Gender-Affirming Phalloplasty: A Comprehensive Review.

Area of Science:

• Genitourinary reconstructive surgery
• Gender affirmation surgery
• Microsurgery

Background:

• Gender-affirming phalloplasty is a complex surgical procedure.
• Goals include aesthetic and functional outcomes for transgender individuals.
• Surgical techniques involve free and pedicled flaps.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize the goals, methods, and outcomes of gender-affirming phalloplasty.
• To highlight common complications and patient satisfaction.
• To assess the impact on quality of life.

Main Methods:

• Review of surgical techniques for phalloplasty.
• Analysis of common flap types (free and pedicled).
• Documentation of potential complications (e.g., flap healing, urethral stricture/fistula).

Main Results:

• Phalloplasty aims for aesthetic phallus/scrotum, standing micturition, and penetrative intercourse.
• Common complications involve flap healing and urethral issues.
• High patient satisfaction rates are reported.

Conclusions:

• Gender-affirming phalloplasty achieves significant functional and aesthetic goals.
• While complications exist, they are manageable.
• The procedure substantially improves patients' quality of life.