Chondrolaryngoplasty with Endoscopic Direct Visualization of the Vocal Cords: Demonstration of Technique

SUMMARY

Chondrolaryngoplasty is a surgical procedure that reduces a prominent thyroid cartilage. Demand for chondrolaryngoplasty has significantly increased over recent years in transgender women and nonbinary individuals and has been shown to alleviate gender dysphoria and improve quality of life. When performing chondrolaryngoplasty, surgeons must carefully balance the desire for maximal cartilage reduction with the potential for damage to surrounding structures (ie, the vocal cords) that may result because of overaggressive or imprecise resection. Our institution has adopted the technique of direct vocal cord endoscopic visualization using a flexible laryngoscope for increased safety. Briefly, surgical steps include dissection and preparation for translaryngeal needle placement, endoscopic visualization of the needle placed above the level of the vocal cords, marking of the corresponding level, and resection of the thyroid cartilage. The following article and supplemental video provide further detailed descriptions of these surgical steps as a resource for training and technique refinement.

Association Between Mental Health Conditions and Postoperative Complications After Gender-Affirming Surgery

This cohort study assesses whether postoperative complications are associated with having been diagnosed with a mental health condition in patients who have undergone gender-affirming surgery.

Standards of Care for the Health of Transgender and Gender Diverse People, Version 8

Background: Transgender healthcare is a rapidly evolving interdisciplinary field. In the last decade, there has been an unprecedented increase in the number and visibility of transgender and gender diverse (TGD) people seeking support and gender-affirming medical treatment in parallel with a significant rise in the scientific literature in this area. The World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) is an international, multidisciplinary, professional association whose mission is to promote evidence-based care, education, research, public policy, and respect in transgender health. One of the main functions of WPATH is to promote the highest standards of health care for TGD people through the Standards of Care (SOC). The SOC was initially developed in 1979 and the last version (SOC-7) was published in 2012. In view of the increasing scientific evidence, WPATH commissioned a new version of the Standards of Care, the SOC-8. Aim: The overall goal of SOC-8 is to provide health care professionals (HCPs) with clinical guidance to assist TGD people in accessing safe and effective pathways to achieving lasting personal comfort with their gendered selves with the aim of optimizing their overall physical health, psychological well-being, and self-fulfillment. Methods: The SOC-8 is based on the best available science and expert professional consensus in transgender health. International professionals and stakeholders were selected to serve on the SOC-8 committee. Recommendation statements were developed based on data derived from independent systematic literature reviews, where available, background reviews and expert opinions. Grading of recommendations was based on the available evidence supporting interventions, a discussion of risks and harms, as well as the feasibility and acceptability within different contexts and country settings. Results: A total of 18 chapters were developed as part of the SOC-8. They contain recommendations for health care professionals who provide care and treatment for TGD people. Each of the recommendations is followed by explanatory text with relevant references. General areas related to transgender health are covered in the chapters Terminology, Global Applicability, Population Estimates, and Education. The chapters developed for the diverse population of TGD people include Assessment of Adults, Adolescents, Children, Nonbinary, Eunuchs, and Intersex Individuals, and people living in Institutional Environments. Finally, the chapters related to gender-affirming treatment are Hormone Therapy, Surgery and Postoperative Care, Voice and Communication, Primary Care, Reproductive Health, Sexual Health, and Mental Health. Conclusions: The SOC-8 guidelines are intended to be flexible to meet the diverse health care needs of TGD people globally. While adaptable, they offer standards for promoting optimal health care and guidance for the treatment of people experiencing gender incongruence. As in all previous versions of the SOC, the criteria set forth in this document for gender-affirming medical interventions are clinical guidelines; individual health care professionals and programs may modify these in consultation with the TGD person.

Strategic Planning and Essential Steps for Establishing a Uterine Transplant and Rehabilitation Program: From Idea to Reality

UTx is performed to address absolute uterine infertility in the presence of uterine agenesis, a nonfunctional uterus, or after a prior hysterectomy. After the initial success of UTx resulting in a livebirth (2014) in Sweden, there are over 70 reported UTx surgeries resulting in more than 40 livebirths worldwide. Currently, UTx has been performed in over 10 countries. As UTx is transitioning from an "experimental procedure" to a clinical option, an increasing number of centers may contemplate a UTx program. This article discusses essential steps for establishment of a successful UTx program. These principles may be implemented in cis- and transgender UTx candidates.

Telemedicine for Gender-Affirming Medical and Surgical Care: A Systematic Review and Call-to-Action

Telemedicine has facilitated the delivery of affordable and accessible health care. However, little has been discussed about its use in gender-affirming care (GAC). Telemedicine has the potential to overcome many barriers encountered by transgender individuals such as limited geographic access to care and financial constraints, which have both been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Telemedicine may also enhance opportunities for training in gender-affirming surgery. A systematic review of the literature on telehealth and GAC was performed. Identified uses of telehealth included: an electronic teleconsultation service, a virtual peer health consultation service, and an open online course on LGBT+ rights and health care for health care providers and laypeople. As the medical and health care communities adjust to the new reality of health care, efforts should be made to effectively incorporate telemedicine into GAC.

Gender Affirming Surgery: A Comprehensive, Systematic Review of All Peer-reviewed Literature and Methods of Assessing Patient-centered Outcomes (Part 1: Breast/Chest, Face, and Voice)

OBJECTIVE

To perform the first systematic review of all available gender-affirming surgery (GAS) publications across all procedures to assess both outcomes reported in the literature and the methods used for outcome assessment.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Rapidly increasing clinical volumes of gender-affirming surgeries have stimulated a growing need for high-quality clinical research. Although some procedures have been performed for decades, each individual procedure has limited data, necessitating synthesis of the entire literature to understand current knowledge and guide future research.

METHODS

A systematic review was performed following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines to identify all outcomes measures in GAS cohorts, including PCOs, complications, and functional outcomes. Outcome data were pooled to assess currently reported complication, satisfaction, and other outcome rates.

RESULTS

Overall, 15,186 references were identified, 4162 papers advanced to abstract review, and 1826 underwent full-text review. After review, there were 406 GAS cohort publications. Of non-genitoplasty titles, 35 were mastectomy, 6 mammoplasty, 21 facial feminization, and 31 voice/cartilage. Although 59.1% of non-genitoplasty papers addressed PCOs in some form, only 4.3% used instruments partially-validated in transgender patients. Overall, data were reported heterogeneously and were biased towards high-volume centers.

CONCLUSIONS

This study represents the most comprehensive review of GAS literature. By aggregating all previously utilized measurement instruments, this study offers a foundation for discussions about current methodologic limitations and what dimensions must be included in assessing surgical success. We have assembled a comprehensive list of outcome instruments; this offers an ideal starting basis for emerging discussions between patients and providers about deficiencies which new, better instruments and metrics must address. The lack of consistent use of the same outcome measures and validated GAS-specific instruments represent the 2 primary barriers to high-quality research where improvement efforts should be focused.

Introduction to Phalloplasty

Phalloplasty represents the most complete genitoperineal transformation. Because it requires complex, staged procedures as well as the use of tissue from remote sites, patients must be well informed as to the nature of surgery. Surgical techniques for phalloplasty continue to evolve. Although many surgeons prefer the radial forearm free flap technique, a visible flap donor site makes this procedure less desirable for some patients. Other surgical options are available and include the anterolateral thigh flap, sometimes in conjunction with secondary flaps, and the musculocutaneous latissimus dorsi flap.

Gender Confirmation Surgery: An Update for the Primary Care Provider

Increased advocacy efforts and expanded third-party insurance coverage have improved access to healthcare for transgender individuals. In conjunction with mental health and medical professionals, gender surgeries offer an important step in allowing individuals to realize their true selves. To provide quality multidisciplinary care, primary care doctors need to understand challenges facing transgender individuals and treatment options available to them. In this article, we will review the role of the surgeon and the goals of various gender confirming surgeries. In addition, we will provide an overview of the available surgical options.

Facilitating harvest of the serratus fascial flap with ultrasonic dissection

OBJECTIVES

Upper extremity reconstruction presents a functional and aesthetic challenge in plastic surgery. Exposure of vital structures often requires vascularized soft tissue coverage to achieve primary wound healing and optimize functional results. Specifically, the serratus fascial flap may satisfy the functional and cosmetic requirements for small- to medium-sized soft tissue defects of the upper extremity with limited donor site morbidity. We describe our technique of serratus fascial flap harvest, using the Harmonic SYNERGY curved blade (Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Cincinnati, Ohio).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A 21-year-old, right-hand-dominant, male carpenter and martial arts expert was involved in a motorcycle collision and sustained a left-hand dorsal degloving injury and extensor tendon rupture. Soft tissue reconstruction was performed with a serratus fascial free flap, immediate split-thickness skin graft, and palmaris longus tendon grafts. The flap was harvested with the Harmonic blade, which utilizes ultrasonic energy translated into mechanical energy, thereby allowing dissection and hemostasis simultaneously.

RESULTS

Flap elevation proceeded facilely using the Harmonic curved blade. The patient had no postoperative complications involving his flap or donor site. The closed suction drain in the donor site was removed on postoperative day 3, and the patient was discharged on postoperative day 10. The patient is doing well at 4 months follow-up.

CONCLUSION

The Harmonic blade may assist in the dissection of the serratus fascial flap by aiding with hemostasis and minimizing surrounding tissue damage. This may reduce flap damage associated with harvesting techniques as well as decrease donor site seroma formation.

Microvascular reconstruction of iatrogenic femoral artery thrombosis in an infant: a case report and review of the literature: infant femoral artery reconstruction

OBJECTIVE

We present a case of femoral artery thrombosis and acute limb ischemia in an infant following attempted femoral venipuncture. Microsurgical reconstruction of the lesion and a review of the literature are described.

METHODS

Insertion of intravascular catheters is a commonly performed procedure in neonatal and pediatric intensive care units. However, significant iatrogenic injuries to the peripheral vascular system can occur. Management ranges from anticoagulation and thrombolytics to surgical intervention. In this case, surgical therapy involved thrombectomy and microsurgical reconstruction of the femoral artery.

RESULTS

Vascular inflow was reestablished and the limb was salvaged.

CONCLUSIONS

We believe that microsurgical techniques are an important component for successful vascular reconstruction after iatrogenic artery thrombosis in an infant. Microvascular techniques allow for a controlled operating field with magnification, thereby assisting in the accuracy of vessel repair.

Hereditary Gingival Fibromatosis

INTRODUCTION

Hereditary gingival fibromatosis (HGF) is a rare condition characterized by progressive enlargement of the gingiva. Most cases follow autosomal dominant genetics, with a reported incidence of 1 in 750,000. In addition to cosmetic concerns, the compromised oral cavity may cause difficulty with eating, speech, hygiene, and oral competence. In addition, social consequences can be dramatic, forcing patients to lead isolated, reclusive lives. Traditional therapy uses serial gingival resections ("quadrantectomies") with primary closure. However, this method is associated with frequent recurrence and additional resections. We report on a family of 12 siblings, 8 of whom, including monozygotic twins, are affected with HGF. We describe corrective surgery for 3 siblings, as well as their long-term follow-up.

METHODS

Three sisters suffered from severe maxillary and mandibular gingival hyperplasia. All complained similarly of weight loss, difficulty with articulation, and social isolation. Physical examination revealed massive overgrowth of both maxillary and mandibular gingiva, as well as multiple ectopic teeth. Following diagnostic biopsy, all 3 patients underwent staged resections. The first stage involved resection of the maxillary component, followed by a planned second-stage resection of the mandibular component. All resections included gingivectomies, odontectomies, and alveolar ridge ostectomies. The oral cavity was allowed to heal by secondary intention.

RESULTS

All 3 patients were female, and ages ranged from 34-48 years (mean: 43). Follow-up on the 3 patients ranged from 3-18 months (mean: 11 months). There has been no evidence of recurrence to date. The gingiva remucosalized uneventfully within several weeks, and all patients are tolerating solid food. All patients report dramatically improved speech, oral hygiene, and self-confidence.

CONCLUSIONS

In an effort to address the high recurrence rate, we describe our aggressive surgical approach, including resection of the hypertrophied gingiva and alveolar processes. Two-staged gingival resection, as opposed to the more traditional 4-stage quadrantectomy approach, has resulted in no recurrence to date, suggesting an improved outcome over the traditional techniques.

Needle-wire localization of an infratemporal fossa foreign body using computed tomography

We report a case involving the localization and surgical removal of a traumatically introduced foreign body deep within the infratemporal fossa. Needle-hookwire placement with computed tomographic guidance allowed the precise localization and marking of the foreign body. Surgical removal under local anesthesia and without extensive exploration was, therefore, possible. The details of the localization and marking techniques are described. Needle-hookwire localization under computed tomographic guidance should be considered for deeply located foreign bodies in the head and neck area.

Hepatic angiography in a patient with tuberculosis of the liver

The hepatic angiographic features of a 45-year old black woman who was found to have abdominal tuberculosis are described. The clinical and arteriographic findings were similar to those found in malignant disease. A histological diagnosis is essential in such cases.

Air in gallbladder: a frequent finding in gallstone ileus

A retrospective assessment of the presence of air in the biliary tract is presented, based on plain film findings in 16 proven cases of gallstone ileus. In addition to five cases that demonstrated air in the biliary radicles, four cases exhibited air exclusively in the gallbladder and duodenal bulb. A clearly identifiable radiographic appearance composed of two adjacent small air-fluid levels in the right upper quadrant is described. This radiographic feature represents the air- and fluid-filled duodenal cap adjacent to the visualized shrunken gallbladder. Recognition of this combination of findings helps in establishing a prompt preoperative diagnosis in cases of gallstone ileus.

Angiographic diagnosis of small intestinal intussusception

The outstanding angiographic features of small intestinal intussusception are: (a) abrupt disappearance of mesenteric vessels at the neck of the intussusception with crowding of the vasa recta; (b) appearance of long collateral channels at the neck of intussusception; (c) angulation and retraction of major intestinal branches; (d) reversal of the course and angulation of the invaginated mesenteric vessels; (e) overlapping of the mesentery vessels by branches of the intussuscipiens; (f) abrupt change in the appearance of the vasa rectae of the distended intussuscipiens and the distal nondistended small intestines.

The spectrum of arteriographic findings in Osler-Weber-Rendu disease

In Osler-Weber-Rendu syndrome, visceral organs are frequently involved in addition to cutaneous and mucous membranous lesions. Detailed arteriographic investigation of 5 patients with this abnormality disclosed characteristic angiodysplastic lesions involving the lungs, liver, spleen, pancreas, gastrointestinal tract and mesentery. Arterial and aortic aneurysms appear to be an integral part of this abnormality. Common to angiodysplastic lesions is a variable degree of arteriovenous shunting. The arteriographic characteristics and the hemodynamic significance of major visceral arteriovenous shunts in hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia are discussed.

Leiomyoblastoma of the stomach. Report of 9 cases

Gastric leiomyoblastoma is a rare intramural tumor which originates in the smooth muscle. Nine cases were studied with respect to their clinical, radiological, and pathological features. Six distinct radiological patterns may be seen, of which 5 are represented in this series. Most such lesions occur in the gastric antrum. Leiomyoblastomas are generally benign and do not recur following removal.

Gallstone ileus. The importance of contrast examinations in the roentgenographic diagnosis

Our experience based on the analysis of 12 proved cases of gallstone ileus is presented emphasizing the fact that the plain abdominal roentgenogram may be inconclusive or deceiving. It allowed us to suggest the correct diagnosis in only 4 cases. A high index of suspicion, particularly in elderly female patients, followed by barium examination of the upper gastrointestinal tract leads to a correct and rapid diagnosis. The demonstration of a diverticulum-like structure or a fistulous tract adjacent to the first portion of the duodenum associated with jejunal dilatation and barium dilution is highly reliable.