Functional outcomes after supra-pubic phalloplasty

Background

A thorough evaluation of the functional outcomes resulting from supra-pubic phalloplasty (SPP) assessing different aspects of the phalloplasty technique has not been reported.

Purpose of the study

To report the outcomes on sexuality, urinary function, satisfaction, and regrets following SPP performed at our centre.

Subjects studied

All consecutive patients who underwent the three-step technique of pre-expanded SPP between 2007 and 2018 and who had at least one year of follow-up.

Methods

Questionnaires were sent to analyse several domains of penile reconstruction: sexuality, urinary function, perceived sensitivity, and satisfaction. Sexuality was evaluated using the Self-Esteem And Relationship (SEAR) questionnaire. Urinary function was analysed based on the urethral stricture surgery patient-reported outcome measures (USS-PROM) questionnaire.

Main findings

A total of 77 patients were included, 92.2% were transmen, and 33 (42.9%) responded to the questionnaire. Urethral lengthening (UL) was performed in 28 (36.4%) procedures, and erectile prosthesis was implanted in 42 patients (54.5%). The mean length of the neophallus was 15.3 cm (standard deviation [SD] 2.6), and the mean girth was 11.8 cm (SD 2.1). The mean total SEAR score (/100) was 73.8 (SD 26.7). The mean six-item lower urinary tract symptom score (/24) was 8.4 (SD 4.6). The standing position was the usual voiding position reported by 11 patients (73.3%).

Conclusion

Pre-expanded SPP is a robust technique that can achieve substantial flap dimensions, leading to high satisfaction with neophallus appearance and the choice of the phalloplasty technique. Overall, sexual outcomes are mostly favourable. UL is feasible and effective in terms of voiding in a standing position.