[Female-to-male transgender chest reconstruction: A retrospective study of patient satisfaction]

Abstract

Background: Mammaplasty in gender reassignment surgery is often poorly understood, due to a lack of information about this condition and its therapy. The aim of this work was to evaluate patient satisfaction following bilateral mastectomy for female-to-male gender reassignment.

Methods: We contacted 22 patients who underwent mammaplasty for female-to-male gender reassignment between January 2012 and March 2013 in our university hospital. Patients were sent postal questionnaires. A modified Q-breast questionnaire adapted for gender reassignment surgery enabled us to objectively evaluate patient aesthetic and psychological satisfaction. An overall score superior to 320 was considered as very satisfied for the patient.

Results: A total of 73% of the patients answered the questionnaire. The mean score was 332/378. This score corresponded to "very satisfied" on our questionnaire. The psychological score was 54.5/60.

Conclusion: This study showed that a real benefit was obtained in terms of patient quality of life and self-confidence. The high level of patient satisfaction confirmed that gender reassignment mastectomy is a useful and valid procedure, which enables these patients to reclaim their place in society. It can only be considered if it is within the framework of structures that ensure comprehensive and pluridisciplinary treatment for the patient.

Keywords: Clinic follow-up; Mastectomie; Mastectomy; Patient satisfaction; Q-Breast; Satisfaction patient; Suivi clinique; Transsexualism; Transsexualisme.