Surgical techniques and outcomes of thyroid chondroplasty in transfeminine individuals: A systematic review

Abstract

Thyroid chondroplasty (TC) in facial gender-affirming surgery (FGAS) is aimed at modifying the thyroid cartilage to achieve a more feminine laryngeal appearance. This study evaluated open versus endoscopic techniques to TC and associated outcomes and complications. A systematic review (SR) of articles pertaining to TC was conducted according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Twelve articles representing 368 patients were included for analysis. Nine articles described open approaches, and three articles described endoscopic techniques. The rate of total complications was 4.3% (n = 12) in the open approach compared to 15% (n = 13) in the endoscopic approach. Positive esthetic results were reported in 92% of cases performed with the open approach and 90% with the endoscopic approach. In the open approach, seven (2.5%) patients requested additional removal of cartilage, and three (1.1%) requested scar revision. In the endoscopic approach, three (3.7%) patients requested additional cartilage removal. In addition, data of individuals who underwent "cervical tracheoplasty" for gender dysphoria from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database was reviewed, and there was no incidence of wound or major complications among patients who underwent tracheoplasty alone. Although the advantage of the endoscopic approach is a scarless neck incision, the rate of complications is higher with the open approach. Endoscopic approaches are still not widely used, and continued investigations are warranted to improve familiarity with this approach and reduce postoperative complications.

Keywords: Facial feminization surgery; Gender-affirming surgery; Thyroid chondroplasty; Transfeminine population.