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01 februari 2023, Item does not contain fulltext, Transgender women may opt for genital gender-affirming surgery (gGAS), which comprises bilateral orchiectomy, gender-affirming vulvoplasty, or vaginoplasty. Vaginoplasty is chosen most frequently in this population, penile inversion vaginoplasty being the surgical gold standard. In selected cases, skin graft vaginoplasty, intestinal vaginoplasty, or peritoneal vaginoplasty may be indicated. In this article, we discuss the various types of gGAS for transgender women, (contra)-indications, intraoperative considerations, techniques, surgical outcomes, and postoperative patient-reported outcomes.

Background: In the treatment of gender dysphoria, appropriate nipple-areola complex (NAC) positioning is essential for achieving a natural appearing male chest after subcutaneous mastectomy. An accurate predictive model for the ideal personalized position of the NAC is still lacking. The aim of this study is to determine the anthropometry of the male chest to create individualized guidelines for appropriate NAC positioning in the preoperative setting. Materials and methods: Cisgender male participants were recruited. Multiple chest measurements were manually recorded. Best subset regression using linear models was used to select predic

Item does not contain fulltext, OBJECTIVE: To assess the feasibility of intraoperative use of indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescent angiography in laparoscopic intestinal vaginoplasty to determine intestinal segment perfusion and viability. DESIGN: Intestinal vaginoplasty may be performed as a vaginal (re)construction procedure. During surgery, a pedicled intestinal segment is transferred caudally to line the neovaginal cavity. Most commonly, a sigmoid or ileal segment is used. In obtaining adequate mobility of the segment, arterial structures sometimes have to be sacrificed, with possible detrimental effects on segment perfusion and subsequently viability. ICG may be used as an aid to assess segment perfusion. We present a case series of six consecutive patients who underwent intestinal vaginoplasty with intraoperative use of ICG. SETTING: Tertiary university hospital. PATIENT(S): Six transgender women undergoing laparoscopic sigmoid vaginoplasty with intraoperative use of ICG from October 2017 to October 2018. INTERVENTION(S): Intraoperative use of ICG in laparoscopic sigmoid vaginoplasty to determine sigmoid segment perfusion and viability. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Value and feasibility of ICG in this reconstructive procedure. RESULT(S): Intraoperative use of ICG demonstrated segment viability in five patients. In one patient, vascularization of the segment was deemed to be inadequate and reconstruction was aborted. CONCLUSIONS: ICG fluorescent angiography may be used intraoperatively to assess perfusion of the pedicled sigmoid segment during sigmoid vaginoplasty.

Background: Implant-based breast reconstruction (IBBR) is the most commonly performed reconstructive procedure and its economic impact is significant. This study aimed to analyse whether a direct one-stage IBBR with use of an acellular dermal matrix (ADM) is more cost-effective than two-stage (expander-implant) breast reconstruction. Methods: The BRIOS (Breast Reconstruction In One Stage) study was an open-label multicentre RCT in which women scheduled for skin-sparing mastectomy and immediate IBBR were randomized between one-stage IBBR with ADM or two-stage IBBR. Duration of surgery and hospital stay, and visits for the primary surgery, unplanned and cosmetic procedures were recorded. Costs were estimated at an institutional level. Health status was assessed by means of the EuroQol Five Dimensions 5L questionnaire. Results: Fifty-nine patients (91 breasts) underwent one-stage IBBR with ADM and 62 patients (92 breasts) two-stage IBBR. The mean(s.d.) duration of surgery in the one-stage group was significantly longer than that for two-stage IBBR for unilateral (2⋅52(0⋅55) versus 2⋅02(0⋅35) h; P < 0⋅001) and bilateral (4⋅03(1⋅00) versus 3⋅25(0⋅58) h; P = 0⋅017) reconstructions. Costs were higher for one-stage compared with two-stage IBBR for both unilateral (€12 448 (95 per cent c.i. 10 722 to 14 387) versus €9871 (9373 to 10 445) respectively; P = 0⋅025) and bilateral (€16 939 (14 887 to 19 360) versus €13 383 (12 414 to 14 669); P = 0⋅002) reconstructions. This was partly related to the use of relatively expensive ADM. There was no difference in postoperative health status between the groups. Conclusion: One-stage IBBR with ADM was associated with higher costs, but similar health status, compared with conventional two-stage IBBR. Registration number: NTR5446 (http://www .trialregister.nl).

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Background: In the multicentre randomized trial BRIOS (Breast Reconstruction In One Stage), direct-to-implant (DTI) breast reconstruction with an acellular dermal matrix (ADM) was associated with a markedly higher postoperative complication rate compared with two-stage tissue expander/implant breast reconstruction. This study aimed to identify factors that contribute to the occurrence of complications after DTI ADM-assisted breast reconstruction. Methods: Data were obtained from the BRIOS study, including all patients treated with DTI ADM-assisted breast reconstruction. Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors predictive of postoperative complications. Results: Fifty-nine patients (91 breasts) were included, of whom 27 (35 breasts) developed a surgical complication. Reoperations were performed in 29 breasts (32 per cent), with prosthesis removal in 22 (24 per cent). In multivariable analyses, mastectomy weight was associated with complications (odds ratio (OR) 1·94, 95 per cent c.i. 1·33 to 2·83), reoperations (OR 1·70, 1·12 to 2·59) and removal of the implant (OR 1·55, 1·11 to 2·17). Younger patients (OR 1·07, 1·01 to 1·13) and those who received adjuvant chemotherapy (OR 4·83, 1·15 to 20·24) more frequently required reoperation. In univariable analyses, adjuvant radiotherapy showed a trend towards more complications (OR 7·23, 0·75 to 69·95) and removal of the implant (OR 5·12, 0·76 to 34·44), without reaching statistical significance. Conclusion: Breast size appeared to be the most significant predictor of complications in DTI ADM-assisted breast reconstruction. The technique should preferably be performed in patients with small to moderate sized breasts. Registration number: NTR5446 (http://www.trialregister.nl).

Item does not contain fulltext, BACKGROUND: The absence of a functional vagina has a negative effect on the quality of life of women. Multiple surgical procedures have been described for vaginal reconstruction in these patients. CASE: We present a case of an 18-year-old transgender woman, who underwent laparoscopic intestinal vaginoplasty as vaginal reconstruction, and subsequently developed septic shock and multiple organ failure on the basis of an extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli. A severe progression of the necrotizing fasciitis was lethal, despite repeated surgical debridement, intravenous antibiotic use, and supportive care at the intensive care unit. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION: Although vaginal reconstruction has a positive influence on the quality of life in transgender women, physicians and patients need to be aware of serious complications that might arise.

Item does not contain fulltext, BACKGROUND: The absence of a normal functioning vagina can have a profound impact on women's quality of life and psychological well being. Frasier syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive disorder which presents with male pseudohermaphroditism with gonadal dysgenesis, renal failure in early adulthood and increased risk of developing gonadoblastoma. Kidney transplant recipients are reported to have a high complication rate after colorectal surgery, most probably resulting from immunosuppressive therapy. CASE: A 25-year-old female kidney transplant recipient with Frasier syndrome consulted our department to discuss the possibilities of surgically constructing a functional vagina. She successfully underwent a total laparoscopic colocolpopoiesis without any complications. A sigmoid segment of 16 cm long was isolated laparoscopically and transferred caudally in a dissected pouch between bladder and rectum on its vascular pedicle. There was no short-term morbidity and no complications up to 3 years postoperatively. She experienced no neovaginal symptoms and was able to engage in neovaginal penetration by means of vibrator or neovaginal dilatator. CONCLUSIONS: The positive results in this patient lead us to recommend laparoscopic colocolpopoiesis in kidney transplant patients who are seeking vaginoplasty. We advocate considering a total laparoscopic approach whenever rectosigmoid colocolpopoiesis is indicated, even after a kidney transplantation.

Item does not contain fulltext, OBJECTIVE: To describe our experience and results obtained in the management of neovaginal fistulas after vaginoplasty as gender reassignment surgery in transgender women. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed of 1,082 transgender women who underwent 1,037 primary and 80 revision vaginoplasty procedures between 1990 and 2015. Thirty-five women underwent both primary and later revision vaginoplasty at our institution. Patient, clinical, surgical, and outcome characteristics were reviewed. RESULTS: We treated 25 (2.3%) patients for 13 rectoneovaginal, 11 urethroneovaginal, and one pouch-neovaginal fistulas. Patients undergoing revision vaginoplasty were at higher risk of rectoneovaginal fistula development (0.8% compared with 6.3%, P<.01, odds ratio 8.6, 95% confidence interval 2.7-26.9). Of 23 intraoperatively identified and oversewn rectal perforations, four (17.4%) patients developed a rectoneovaginal fistula. In four patients, fecal diversion was achieved through temporary colostomy or ileostomy with direct (n=1) or delayed (n=3) fistula closure. In six patients, urethroneovaginal fistula arose after a complication such as meatal stenosis. Two patients underwent temporary suprapubic cystostomy for urinary diversion. In most patients, fistulectomy and primary closure or a local advancement flap was sufficient to treat the fistula. CONCLUSION: Neovaginal fistulas are uncommon after vaginoplasty. Symptoms of neovaginal fistulas are comparable with those of vaginal fistulas. In most patients, the diagnosis can be made based on symptoms and physical examination alone. It seems that a complicated course (eg, intraoperative rectal perforation or meatal stenosis) predisposes for fistula formation. Surgical repair of neovaginal fistulas is associated with few intraoperative and postoperative complications and does not seem to impair neovaginal function.

Item does not contain fulltext, AIMS: Autologous intestinal grafts are used to (re)create a vagina in selected patients. The risk of diversion colitis is mentioned as a disadvantage, although its prevalence remains unclear. This study aimed to assess the histopathological characteristics of the sigmoid-derived neovaginal epithelial lining after diverting surgery and correlate these with clinical findings. METHODS AND RESULTS: Biopsy specimens were obtained from the epithelial lining of the sigmoid-derived neovagina and remaining rectosigmoid as regular follow-up from 26 patients with a median age of 22 years (range 19-52) and median postoperative follow-up of 13 months (range 6-52). Medical history, neovaginal symptoms and sexual activity were documented. An experienced gastrointestinal histopathologist assessed the specimens using a descriptive item-score, comprising signs of chronic and active inflammation. Inflammatory changes were observed in 21 (80.7%) neovaginal and one (3.8%) rectosigmoid specimens. The neovaginal appearance was characterized by an increase of lymphoid aggregates and lymphoplasmacellular infiltrate. Other common features were the presence of polymorphonuclear neutrophils and Paneth cell metaplasia. Neovaginal discharge was correlated with the presence of inflammatory changes (P = 0.008, Spearman's rho = 0.506). DISCUSSION: Acute and chronic inflammation of the sigmoid-derived neovagina was commonly observed and consistent with a proposed diagnosis of diversion neovaginitis. Neovaginal discharge correlates with this histopathological entity.

Item does not contain fulltext, A 46-year-old, HIV-positive transgender woman of South American ethnicity consulted our outpatient clinic to discuss the possibilities of a surgical, secondary neovaginal reconstruction because of complete stenosis of her inverted penile skin-lined neovagina. She was taking abacavir/lamivudine and nevirapine as antiretroviral therapy. We successfully performed a total laparoscopic sigmoid vaginoplasty without any complications. There was no short-term morbidity and no complications were reported after 15 months of follow-up. To our knowledge, this is the first report of laparoscopic sigmoid vaginoplasty as vaginal reconstruction in a HIV-positive transgender woman. Worldwide, transgender women have a high burden of HIV infection. This report shows that intestinal vaginoplasty is a feasible surgical option for HIV-positive transgender women in need of vaginal reconstruction. Because patients are again able to engage in penetrative sexual intercourse, we emphasise the importance of practicing safe sex and early initiation of adequate antiretroviral therapy in this patient population.

Item does not contain fulltext, BACKGROUND: In young transgender women previously treated with puberty-suppressing hormones, penoscrotal hypoplasia can make penoscrotal inversion vaginoplasty unfeasible. The aim of this study was to prospectively assess surgical outcomes and follow-up of total laparoscopic sigmoid vaginoplasty as primary reconstruction in a cohort of transgender women with penoscrotal hypoplasia. METHODS: Baseline demographics, surgical characteristics, and intraoperative and postoperative complications of all performed total laparoscopic sigmoid vaginoplasty procedures were prospectively recorded. RESULTS: From November of 2007 to July of 2015, 42 transgender women underwent total laparoscopic sigmoid vaginoplasty as primary vaginal reconstruction. The mean age at the time of surgery was 21.1 +/- 4.7 years. Mean follow-up time was 3.2 +/- 2.1 years. The mean operative duration was 210 +/- 44 minutes. There were no conversions to laparotomy. One rectal perforation was recognized during surgery and immediately oversewn without long-term consequences. The mean length of hospitalization was 5.7 +/- 1.1 days. One patient died as a result of an extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-positive necrotizing fasciitis leading to septic shock, with multiorgan failure. Direct postoperative complications that needed laparoscopic reoperation occurred in three cases (7.1 percent). In seven cases (17.1 percent), long-term complications needed a secondary correction. After 1 year, all patients had a functional neovagina with a mean depth of 16.3 +/- 1.5 cm. CONCLUSIONS: Total laparoscopic sigmoid vaginoplasty seems to have a similar complication rate as other types of elective laparoscopic colorectal surgery. Primary total laparoscopic sigmoid vaginoplasty is a feasible gender-confirming surgical technique with good functional outcomes for transgender women with penoscrotal hypoplasia. CLINICAL QUESTIO/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

Item does not contain fulltext, INTRODUCTION: Puberty-suppressing hormonal treatment may result in penoscrotal hypoplasia in transgender women, making standard penile inversion vaginoplasty not feasible. For these patients, intestinal vaginoplasty is a surgical alternative, but knowledge on patient-reported postoperative outcomes and quality of life is lacking. AIMS: To assess patient-reported functional and esthetic outcomes, quality of life, satisfaction, and sexual well-being after primary total laparoscopic intestinal vaginoplasty in transgender women. METHODS: A survey study was performed on transgender women who underwent primary total laparoscopic intestinal vaginoplasty with at least 1 year of clinical follow-up. Thirty-one transgender women completed the questionnaires (median age at time of surgery = 19.1 years, range = 18.3-45.0) after a median clinical follow-up of 2.2 years (range = 0.8-7.5). Consenting women were asked to complete a combined questionnaire of the Subjective Happiness Scale, the Satisfaction With Life Scale, Cantril's Ladder of Life Scale, the Female Sexual Function Index, the Female Genital Self-Imaging Scale, the Amsterdam Hyperactive Pelvic Floor Scale-Women, and a questionnaire addressing postoperative satisfaction. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Patient-reported functional and esthetic outcomes and postoperative quality of life. RESULTS: Patients graded their life satisfaction a median of 8.0 (range = 4.0-10.0) on Cantril's Ladder of Life Scale. Patients scored a mean total score of 27.7 +/- 5.8 on the Satisfaction With Life Scale, which indicated high satisfaction with life, and a mean total score of 5.6 +/- 1.4 on the Subjective Happiness Scale. Functionality was graded a median score of 8.0 of 10 (range = 1.0-10.0) and esthetics a score of 8.0 out of 10 (range = 3.0-10.0). The mean Female Sexual Function Index total score of sexually active transgender women was 26.0 +/- 6.8. CONCLUSION: This group of relatively young transgender women reported satisfactory functional

Item does not contain fulltext, OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate step by step our technique for total laparoscopic sigmoid vaginoplasty. DESIGN: Surgical video tutorial. SETTING: Academic medical center. PATIENT(S): Transgender women with penile hypoplasia or with a failed primary vaginoplasty and biological women with either acquired or congenital absence of a functional vagina. INTERVENTION(S): An original technique for total laparoscopic sigmoid vaginoplasty is shown on video. Surgery is performed via a simultaneous abdomino-perineal approach. The genital surgeon dissects the neovaginal cavity and performs a bilateral orchiectomy and shortening of the urethra. Out of penile and scrotal skin, a clitoro-vulvaplasty is created. Meanwhile, the laparoscopic surgeon mobilizes the sigmoid segment and transects it down to the base of the sigmoid arteries. The segment is guided in an iso-peristaltic way through the neovaginal tunnel on to the perineum. The distal staple line is opened and sutured in an exaggerated interdigitating fashion to the perineum and inverted penile skin. Length of the segment is measured with a transilluminated perspex dildo, after which the segment is stapled at the proper level. A neovaginopexy is performed on the promontory. Bowel continuity is restored with an intra-abdominal side-to-side oversewn stapled anastomosis. The patient provided written informed consent for the use of this video in this article. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): None. RESULT(S): Given current literature, intestinal vaginoplasty is associated with low complication rates. Since 2008 our group performed 42 primary and 21 secondary procedures, mainly in transgender women, with at least 1 year of clinical follow-up. Complications comprised three rectal perforations and two anastomotic leakages. These were addressed laparoscopically without long-term fistula formation. There were no conversions to laparotomy. CONCLUSION(S): Total laparoscopic sigmoid vaginoplasty is a feasible and safe procedure in the hands of an exper

Item does not contain fulltext, BACKGROUND: Vaginal (re)construction can greatly improve the quality of life of indicated patients. If primary vaginoplasty fails, multiple surgical approaches exist for revision. The authors compared surgical results of laparoscopic intestinal versus full-thickness skin graft revision vaginoplasty. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of patients who underwent revision vaginoplasty at the authors' institution was conducted. Patient demographics, surgical characteristics, complications, hospitalization, reoperations, and neovaginal depth for both surgical techniques were recorded and compared. RESULTS: The authors studied a consecutive series of 50 transgender and three biological women who underwent revision vaginoplasty, of which 21 were laparoscopic intestinal and 32 were perineal full-thickness skin graft vaginoplasties, with a median clinical follow-up of 3.2 years (range, 0.5 to 19.7 years). Patient demographics did not differ significantly. There was no mortality. Two intraoperative rectal perforations (10 percent) occurred in the intestinal group versus six (19 percent) in the full-thickness skin graft group. Operative time was shorter for the full-thickness skin graft vaginoplasty group (131 +/- 35 minutes versus 191 +/- 45 minutes; p < 0.01). Hospitalization length did not differ significantly. Successful vaginal (re)construction was achieved in 19 intestinal (91 percent) and 26 full-thickness skin graft (81 percent) vaginoplasty procedures. A deeper neovagina was achieved with intestinal vaginoplasty (15.9 +/- 1.4 cm versus 12.5 +/- 2.8 cm; p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Both laparoscopic intestinal and full-thickness skin graft vaginoplasty can be used as secondary vaginal reconstruction. Intraoperative and postoperative complications do not differ significantly, but rectal perforation was more prevalent in the full-thickness skin graft vaginoplasty group. Although the operative time of laparoscopic intestinal vaginoplasty is longer, adequate neovaginal depth

Item does not contain fulltext, OBJECTIVE: To assess the endoscopic characteristics of the sigmoid-derived neovagina, which have been scarcely described. DESIGN: Prospective observational study. SETTING: University tertiary medical center. PATIENT(S): Patients that underwent sigmoid vaginoplasty. INTERVENTION(S): Patients were invited yearly to undergo neovaginoscopy and sigmoidoscopy, preceded by taking a medical history and physical examination, as routine follow-up. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Endoscopic signs of neovaginal inflammation. RESULT(S): Thirty-four patients with a sigmoid neovagina underwent a total of 43 combined neovaginoscopies and sigmoidoscopies. After a mean postoperative time of 23 months, the most notable endoscopic features of the sigmoid-derived neovagina comprised a diminished vascular pattern, edema, granularity, friability, decreased resilience, and erythema. In the control rectosigmoidoscopy images, no concurrent abnormalities were observed. When applying the MAYO score to the neovaginal images, 12 (35%) patients scored MAYO 0, 19 (56%) MAYO I, 3 (9%) MAYO II, and none MAYO III. The presence of neovaginal discharge and malodor correlated with inflammatory endoscopic alterations. CONCLUSION(S): The endoscopic appearance of a sigmoid segment after use in neovaginoplasty differs significantly from that of the remaining rectosigmoid. Inflammatory changes of the sigmoid-derived neovagina were observed in most patients. Clinically, the inflammatory changes appear similar to those encountered in diversion colitis.

Item does not contain fulltext, INTRODUCTION: Intestinal vaginoplasty with a sigmoid colon or ileal segment is an established surgical technique for vaginal reconstruction. Little has been reported on long-term (functional) outcome and postoperative quality of life. AIMS: To assess the surgical and long-term psychological outcomes of secondary intestinal vaginoplasty performed from 1970 through 2000 in transgender women. METHODS: Transgender women who underwent intestinal vaginoplasty from 1970 through 2000 were identified from our hospital registry. Demographics, surgical characteristics, complications, and reoperations were recorded. Traceable women were invited to fill out a set of questionnaires (quality-of-life questionnaire, Female Sexual Function Index, Amsterdam Hyperactive Pelvic Floor Scale for Women, Female Genital Self-Imaging Scale, and self-evaluation of vaginoplasty questionnaire) and attend the outpatient clinic for physical, endoscopic, and histologic examination of the neovagina. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary outcomes were complications, reoperations, self-perceived quality of life, and functional and esthetic self-evaluation. RESULTS: Twenty-four transgender women were identified who underwent intestinal vaginoplasty as a secondary procedure from 1970 through 2000. There were no intraoperative complications. Three intestinal neovaginas were surgically removed because of postoperative complications. Nineteen women (79%) underwent at least one genital reoperation, most commonly introitus plasty (n = 13, 54%). Five women were deceased at time of analysis. Nine women consented to partake in the study (median age = 58 years, range = 50-73; median postoperative time = 29.6 years, range = 17.2-34.3). They were generally satisfied with life and scored 5.9 of 7 on a subjective happiness scale. Neovaginal functionality was rated as 7.3 and appearance as 7.4 of 10. CONCLUSION: In our institution, intestinal vaginoplasty before 2000 was always performed as a revision procedure after a prev