The Comparison of A New Durable Coronaplasty Technique with Norfolk Method for Glans Reconstruction after Phalloplasty

BACKGROUND: Phalloplasty is the most amazing reconstructive surgery, and has a vital role in the quality of life of transsexual patients. There are several techniques for glans sculpting, but none of them had long-lasting results. In the present study, a new technique was introduced and compared with Norfolk technique for coronaplasty following phalloplasty. METHODS: In the present randomized controlled study, 40 transgender patients were enrolled from February 2016 to December 2018, at St. Fatima Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Center. The patients were randomly assigned in two groups including 20 patients with anterolateral thigh flap (ALT)/radial forearm free flap (RFFF) phalloplasty followed with our new coronaplasty technique (group 1) and 20 patients with ALT flap/RFFF phalloplasty followed with Norfolk technique (group 2). RESULTS: Almost 85% of the patients underwent the surgery with the new technique were satisfied with the outcome of surgery and considered it acceptable within 6-month follow-up, however, only 70% of the patients in Norfolk technique group reported acceptable results, which was significantly lower than the new technique. Similarly, within 12-month follow-up, 80 and 40% of the patients, respectively in new and Norfolk groups reported acceptable results, which was also significantly higher in the new technique. CONCLUSION: This new technique showed remarkably better results relative to the usual technique for glans sculpting in transsexual patients. Moreover, it had the ability to be easily applied along with ALT/RFFF flaps in both immediate and delayed situations.