Morphometric Analysis and Observer Perceptions Following Transvestibular Chondrolaryngoplasty

Abstract

Objectives: To assess novel morphometric measurement strategies and observer perception ratings as potential metrics for evaluating gender-affirming transvestibular chondrolaryngoplasty in reducing contour protrusion of the neck. Methods: High-resolution preoperative and 3-month postoperative photographs of a pilot series of 10 patients (n = 10) who underwent endoscopic transvestibular chondrolaryngoplasty were collected. Morphometric measurements of “light reflex” and lateral view thyroid protrusion angles of the neck contours were analyzed. Pre- and postoperative photographs were presented in random order in a survey to 17 untrained judges and rated on perceived masculinity/femininity and thyroid notch protrusion on a 7-point scale. A pre- to postoperative change in morphometric angles and subjective ratings was assessed using paired t-tests and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. Results: Mean light reflex angles were reduced after surgery from 78.6° to 40.5° in the anterior neutral view ( P = .0003), from 45.2° to 24.4° in the anterior extended view ( P = .003), and from 7.03° to 4.32° in the lateral view ( P = .006). Median survey ratings of neck photographs were improved after surgery, from 4 to 3 in gender perception toward more feminine perception ( P < .0001) and from 4 to 2 in thyroid protrusion toward less protrusive perception ( P < .0001). Conclusions: Morphometric analysis in anterior and lateral views as well as subjective gender perception and contour protrusion measures following feminization chondrolaryngoplasty by endoscopic transvestibular scarless approach demonstrate encouraging possibilities as outcome evaluation measures for chondrolaryngoplasty.