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J Reconstr Microsurg 2024; 40(02): 096-101
DOI: 10.1055/a-2085-9943
Original Article

Penile Transplantation in Gender Affirmation Surgery: A Theoretical Feasibility Study

Christopher D. Lopez
1   Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
,
Cynthia T. Yusuf
1   Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
2   Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
,
Alisa O. Girard
1   Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
,
Isabel V. Lake
1   Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
,
Damon S. Cooney
1   Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
,
Richard J. Redett
1   Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
› Author Affiliations Funding None.
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Abstract

Background It can be argued that individuals in the transgender and gender nonbinary (TGNB) community suffer from a similar impact on quality of life in the face of gender dysphoria, with psychosocial and physical consequences. Indications for penile allotransplantation for patients wishing to undergo gender affirmation surgery have yet to be elucidated, but technical lessons for feasibility can be gleaned from penis transplants that have already been performed on cisgender males to date.

Methods This study investigates the theoretical feasibility for penile-to-clitoral transplantation, prior penile transplants, and current multidisciplinary gender affirmation health care modalities.

Results Penile allotransplantation offers a potential solution for individuals in the TGNB community for a more aesthetic penis, improved erectile function without the need of a prosthesis, optimal somatic sensation, and improved urethral outcomes.

Conclusion Questions remain about ethics, patient eligibility, and immunosuppressive sequelae. Before these issues are addressed, feasibility of this procedure must be established.

Keywords

penile transplant - microvascular surgery - gender affirmation surgery


Publication History

Received: 20 November 2022

Accepted: 02 May 2023

Accepted Manuscript online:
04 May 2023

Article published online:
15 June 2023

© 2023. Thieme. All rights reserved.

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