Phalloplasty With a Free Scapular Flap Improves Postoperative Sensation in Penile Reconstruction

Abstract

Objective We aimed to evaluate both the long-term surgical outcomes and patient-reported outcomes of free scapular flap (FSF) phalloplasty. MethodThe same surgical team performed phalloplasty in 66 patients using a FSF between March 2000 and September 2018. All patients had at least 24 months of follow-up. The surgical techniques used, complications observed, and surgical and patient-reported outcomes were retrospectively described. ResultA total of 66 patients with indications of penile trauma (n = 19), micropenis (n = 42), and self-amputation (n = 5) underwent FSF phalloplasty. Two patients (3%) had total flap necrosis and 1 (1.5%) had partial flap necrosis. The urethral complication rate was 18.2% (12/66 patients). All patients were able to void while standing after revision procedures or urethroplasty. We found that an FSF is a reliable donor site for penile reconstruction.ConclusionThe FSF phalloplasty creates an esthetically pleasing penis and allows voiding while standing. Most patients can engage in sexual activity. The main drawbacks of using this method are that patients experience different degrees of sensory recovery, and patients undergoing surgery with the “tube-in-tube” technique may find they are be limited by the thickness of the flap. However, by making full use of residual tissue, such as the micropenis glans or scrotal skin, patients can obtain good tactile and erogenous sensation. We believe that using an FSF complements the existing phalloplasty techniques.