESULTS: Follow-up ranged from 8 to 114 months (mean 47 months). Good aesthetic result was achieved in 77 cases. Neovaginal prolapse (7) and deformity of the introitus (9) were repaired by minor surgery. There was no excessive mucus production, vaginal pain, or diversion colitis. Satisfactory sexual and psychosocial outcome was achieved in 69 patients (80.23%). CONCLUSIONS: Rectosigmoid colon presents a good choice for vaginoplasty. According to our results, sexual function and psychosocial status of patients who underwent rectosigmoid vaginoplasty were not affected in general, and patients attained complete recovery.

Rectosigmoid vaginoplasty in patients with vaginal agenesis: sexual and psychosocial outcomes.

BACKGROUND: The main goal in women with Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome (vaginal agenesis) is creation of a neovagina that will satisfy the patient's desire. We evaluated sexual and psychosocial adjustment in patients who underwent rectosigmoid vaginoplasty because of vaginal agenesis. METHODS: A total of 36 women, aged 21 to 38 years (mean=26) who underwent rectosigmoid vaginoplasty from 1997 to 2006 were evaluated. Sexual and psychosocial appraisal included the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), Beck's Depression Inventory (BDI), and standardised questionnaires about postoperative satisfaction, social and sexual adjustment. RESULTS: Mean FSFI score was 28.9 (range=11.5-35.7) with a cut-off score of 26.55 for sexual dysfunction. Out of the 36 women, 10 (27, 8%) had sexual dysfunction. Mean BDI score was 7.55 (cut-off score=0-9 for non-depression). Twenty-eight women (77.8%) were without symptoms of depression, six women (BDI range=10-29) had moderate and two women had severe depression (BDI=42). There were a significant number of patients (P<0.01) with a high satisfaction score in FSFI and low BDI results. Thirty-two (88.9%) of the patients believed that surgery was done at the right time and the main postoperative support came from their family. Thirty-four (94.4%) of the patients reported satisfactory femininity, with a heterosexual orientation. Thirty patients (83. 3%) were very satisfied with the surgery, while 34 considered surgery as the best treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The sexual function and psychosocial status of these patients should be followed long-term to estimate their quality of life.