Evidence map›Paper›PMID 39955395›Full record

SynthesisInternational journal of impotence research2026

Optimizing neurorrhaphy to improve sensation in phalloplasty: a systematic review.

Peter C Ferrin, Elliot Burghardt, Jing Xu, Blair R Peters

Abstract readSystematic Review
PubMed Publisher
In one paragraph

Synthesis in International journal of impotence research, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

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Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

4 authors.

Peter C FerrinOregon Health and Science University, Department of Surgery, Portland, OR, US.ORCID http://orcid.org/0009-0005-9006-2452
Elliot Burghardt *Oregon Health and Science University, Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Portland, OR, US.
Jing Xu *Oregon Health and Science University, Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Portland, OR, US.
Blair R PetersOregon Health and Science University, Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Portland, OR, US. petersbl@ohsu.edu.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

Phalloplasty aims to construct a functional and aesthetic phallus in transgender and gender diverse and cisgender patients with absence or loss of penile tissue. Sensation is a critical outcome in postoperative quality of life, impacting placement of erectile devices, sexual function, and overall well-being. Despite this, there is currently a lack of consensus on strategies to optimize sensation in phalloplasty. A comprehensive search of Medline and Embase databases was conducted with keywords related to phallic sensation in penile reconstruction. 237 abstracts were identified, and 28 articles, with 178 patients, met inclusion for final analysis. Studies consistently demonstrate improved sensation with neurorrhaphy; however, significant heterogeneity exists in the reported number of nerve coaptations and coaptation techniques as well as donor and recipient nerve selection. Reported sensory outcomes are mostly limited to presence or absence of sensation (tactile and/or erogenous or unspecified) and/or orgasmic ability. The lack of granularity in reported outcomes makes it challenging to draw robust evidence-based conclusions regarding optimal surgical techniques for maximizing sensory outcomes. Additionally, there is minimal discussion of approaches beyond solely performing nerve coaptations. Based on literature review, histomorphometric data, and our experience in phalloplasty and peripheral nerve surgery, we present a comprehensive approach to optimizing sensory outcomes in phalloplasty based on four key factors: nerve topography, selecting optimal nerve coaptations, considering the impact of sensory end-organ receptors, and integration of sensory re-education protocols targeting cortical plasticity and sexual rehabilitation.

Indexed as

Gender-Affirming SurgeryNeurosurgical ProceduresPenisPlastic Surgery ProceduresSensationHumansMalePhalloplastyQuality of Life

Identifiers

What OpenQuestion holds

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Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.