[Male to female sex reassignment surgery with a new surgical simulation device using a human perfused cadaver SIMLIFE®: New paradigm in transsexual surgery education ?]

Abstract

Introduction: In 2015, we reported our experience with the learning curve in genital reassignment surgery and highlighted a four-step learning concept.

Clinical case: In this article, we present our first vaginoplasty performed on a humanoid model SIMLIFE®, a human body associated with a pulsating circulation device and a ventilation device.

Results: The surgical technique included 14 steps. The total surgical time was 182minutes. There was no intraoperative complication, and there was no damage to the urethra or rectum. The intraoperative bleeding measured by the loss of operative fluid was 280mL. We discuss the advantages of this technology perfectly adapted to transsexual surgery.

Conclusion: We demonstrated the feasibility of vaginoplasty performed on a humanoid model SIMLIFE® and highlighted improvement of the surgical skills with this model. This technology could find many other surgical applications. However, it faces cost constraints and legislation on corpses.

Keywords: Aïdoïopoïèse; Dossier d’apprentissage; Modèle cadavérique; MtF Surgery; Portfolio; SIMLIFE; SIMLIFE®; Simulation; Vaginoplasty.