Phalloplasty
Schematic anatomy after phalloplasty: the neophallus and its glans, the lengthened urethra and the scrotum with testicular implants, drawn to typical dimensions on the reference pelvis.
Overview
No open 3D scan of anatomy after gender-affirming surgery exists, so this layer is schematic: simple solids drawn to the dimensions and positions described in the surgical literature, placed on the reference pelvis and labelled so that every piece opens the same clinical pages as the rest of the atlas. It shows one operation only: after phalloplasty a phallus about 13 to 15 cm long built from a forearm or thigh flap hangs from the pubic region, often with a lengthened urethra running to its tip, and the labia majora are joined into a scrotum that later receives testicular implants; an erectile implant may be added later and is not drawn. Metoidioplasty, which releases the clitoris enlarged by testosterone instead of using a flap, gives a smaller phallus and is described on the neophallus page. While the layer is shown, the male reproductive organs and the male urethra of the reference body are hidden: a trans man has no prostate, testes or penile urethra of his own, and the lengthened urethra drawn here takes over from the native one at the perineum. A uterus and ovaries may or may not remain after phalloplasty; show the Female reproductive layer alongside to see them.
Functions
- Give the body the genital anatomy that matches the person's gender
- A penis for appearance, urinating standing when a urethra is built, and sexual function
- Preserve erotic sensation through the nerves joined to the flap and the clitoris buried at its base
Clinical notes
- Urethral strictures and fistulae are the commonest complications when the urethra is lengthened, and often need a further operation
- Flap loss and wound problems in the first weeks; sensation returns over months
- Testicular and erectile implants carry risks of infection and extrusion
- Screening follows the anatomy a person has: cervical screening if a cervix remains, chest screening according to the breast tissue present
Organs & groups in this system
All structures 6
6 modelled pieces. Click a structure to open it in the atlas.