Gender-confirmation surgery using the pedicle transverse colon flap for vaginal reconstruction: A clinical outcome and sexual function evaluation study

Abstract

Copyright © 2017 by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Summary: Vaginal reconstruction and vaginoplasty are indicated in vaginal agenesis, following pelvic tumor resection, trauma, and for gender-confirmation surgery. In this article, the authors present the clinical outcomes and sexual function evaluation when using the pedicle transverse colon flap for gender-confirmation surgery in transgender women. This is a retrospective chart review of all transgender women who underwent gender-confirmation surgery using the pedicle transverse colon flap. Demographics, procedure specifics, and surgical outcomes were recorded and analyzed. Sexual function was measured using the Female Sexual Function Index and the Female Genital Self-Image Scale 1 year after surgery. Fifteen patients underwent gender-confirmation surgery using the aforementioned technique. The average age of the patients was 20 years (range, 18 to 32 years), and the average operating room time was 10.1 hours (range, 8 to 12.5 hours). The average length and width of the flaps were 15 and 2.8 cm, respectively. During a 12-year follow-up, two complications were reported: one patient had pain caused by narrowing at the introitus, which required intervention, and one patient had an excessive amount of secretions in the first month, which subsided 3 months after surgery. The mean Female Sexual Function Index score was 28.6 (range, 24 to 31). All patients achieved normal sexual function as indicated by a Female Sexual Function Index score of 25 or more. For the Female Genital Self-Image Scale, the mean total score was 20.0 ± 4.5 (range, 7 to 28). The pedicle transverse colon flap is another valuable alternative method for vaginoplasty with promising results and minor complications. (Plast. Reconstr. Surg. 141: 767, 2018.) CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.