Metoidioplasty: Surgery and Aftercare

Getting ready for your surgery

There are certain things you may need to do before having metoidioplasty:

• You will need to take testosterone for at least 6 to 12 months before metoidioplasty. This is to enlarge the clitoris before the surgery. Talk with the healthcare provider who prescribes your hormones.

• Talk with your surgeon about whether you also want to have surgery to:

  • Remove the uterus (hysterectomy)

  • Remove the ovaries (oophorectomy)

  • Remove the vagina (vaginectomy)

Some of these procedures may need to be done a few months before metoidioplasty. A vaginectomy may be done during metoidioplasty.

• Talk with your surgeon about any fertility-preserving procedures you may want to have before the above surgeries. These may include freezing (cryopreservation) of ovarian tissue, eggs, or embryos.

How is metoidioplasty done?

There are several ways the procedure may be done, depending on the options you choose. In general, this is what you can expect from a 1-stage full metoidioplasty with urethral lengthening and scrotoplasty:

• You will be given general anesthesia. This medicine prevents pain and puts you to sleep during the procedure.

• You will be given antibiotic medicine through an IV (intravenous) line.

• You will be placed on your back on an exam table. Your feet will be in stirrups.

• You will have a thin, flexible tube (catheter) put in your urethra. This is to drain urine during the procedure if needed.

To remove the vagina (vaginectomy):

• The surgeon removes the vaginal lining.

• The vaginal opening is sewed closed.

To create the penis:

• The surgeon cuts the ligaments that hold the clitoris in place.

• Parts of the tissue around the clitoris are also cut. This releases the clitoris.

• The surgeon shapes the clitoris into a penis. They also use tissue from the existing external genitals, the inner and outer labia.

To lengthen the urethra:

• A new section of urethra is created, using tissue grafted from the inside of your cheek. This new section is extended into your penis.

• It is connected to your existing urethra using a part of the vaginal lining.

To make the scrotum (scrotoplasty):

• The outer labia are shaped into a scrotum.

• Testicular implants can be placed in the scrotum at a later date.

After your surgery

It may take a few months to fully heal from the surgery. Talk with your surgeon about what to expect.

In the hospital

• Take pain medicine as advised by your healthcare provider.

• Your surgeon will advise when you can go back to taking your other regular medicines.

• Follow up with your healthcare provider to see what hormones you need to take.

• The surgeon may remove the urinary catheter and any surgical drains before discharge. If not, they will be removed at a follow-up visit.

Recovering at home

• If you go home with a urinary catheter and surgical drains, follow the instructions carefully. They will be removed at a follow-up visit.

• You will have regular follow-up visits with your surgeon to check how you are healing.

• Follow all advice from your surgeon about resting after surgery. You will likely need to rest for at least 6 weeks or more.

• Don’t do any strenuous activity. Ask your provider about taking some short walks each day. Don’t lift anything heavy.

• Ask your provider when it’s OK for you to drive and when you can go back to work.

• Your provider will tell you when you can have sex.

When to call your healthcare provider

Call your healthcare provider if you have any of the following:

• Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or as advised by your provider

• Fluid leaking from your incision

• Trouble or pain when peeing

• Too much bleeding

Be sure you know what other problems you should watch for. Also know how to get help any time. This includes after office hours, on weekends, and on holidays.

Possible risks and complications

Possible complications of this surgery include:

• Infection

• Urethral narrowing (stricture)

• Opening occurs in the urethra that leaks urine (urethral fistula)

• Urinary tract infections

• Need for another surgery if you are not happy with the results