Chondrolaryngoplasty in gender-affirming surgery: presentation of a modified technique and retrospective clinical evaluation

BACKGROUND: Chondrolaryngoplasty is an important stage in gender- affirming surgery. As demand for this procedure grows, a safe and reliable surgical technique, adaptable to individual patient anatomy and aesthetic goals, is essential. METHODS: We present a retrospective review of patients who underwent gender incongruence chondrolaryngoplasty using an original technique. The study included 30 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of gender incongruence. The age of the patients ranged from 20 to 34 years. The modified procedure involved resection of the prominent thyroid cartilage and the creation of a rigid neoframework using sutures. Outcomes were assessed using the five-point Likert scale for satisfaction and the SF-36 questionnaire for quality of life. Outcome assessments were conducted via an online survey platform. The average follow-up period was 78.5 ± 7.2 months. All 30 patients were successfully contacted and completed the survey, resulting in a 100% response rate at long-term follow-up. RESULTS: The results indicate a high level of patient satisfaction. On the Likert scale, 90% of patients reported a “very good” outcome. The SF-36 questionnaire, administered at long-term follow-up, demonstrated high self-reported levels of functioning and well-being across all domains. The mean scores were notably high in the domains of Social Functioning (90.2 ± 7.5) and Physical Functioning (88.5 ± 8.1). There were no major postoperative complications. CONCLUSIONS: This modified chondrolaryngoplasty technique is an effective and safe component of gender-affirming surgery, associated with high levels of long-term patient-reported body satisfaction and quality of life.