Outcomes of Urethral Reconstruction in Phalloplasty: Complications and Functional Results

What is it about?

This study evaluated surgical and functional outcomes of urethral reconstruction in patients who underwent phalloplasty between 2007 and 2018. The study included 89 patients, 40.5% of whom answered the functional questionnaire. The study found that the type of urethral construction and the patient's grounds for surgery did not significantly affect the total urethral complication rate. The study reported a significant fistula complication rate and a high rate of strictures, which required surgical revision. The study suggested that the outcomes of urethral lengthening of metoidioplasty and phalloplasty should not be reported together. The study reported a total rate of urethral complications of 70.9% for free flap urethra and 73.5% for skin graft urethra.

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Why is it important?

This research is important because it evaluates the surgical and functional outcomes of urethral reconstruction associated with phalloplasty, which is a procedure that is becoming increasingly common among trans-male patients undergoing gender-affirming surgery and cis-male patients undergoing penile reconstruction. The study includes a large sample size of 89 patients and provides valuable information on the complication and revision rates associated with different types of urethral reconstruction. The study also highlights the importance of comprehensive analysis of each domain of phalloplasty, including urinary function, sexual function, and aesthetics. Key Takeaways: 1. Urethral reconstruction in phalloplasty is associated with a high complication and revision rate regardless of the type of urethral reconstruction. 2. Voiding in a standing position is generally possible but should not conceal feeble functional results. 3. The study provides valuable information on the complication and revision rates associated with different types of urethral reconstruction and highlights the importance of comprehensive analysis of each domain of phalloplasty.