Abdominal phalloplasty is a surgical procedure performed as part of gender confirmation surgery for transgender men or non-binary individuals. It is a type of phalloplasty that involves the construction of a neopenis using skin and tissue from the abdomen.
Here’s a basic outline of the procedure:
- Tissue Harvesting: A section of skin, fat, and sometimes muscle is taken from the lower abdomen to form the neopenis. The size of the graft typically determines the length and girth of the neopenis.
- Neopenis Construction: The harvested tissue is rolled into a tube and attached to the pubic area, forming the shaft of the neopenis.
- Urethral Lengthening: In many cases, the native urethra is lengthened using tissue from the labia minora or the lining of the vagina. This allows for urination through the neopenis. This can be a complex procedure and may be performed in a separate surgery.
- Glansplasty: This is a procedure to create the head of the penis. This is usually performed at a later stage.
- Scrotoplasty: This involves creating a scrotum using the labia majora, and can be done during the same surgery or as a separate procedure. Testicular implants can be inserted to give the scrotum a more typical male appearance.
- Erectile Device Implantation: If desired, an erectile device can be implanted to allow for erections. This is usually done in a separate surgery after the phalloplasty has fully healed.
As with any surgical procedure, abdominal phalloplasty carries risks, including infection, bleeding, issues with wound healing, loss of sensation, and complications related to urethral lengthening, such as strictures or fistulas. It’s essential to have an open and thorough discussion with your healthcare provider about these risks and the potential benefits before deciding to undergo surgery.
Keep in mind that, as of my last training data cut-off in September 2021, medical procedures might have been updated or changed since then. Always consult with healthcare professionals to get the most recent and relevant information.