Suprapubic phalloplasty in transmen: surgical results and critical review

Int J Impot Res. 2020 Nov;33(7):754-761. doi: 10.1038/s41443-021-00426-7. Epub 2021 Mar 16.

Abstract

This article presents the surgical outcomes of a consecutive series of 71 transmen undergoing pre-expanded suprapubic phalloplasty (SPP) in a specialized center. The median [IQR] duration to finalize this three-stage phalloplasty procedure was 7 months [6-7]. Median [IQR] follow-up was 39.4 months [19.7-81.2]. Among those included, 25 (35.2%) had a urethroplasty, and 40 (56.3%) a penile prosthesis as additional procedures. Complications were the result of disorders of wound healing (dehiscence, infection, partial necrosis) or tissue expander (migration, infection). Sixty patients (84.5%) experienced at least one complication during the phalloplasty procedure, mostly minor complications Clavien < IIIa (81.8%). Among these, 16 (22.5%) underwent at least one reintervention, 2 of whom underwent two reinterventions (18 reinterventions in total for Clavien ≥ IIIa complication). There was no loss of phalloplasty. Among the wide variety of techniques developed for phalloplasty, the suprapubic technique seems to be a valuable option for transmen on the path to genital gender affirming surgery.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Male
  • Penile Prosthesis*
  • Penis / surgery
  • Sex Reassignment Surgery* / adverse effects
  • Transsexualism* / surgery
  • Urethra / surgery