LAUSR

AIM To explore the impact of body mass index (BMI) on the outcomes of gender-affirming vaginoplasty. METHODS A cohort consisting of all gender-affirming vaginoplasties in our practice between September 27th , 2018, and September 1st , 2022 was identified, and data was retrospectively collected. Patients were classified as obese if their BMI was ≥30 kg/m2 at the time of surgery and non-obese if their BMI was <30 kg/m2 . Complications were assigned a Clavien-Dindo grade and grouped as grade ≥2 versus grade ≤1. Patient-reported functional outcomes of intact erogenous sensation, tactile sensation, ability to achieve penetrative vaginal intercourse, and cosmetic satisfaction were assessed. RESULTS A total of 58 patients with a mean follow-up time of 6.9 months were included. Seventeen patients (mean BMI= 36.8 kg/m2 ) were classified as obese and 41 patients (mean BMI= 25.1 kg/m2 ) were classified as non-obese. No significant differences in outcomes were identified in the obese versus non-obese groups in terms of the incidence of complications. Patient-reported functional outcomes did not differ significantly between two groups. CONCLUSIONS Similar results can be achieved with gender-affirming vaginoplasty in obese patients when compared to their non-obese counterparts. Eligibility for this procedure should not be restricted based on BMI alone. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.