Thanks for using this module! This is a page for resources that may be helpful for those interested in learning more about phalloplasty, or those who are thinking about getting phalloplasty (or may have already had it and are searching for recovery resources!
Firstly, here are a few resources about phalloplasty and recovery:
Firstly, this video of the radial forearm-flap (RFF) phalloplasty procedure is of interest for any clinicians working with people post RFF phalloplasty surgery.
Secondly for anyone who wants a quick overview of some hand therapy exercises clients may be given after RFF phalloplasty surgery, this video is a good place to start.
Phallo.net is an extensive resource about a variety of different kinds of phalloplasty surgery. It’s a great place to start if you’re interested in learning an overview of phalloplasty in general and knowing what the options are.
Here are a variety of resources available to people who are experiencing depression after surgery:
This website includes explanations of why one might have sad feelings or depression after gender-affirming surgery and other supports and resources trans people might use when facing depression.
Some other resources focusing on depression after surgery more generally: postoperative depression (Endometriosis Network of Canada), Why Surgery Makes You Depressed (YouTube Video), New onset postoperative depression after major surgery: an analysis from a national claims database.
Wildflower Alliance offers in-person and online support groups for trans people with a variety of different focuses; their calendar can be found here.
QueerWorks offers free online therapy for trans and gender non-conforming individuals.
For caregivers or those seekign caregiving after surgery:
T4T Caregiving offers peer-support caregiving after gender-affirming surgery.
There are a variety of guides available that focus on how to be a good caregiver after gender-affirming surgery; here are several vetted ones. Temple Gender-Affirming Surgery Program Guide; Taking Care of Patients after Gender-Affirming Surgery (UNC); How To Care For Your Friend Having Gender-Affirming Surgery.
There were two specific resources post-phalloplasty interviewees mentioned would be useful: a simple explanation of what happened during the procedure to give to their hand therapist that would not out them as trans, and a list of useful items to have during surgery recovery. Here are those resources:
Explanation of wrist flap:
The patient had a subcutaneous, full-thickness flap taken from their radial forearm; it was taken at the level of muscular fascia. The flap was replaced by a split-thickness skin graft from the patient’s thigh. The patient is in the middle of a recovery process that will involve future surgeries. They need support in mobility, range of motion, and strength building; they may have limitations on ability to move the wrist or lift objects depending on surgeon instructions.
List of useful items to have after surgery:
- Shower chair: Useful during recovery, as standing may be painful due to thigh graft and patient may feel fatigue. One client specifically mentioned using a transfer bench due to ease of use.
- Scalp brush for shower: Helps wash hair when one is only able to use one hand during early recovery
- A few clients mentioned liking a recliner for recovery since it was not possible to bend at the waist in recovery
- Some patients mentioned that having a bidet was helpful when they were recovering; if one cannot be installed, a squeeze bottle bidet can be useful
- Patients need a cast cover when showering in the early days after their flap removal, to cover the wound
- Patients may find a donut pillow useful after surgery if they have had a vaginectomy; some patients mention pain when sitting
- A few patients mentioned finding a bedside commode useful in the early days when pain made it hard to move
- A removable shower head is useful when recovering since only one hand can be used in the shower
- Safety strips in the bathtub can help assure patients do not slip in recovery (honestly, these are a good idea for everybody!)
- Teeth can be brushed from bed in the early days of recovery; toothpaste pellets may be useful for this task
- Some clients mentioned needing an arm pillow in recovery to rest their arms
- A bed desk can use useful in the recovery phase; clients mentioned enjoying one that can be moved up or down as needed
- Some clients mentioned enjoying a phone stand during recovery since they only had one hand for using their phone
- Grabbers to be used when one is unable to bend over
- Wet wipes can be useful when one is unable to shower in the early days after surgery
Lastly, those interested in knowing more about how this project was made or reading the full bibliography can go here.
Thanks for using the resource, and please feel free to reach out to evt@bu.edu with any questions. Happy recovery!
Functionality after Phalloplasty 