[Facial feminization, history, evolution of objectives]

The author's experience dates from 1990, during the period when he was in charge of the feminization of the facial skeleton in order to improve the social integration of male transsexual patients. Very quickly, these techniques were extended to genetic women who wanted a more feminine face. This facial skeletal surgery was then supplemented with soft tissue surgery. This skeletal and volumetric surgery has become an important contribution in the search of facial rejuvenation and beauty.

[Ethical issues of gender reassignment surgery]

Gender reassignment raises complex ethical issues. It questions gender identity and the right to self-determination. Some highlight the right to access the medical care necessary to live according to one's perceived gender. Others worry about the potential rush into major medical decisions, especially among minors. The need for a medical diagnosis of gender dysphoria can be seen as pathologizing. The requirement for surgery for marital status change, while not mandatory in many places, remains controversial. The balance between informed consent and access to treatment, as well as stigma and discrimination, contribute to the complexity of ethical issues. Finally, the issues surrounding the competence of health professionals, the quality of care and the integration of individual needs make these decisions particularly sensitive from an ethical point of view.

[Recommendations of the Committee of Andrology and Sexual Medicine of the AFU concerning the management of andrological and sexual medicine pathologies during the COVID-19 crisis]

OBJECTIVE

To assist urologists in the management of andrological and sexual medicine pathologies during the COVID-19 crisis.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

Use of the formalized consensus method.

RESULTS

The medical and surgical management of patients in andrology and sexual medicine must be adapted. Consultations should, as far as possible, be carried out by tele-consultation. For operative procedures, the delay between the operative decision and the date of (re)scheduling of the procedure will depend on: (1) the level of criticality of the clinical situation; (2) the type of intervention; (3) the functional and psychological repercussions, including quality of life while waiting for the procedure; (4) the notion of losing the chance of having an optimal outcome; (5) the risk of potential complications from delaying a procedure for too long; and (6) taking into account the patient's risk factors for severe forms of COVID-19. The protection of urologists from COVID-19 should be considered. Each urologist must make the best decision for the patient, taking into account the acceptable time frame and quality of life impact before surgical management, the COVID risk parameters, the technical and anesthetic feasibility and the structural possibility of the health care institution to ensure a specific dedicated pathway during the COVID-19 health crisis.

CONCLUSION

The management of andrological and sexual medicine pathologies must be adapted to the COVID-19 crisis context. Some patients may require surgery, including in emergency. These recommendations are transitional and will end with the COVID-19 crisis.

[Female-to-male transgender chest reconstruction: A retrospective study of patient satisfaction]

BACKGROUND

Mammaplasty in gender reassignment surgery is often poorly understood, due to a lack of information about this condition and its therapy. The aim of this work was to evaluate patient satisfaction following bilateral mastectomy for female-to-male gender reassignment.

METHODS

We contacted 22 patients who underwent mammaplasty for female-to-male gender reassignment between January 2012 and March 2013 in our university hospital. Patients were sent postal questionnaires. A modified Q-breast questionnaire adapted for gender reassignment surgery enabled us to objectively evaluate patient aesthetic and psychological satisfaction. An overall score superior to 320 was considered as very satisfied for the patient.

RESULTS

A total of 73% of the patients answered the questionnaire. The mean score was 332/378. This score corresponded to "very satisfied" on our questionnaire. The psychological score was 54.5/60.

CONCLUSION

This study showed that a real benefit was obtained in terms of patient quality of life and self-confidence. The high level of patient satisfaction confirmed that gender reassignment mastectomy is a useful and valid procedure, which enables these patients to reclaim their place in society. It can only be considered if it is within the framework of structures that ensure comprehensive and pluridisciplinary treatment for the patient.

[Anatomical study of men's nipple areola complex]

The surgical approach of gynecomastia, sexual reassignment surgery in female-to-male transsexuals and the increase of number of obese wishing to turn to plastic surgery led us to deepen the anatomical knowledge of the nipple areola complex (NAC) in men, poorly retailed in the literature. By inspiring us of the methodology of a Japanese study, we studied 50 healthy volunteers male, from 18 to 55 years old, from July till August 2015. We measured various distances relative to the NAC to define its vertical and horizontal position, as well as the internipple distance according to the size, to the weight and to the body mass index (BMI). At the end of the analysis, we were able to underline a lower vertical thoracic position of the NAC in the tall category of person, a more side horizontal position to the subject presenting a high BMI and a linear relation between the BMI and the internipple (Em) defined by (Em)=8.96×BMI. The surgeon's judgment and the desires of the patient are essentials basis of therapeutics decisions that could be lean on this anatomical study, which allowed to establish an idea of the cartography of the NAC in man. It will be interesting and necessary to confront it with other studies with larger scale.