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Vaginoplasty for Gender Dysphoria and Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
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  • Jayson Sueters,
  • Freek Groenman,
  • Mark-Bram Bouman,
  • Jan-Paul Roovers,
  • Ralph de Vries,
  • Theo Smit,
  • Judith Huirne
Jayson Sueters
Amsterdam UMC Locatie VUmc

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Freek Groenman
Amsterdam UMC Locatie VUmc
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Mark-Bram Bouman
Amsterdam UMC Locatie VUmc
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Jan-Paul Roovers
Academic Medical Center
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Ralph de Vries
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
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Theo Smit
Amsterdam UMC Locatie VUmc
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Judith Huirne
Amsterdam UMC - Locatie VUMC
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Abstract

BACKGROUND: About 8,800-34,200 Gender Dysphoria (GD)- and 39,000-650,800 Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH)-patients undergo vaginoplasty annually. Various procedures are available, but comparisons are lacking. OBJECTIVES: To highlight information gaps, weaknesses and strengths of vaginoplasty techniques, to aid well-informed decision making by patients and healthcare professionals. SEARCH STRATEGY: A systematic search in Medline, EMBASE, Web of Science and Scopus until October 6, 2022, by PICO method and PROSPERO registration. SELECTION CRITERIA: Original retrospective studies on complete neovaginal creation in adult GD- and MRKH-patients and discussing anatomy, Quality of Life (QoL), satisfaction, sexual function, complications or complaints. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: The 95% confidence intervals were calculated with DerSimonian and Laird random-effects. Methodological quality and potential bias were assessed. MAIN RESULTS: In total, 35 GD- and 16 MRKH-studies were eligible. Vagina length was 11.6 and 9.5 cm, respectively. In GD-patients, Hemorrhage (6%), prolapse (1%), gastrointestinal complications (1%), revisions (26%), pain (6%), regret (1%), fecal- (11%) and urinary issues (17%) were reported. Necrosis, stenosis, dyspareunia and revisions decreased, while duration increased with higher graft quantity. Intestinal-vaginoplasty reported 100% sensation. MRKH-patients reported more necrosis (17%) [McIndoe] and average satisfaction with sexual function (91%) and vaginal discharge (32%). They were more sexually active (86%) and had 100% anatomical satisfaction. Only Intestinal-vaginoplasty reported overall dissatisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: For GD- and MRKH-patients, multiple safe vaginoplasty techniques demonstrated acceptable outcomes, with significantly improved QoL and self-image. However, standardized validation tools are needed for well-informed decision-making. Direct technique comparisons per patient-cohort and exploration of tissue-engineering methods are critical for future surgical advancements.