The importance of near total resection of the corpus spongiosum and total resection of the corpora cavernosa in the surgery of male to female transsexuals.

From 1980 to 1989, 13 male to female transsexuals underwent surgery for resection of the corpus spongiosum, performed at the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery of the Free University Academic Hospital, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Except for 1, all patients underwent the primary sex-reassignment procedures in institutions other than this hospital. All had difficulties during sexual activities. After repeat surgery with near complete excision of the corpus spongiosum and also in three instances of the corpus cavernosum, improvement was noticed in all patients. The importance of the total elimination of the erectile tissue is emphasized.