Phantom erectile penis after sex reassignment surgery

Area of Science:

• Sex reassignment surgery
• Genital reconstructive surgery
• Transgender healthcare

Background:

• Vaginoplasty is a key component of male-to-female sex reassignment surgery (SRS).
• Common complications include flap necrosis, rectovaginal fistula, and clitoral hypersensitivity.
• Post-operative phantom sensations are common but usually transient.

Observation:

• This report focuses on a male-to-female transsexual (MTFTS) patient.
• The patient experienced a persistent sensation of an erectile phantom penis.
• This sensation endured for a prolonged period post-vaginoplasty.

Findings:

• A case of prolonged phantom erectile penis sensation following vaginoplasty is presented.
• This contrasts with the typical short-term duration of such sensations.
• The study highlights potential long-term neurological or psychological sequelae of SRS.

Implications:

• Understanding persistent phantom sensations is crucial for managing MTFTS patients.
• Further research is needed to explore the mechanisms behind prolonged phantom erectile sensations.
• This finding may inform post-operative care and patient counseling in gender affirmation surgery.