Phallic construction in female-to-male transsexuals using a lateral upper arm sensate free flap and a bladder mucosa graft.

Abstract

We devised a technique for phalloplasty in a female-to-male transsexual combining the lateral upper arm free flap with a bladder mucosa graft, to address the ideal requirements of phalloplasty in the best possible way. The surgical techniques are described. Healing of the phallus has been uneventful, but postoperative bladder spasms, meatal stenosis, and an intraurethral valve were encountered. The cosmetic result of the phalloplasty is pleasing. Sensibility is still increasing after a 14-month follow-up. Scarring of the upper arm donor site can be camouflaged easily. Although the actual phalloplasty as described in this article is a one-stage microsurgical procedure that appears to be reproducible, the construction of a phallus meeting all requirements still implies more than one stage.