An update on gender-affirming phallus construction using the radial forearm free-flap

The history of phallus construction parallels the advances made in plastic and reconstructive surgery whereby the era of microsurgery revolutionized numerous techniques. In 1993, we reported our early experience in phalloplasty. While the originally presented technique was a modification of the original design reported by Chang and Hwang, we now present further modifications of the past 30 years.

Through critical review of our technical modifications, as well as others', we present a comprehensive review of elements of the radial forearm free flap phallus construction.

A radial forearm free flap is harvested and tubed to form the following components: urethra, shaft, and glans of the neophallus. When excess adipose tissue exists, the excess thickness is accommodated by increasing the proximal width of the flap. To optimize the venous drainage, the radial and ulnar superficial veins as well as the radial deep veins are included within the flap; however, venous flow is optimized through creation of an arteriovenous fistula within neo-glans. To lengthen the native urethra, labia minora and vaginal mucosal flaps are employed at a preliminary stage during vaginectomy. New coronoplasty modifications offer esthetic refinements. Updates in scrotal reconstruction and implantation of erectile devices complete the total genitourinary reconstruction.

Phallus construction has evolved significantly over time. While numerous techniques exist, no standard of care has been identified. Continue surgical evolution will provide modern solutions for problems most often encountered to improve overall outcomes for transgender and gender-diverse patients pursuing masculinizing genitourinary reconstruction.