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Carmel Neiderman NN, Arbel S, Diamant N, Wolfman K, Yanko R, Lior Y, Kidron A, Ianculovici C, Kleinman S, Oestreicher-Kedem Y. Direct Transvestibular Feminization Thyroid Laryngochondroplasty. Plast Reconstr Surg 2024; 153:467-476. [PMID: 37075278 DOI: 10.1097/prs.0000000000010560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Feminization laryngochondroplasty (FLC) methods have evolved from using a midcervical incision to a submental, less visible incision. The scar may be unacceptable to the patient because it signals gender reassignment surgery. An endoscopic transoral approach to FLC inspired by transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy was recently suggested to avoid the neck scar; however, it requires special equipment and has a long learning curve. A vestibular incision is used to approach the chin in lower-third facial feminization surgery. The authors propose that this incision may be extended to the thyroid cartilage in performing direct FLCs. The authors describe their experience with a novel, minimally invasive, direct transvestibular use of the chin-reshaping incision. METHODS The medical records of all patients who underwent direct transvestibular FLC (DTV-FLC) from December of 2019 to September of 2021 were retrieved and reviewed for this retrospective cohort study. Data on the operative, postoperative, and follow-up courses, complications, and functional and cosmetic results were retrieved. RESULTS Nine transgender women were included. Seven DTV-FLCs were performed during lower-third facial feminization surgery, and two were isolated DTV-FLCs. One was a revision DTV-FLC. Transient minor complications were encountered and resolved by the postoperative visit at 1 to 2 months. Vocal fold function and voice quality remained intact. Eight available patients were satisfied with the surgical results. A blinded assessment by eight plastic surgeons determined that seven procedures were successful. CONCLUSION The novel DTV-FTLC approach either in isolation or as part of lower-third facial feminization surgery facilitated scar-free FLC with satisfactory cosmetic and functional results. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Therapeutic, IV.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shimrit Arbel
- From the Departments of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, and Maxillofacial Surgery
| | - Noa Diamant
- From the Departments of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, and Maxillofacial Surgery
| | - Karin Wolfman
- Institute for Health and Medical Professions, Ono Academic College
| | | | - Yotam Lior
- Division of Anesthesia, Intensive Care and Pain Management, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, affiliated with School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University
| | - Anat Kidron
- Division of Anesthesia, Intensive Care and Pain Management, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, affiliated with School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University
| | - Clariel Ianculovici
- From the Departments of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, and Maxillofacial Surgery
| | - Shlomi Kleinman
- From the Departments of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, and Maxillofacial Surgery
| | - Yael Oestreicher-Kedem
- From the Departments of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, and Maxillofacial Surgery
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Ziltzer RS, Bellamkonda N, Smith A, Lee JC, Mendelsohn AH. Morphometric Analysis and Observer Perceptions Following Transvestibular Chondrolaryngoplasty. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol 2023; 132:1557-1563. [PMID: 37183949 DOI: 10.1177/00034894231173482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess novel morphometric measurement strategies and observer perception ratings as potential metrics for evaluating gender-affirming transvestibular chondrolaryngoplasty in reducing contour protrusion of the neck. METHODS High-resolution preoperative and 3-month postoperative photographs of a pilot series of 10 patients (n = 10) who underwent endoscopic transvestibular chondrolaryngoplasty were collected. Morphometric measurements of "light reflex" and lateral view thyroid protrusion angles of the neck contours were analyzed. Pre- and postoperative photographs were presented in random order in a survey to 17 untrained judges and rated on perceived masculinity/femininity and thyroid notch protrusion on a 7-point scale. A pre- to postoperative change in morphometric angles and subjective ratings was assessed using paired t-tests and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. RESULTS Mean light reflex angles were reduced after surgery from 78.6° to 40.5° in the anterior neutral view (P = .0003), from 45.2° to 24.4° in the anterior extended view (P = .003), and from 7.03° to 4.32° in the lateral view (P = .006). Median survey ratings of neck photographs were improved after surgery, from 4 to 3 in gender perception toward more feminine perception (P < .0001) and from 4 to 2 in thyroid protrusion toward less protrusive perception (P < .0001). CONCLUSIONS Morphometric analysis in anterior and lateral views as well as subjective gender perception and contour protrusion measures following feminization chondrolaryngoplasty by endoscopic transvestibular scarless approach demonstrate encouraging possibilities as outcome evaluation measures for chondrolaryngoplasty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan S Ziltzer
- Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Nikhil Bellamkonda
- Division of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Alden Smith
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Justine C Lee
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of California, Los Angeles, David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Abie H Mendelsohn
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Kiessling P, Balakrishnan K, Fauer A, Sanan A, McDonald D, Thomas J, Erickson-Direnzo E, Sung CK, Nuyen B. Social Perception of External Laryngeal Anatomy Related to Gender Expression in a Web-based Survey. Laryngoscope 2023; 133:2292-2300. [PMID: 36453533 DOI: 10.1002/lary.30498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE(S) To quantify the effect of laryngeal prominence size on socially perceived attributes relating to gender expression. Chondrolaryngoplasty ("tracheal shave") is a common procedure performed for transgender women to feminize neck appearance. The extent of thyroid cartilage resection needed to convey socially-perceived feminine gender expression without destabilizing the voice is incompletely understood. METHODS Cross-sectional evaluation of a randomized allocation of images of varying laryngeal prominence to a non-repeated, random sample from November 2021 to December 2021. Photos of laryngeal prominence were isolated against a constant neck baseline with lateral, oblique, and frontal views. The images were embedded into a web-based survey with visual analog scales to capture perceived scaled gender expression (masculinity, femininity) and social traits (e.g., attractiveness, friendliness, leadership). We performed bivariate and multivariate analyses relating the laryngeal prominence to perceived gender expression and social traits. RESULTS The analytic sample included 1,026 respondents. Laryngeal grades similar to the demonstrated "grade M" in this study and smaller demonstrated similar perceptions of increased femininity and decreased masculinity. Grades larger than M demonstrate significantly increased perceived masculinity and significantly decreased perceived femininity. The lateral and oblique views of the neck appear to be the most gender-informative. CONCLUSION This crowd-sourced analysis of external laryngeal anatomy by a large population of observers provides clear, reproducible insights into social perceptions of gender identity and specifically femininity. These data will meaningfully inform patient counseling and surgical planning for gender-affirming interventions by establishing normative data representing the general public's perceptions. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE NA Laryngoscope, 133:2292-2300, 2023.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Kiessling
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Karthik Balakrishnan
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Alex Fauer
- National Clinician Scholars Program, Division of General Internal Medicine and Health Services Research, School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Akshay Sanan
- Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Private Practice, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Daniella McDonald
- University of California San Diego School of Medicine, San Diego, California, USA
| | | | - Elizabeth Erickson-Direnzo
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - C Kwang Sung
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Brian Nuyen
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
- Voice Doctor Clinic, Portland, Oregon, USA
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Vandenberg KN, Plocienniczak MJ, Spiegel JH. Chondrolaryngoplasty. Facial Plast Surg Clin North Am 2023; 31:355-361. [PMID: 37348977 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsc.2023.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
Chondrolaryngoplasty is a surgical procedure that reduces the prominence of the thyroid notch. Although frequently performed on transgender (man to woman) women, anyone wishing to reduce the prominence of their thyroid notch for aesthetic purposes may consider undergoing a chondrolaryngoplasty. Direct visualization of the vocal cords with flexible laryngoscopy and intraoperative needle localization of the anterior commissure directs the extent of resection, helps increase safety, and avoids devastating postoperative voice complications. This procedure can be safely performed in combination with other facial feminization surgeries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Nicole Vandenberg
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Division of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Boston University School of Medicine, 800 Harrison Avenue, BCD Building, 5th Floor, Boston, MA 02118, USA; The Spiegel Center, 335 Boylston Street, Newton, MA 02459, USA
| | - Michal Jakub Plocienniczak
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Division of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Boston University School of Medicine, 800 Harrison Avenue, BCD Building, 5th Floor, Boston, MA 02118, USA; The Spiegel Center, 335 Boylston Street, Newton, MA 02459, USA
| | - Jeffrey Howard Spiegel
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Division of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Boston University School of Medicine, 800 Harrison Avenue, BCD Building, 5th Floor, Boston, MA 02118, USA; The Spiegel Center, 335 Boylston Street, Newton, MA 02459, USA.
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Shoffel-Havakuk H, Cohen O, Lahav Y, Khafif A. Scarless Neck Feminization by Transoral Endoscopic Vestibular Approach Chondrolaryngoplasty: A Prospective Cohort. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2023. [PMID: 36802074 DOI: 10.1002/ohn.296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Chondrolaryngoplasty (laryngeal-prominence reduction) is a gender affirmation surgery for transgender women, or for cisgender people desiring an esthetic correction. Up until recently, chondrolaryngoplasty required a visible neck scar. The transoral endoscopic vestibular approach (TOEVA) is gaining widespread use as a scarless alternative for thyroid/parathyroid surgeries. This study aims to describe the feasibility, safety, and outcomes of TOEVA-chondrolaryngoplasty, based on the first-ever performed cases. STUDY DESIGN A prospective cohort. SETTING An academic referral center. METHODS Adult patients interested in chondrolaryngoplasty underwent scarless TOEVA-chondrolaryngoplasty between 2019 and 2022, according to the described protocol. Video stroboscopy was recorded pre-and postoperatively. Surgical data, adverse events, and complications were recorded. Patients' satisfaction was measured using an outcome instrument for esthetic chondrolaryngoplasty. RESULTS Twelve patients (10 transgender women, a cisgender man, and a woman) were included. The mean age was 26.7 ± 6.5 years, ranging from 19 to 37. The average operative time was 3:01 ± 0:51 hours. The thyroid cartilage and laryngeal prominence were easily and safely approached and reduced, with no adverse events or major complications. All patients were discharged on postoperative day 1. A single patient had a temporary mental nerve hypoesthesia that resolved spontaneously. Otherwise, no other complications were encountered. Vocal folds' function remained unchanged in all patients. Patients were very much to completely satisfied with the surgical results as measured by the outcome instrument; median (interquartile range), 25 (21-27.75). CONCLUSION In this first reported cohort of scarless TOEVA-chondrolaryngoplasty, this approach was proven to be safe and feasible, with no adverse events or major complications, and with high patient satisfaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hagit Shoffel-Havakuk
- A.R.M. Center for Head and Neck Surgery and Oncology, Assuta Hospital Ramat Hachayal, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Rabin Medical Center, Petach-Tikva, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Oded Cohen
- A.R.M. Center for Head and Neck Surgery and Oncology, Assuta Hospital Ramat Hachayal, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Soroka Medical Center, Be'er Sheva, Israel.,Faculty of Medicine, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Be'er Sheva, Israel
| | - Yonatan Lahav
- A.R.M. Center for Head and Neck Surgery and Oncology, Assuta Hospital Ramat Hachayal, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Kaplan Medical Center, Rehovot, Israel.,Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Avi Khafif
- A.R.M. Center for Head and Neck Surgery and Oncology, Assuta Hospital Ramat Hachayal, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Faculty of Medicine, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Be'er Sheva, Israel
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Zeng Y, Jiao H, Yang J, Fan J, Liu L, Gan C, Jia T, Yang Z, Zhou L, Zhang T, Han B, Su Z. A New Technique for Chondrolaryngoplasty in Patients Assigned Female at Birth. Ann Plast Surg 2023; 90:56-60. [PMID: 36534101 DOI: 10.1097/sap.0000000000003324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chondrolaryngoplasty is a classical facial feminization surgery for transgender women. In recent years, however, an increasing number of patients assigned female at birth are seeking chondrolaryngoplasty for esthetic purposes. Traditional chondrolaryngoplasty can no longer cope with problems of the growing group whose leading cause of laryngeal prominence differs from the transgender population. METHODS A modified technique is designed as a supplement to the classical procedure. After the cartilage reduction process, paired platysma flaps are raised and advanced successively, resulting in an overlapped area over the thyroid notch, to further camouflage the thyroid prominence. To evaluate the efficiency of the new technique, a retrospective survey of 34 patients (5 men and 29 women) who underwent the surgery from 2016 to 2021 was performed, via a 5-point Likert scale including 7 questions. Physician assessment was also accomplished to provide an extra estimation. Complications were followed up and analyzed to evaluate the safety of modified surgery as well. RESULTS Although only half of the patients graded prominence changes more than "moderately changed," as many as 75.0% of them still expressed "completely satisfied" or "satisfied very much" with the outcome. Similarly, physician assessment indicated a satisfactory result in appearance improvement. No severe and irreversible complications occurred after surgery, but lasting scar-related issues were reported by 4 patients and should be paid more attention to. CONCLUSIONS Generally speaking, the new technique is both safe, efficient, and satisfying for most patients, especially ones assigned females at birth with esthetic demand.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zeng
- From the Plastic Surgery Hospital and Institute, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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Eggerstedt M, Lee JC, Mendelsohn AH. Transoral Feminizing Chondrolaryngoplasty: Development and Deployment of a Novel Approach in 77 Patients. Facial Plast Surg Aesthet Med 2022. [PMID: 35704281 DOI: 10.1089/fpsam.2022.0016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Importance: Transgender patients who desire a gender-congruent neck contour may forego transcutaneous procedures due to the risk of neck scar stigmata related to such procedures. Objective: To describe the development and experience with the first 77 cases of a novel gasless transvestibular technique for gender-affirming surgery of the laryngeal prominence. Design, Setting, Participants: Video and narrative description of a novel surgical technique, and case series describing the consecutive first 77 patients to undergo transoral chondrolaryngoplasty (TCLP) at a quaternary transgender referral center. Results: Between November 2019 and April 2022, 77 patients underwent the novel surgery of TCLP. Median follow-up was 8.74 months (range: 1-30 months). Four patients suffered surgical complications (two laryngotomy, two skin necrosis), and three patients requested revision surgery. Conclusions and Relevance: TCLP is reported in the largest published series to date offering hidden incision for gender-affirming care. With further prospective outcome investigations, TCLP may prove to be a reliable approach of performing chondrolaryngoplasty while avoiding visible neck incisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Eggerstedt
- Section of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Head and Neck Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Justine C Lee
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Abie H Mendelsohn
- Division of Laryngology, Department of Head and Neck Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
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Tang CG. Evaluating Patient Benefit From Laryngochondroplasty. Laryngoscope 2020; 130 Suppl 5:S1-S14. [PMID: 32978785 DOI: 10.1002/lary.29075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Revised: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS To elucidate and review current literature on the surgical technique for laryngochondroplasty in male-to-female transgender patients. To determine the degree of benefit afforded to male-to-female transgender patients by laryngochondroplasty using the Glasgow Benefit Inventory (GBI). STUDY DESIGN Retrospective case series. METHODS After institutional review board approval was obtained, the GBI survey was given to patients who underwent laryngochondroplasty by the author. Demographic information was analyzed including age, race, wait time to surgery, distance traveled, median zip code income, and concomitant gender-affirming surgeries such as vaginoplasty, breast augmentation, or facial feminization. RESULTS From April 2016 to April 2020, 209 patients received laryngochondroplasty within the Kaiser Permanente Northern California Medical System. Of those, 91 received laryngochondroplasty with the author and were given the GBI, with 73 patients (80%) responding. Patients were on average 31.4 years old, traveled 45.4 miles to the surgical site, lived in a zip code with a median income of $86,793.61, and waited 95.7 days for surgery. Patients had a statistically significant improvement in all three subscores (general, social, and physical) of the GBI as well as in their overall score. CONCLUSIONS Laryngochondroplasty is a safe and effective procedure to reduce thyroid cartilage prominence (Adam's apple) in male-to-female transgender patients. There was a statistically significant improvement in the overall score and all subscores of the GBI after laryngochondroplasty LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 130:S1-S14, 2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher G Tang
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Kaiser Permanente Medical Center at San Francisco, San Francisco, California, U.S.A
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