Frequently Asked Questions
Which method of phalloplasty do you perform and how is the functional result?
We perform the phalloplasty with a free-forearm flap, so that a patient is able to urinate while standing 12 days after surgery. We guarantee preservation of sexual sensitivity. Kolpectomy, hysterectomy, ovarectomy, and mastectomy are performed simultaneously with the creation of the phalloplasty.
Why are all these stages of the operation performed simultaneously?
This reduces the total time of hospitalization, the number of anaesthesias, and the out-of- work-time. The risk of a combined procedure is less compared to multiple procedures
- The operation area in the region collum uteri and vagina is without internal scars, so that the extirpation of the vagina is safer.
- We can use excess skin from the mastectomy-procedure to cover the donation area on the forearm.
- Psychological aspects are very important because we can avoid multiple procedures.... you arrive as a biological woman in our clinic and leave as a phenotypic man.....
Do you work with microsurgery?
Yes.
How many operations will be necessary?
- 1st OP: Hysterectomy, Ovarectomy, Kolpectomy, Mastectomy, Phalloplasty
- 2nd OP: Penis prosthesis (for erection), scrotoplasty, silicon testicle implantation
Which kinds of complications may occur? What is your complication rate?
- loss of forearm-flap (loss of phallus), 1 case in more than 300 surgeries
- stenosis of the neo-urethra, less than 5%
- fistulas of the neo-urethra, less than 5%
- common complications such as bleeding, infection, thrombosis etc, less than 1%
How long does a patient have to stay in the clinic?
approx 14 - 16 days for the phalloplasty
What are the surgeons specialized in?
Dr. P. Daverio: plastic and reconstructive surgeon trained in neurosurgery, urology and microsurgery
Dr. M. Krueger: plastic and reconstructive surgery, aesthetic surgery.
How long have you been performing this kind of operation?
Dr. P. Daverio has performed this operation for 20 years. This method was developed by him in 1985. In the Clinic Sanssouci in Potsdam these operations are performed since 1995 with Dr. P. Daverio and Dr. M. Krueger
How many successful female to male operations have you performed?
300 Operations (Jan 2005).
What about the sensitivity of the neo-phallus?
Normal cutaneous sensitivity (similar to the sensitivity the skin of the arm) will develop within 8-10 months after surgery. The clitoris will also have a similar sensation as before as well.
What happens with the clitoris? Will it be completely “cut off” or will this very important organ be preserved at the base of the phallus? What about the ability to have orgasm?
We keep the clitoris intact and maintain the sensitivity for orgasms. The clitoris will only be deepithelialized and positioned at the base of the neo-phallus, covered by the skin of the neo-scrotum. The ability to have orgasms will be the same as before the operation and stimulation during sexual intercourse will also be possible. It definitely makes no sense to remove the clitoris.
Will there be any long-term damage of the forearm?
No, even the fine/delicate movements will remain!
How does the size of my forearms affect the final result? How much skin of the forearm will be needed?
The circumference will have effect on the diameter of the penis, but it will never look too thin. The length of the forearm will affect the length of the phallus. We try to take the largest possible variable for the operation.
Where will the scars be on the penis? Will they be very visible?
There will only be one scar on the back of the penis, which can not be seen from the front view.
Is there someone who has undergone the sex reassignment operation and can give some information?
Yes, questions will be answered by Mr. Schneider