Comparison of the Results of Phalloplasty Using Radial Free Forearm Flap and Anterolateral Thigh in Iran from 2014 to 2019

Abstract

Introduction Due to the worldwide growing number of transgender individuals openly identifying themselves, including in Iran, these individuals need more attention and support. This study compares patient satisfaction and quality of life after female-to-male gender confirmation surgery using an anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap and radial forearm free flap (RFFF). Materials and Methods This study included 49 patients who underwent phalloplasty from 2014 to 2019 using two different methods. The two groups' outcomes and quality of life were investigated and compared 1 year after the operation. Results The mean age of the patients in this study was 32.7 years. Among patients, 44.9% underwent revision operations, and 38.8% had residual protective sensations after 1 year. In terms of quality of life after surgery, the general shape of the phallus, cold and heat sensation, sense of touch, the body of glans and shaft, color and size of the phallus, sexual pleasure in patients and their partners, and the relationship between the number of anastomosed nerves and sexual satisfaction, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups. The ALT group had statistically significantly higher rates of orgasms compared to the RFFF group. Conclusion The outcomes of the two phalloplasty surgery methods (ALT and RFFF) are similar in different aspects, such as the quality of life.