Metoidioplasty Surgery » Surgeons

Dr. Christopher McClung

Experienced Metoidioplasty Surgeon in Ohio

Dr. Christopher McClung, MD is a board-certified urologist in Ohio who specializes in bottom surgeries including Metoidioplasty. Dr. McClung's practice is fully dedicated to providing gender-affirming surgical care.

Initially, Dr. McClung's practice was focused on reconstructive surgeries for patients born with congenital genitourinary conditions and acquired urological injuries. With this expertise in complex reconstructions, Dr. McClung began seeing patients who had developed urological complications after gender-affirming genital surgeries done by other surgeons. By 2017, he was performing primary gender-affirming surgeries himself.

Training and Experience

• Medical degree, Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia
• Residency training, Loyola University Medical Center, Chicago
• Advanced fellowship training in urologic reconstruction, University of Washington, Seattle
• Member of the American Urological Association
• Member of the Genitourinary Reconstruction Society

Dr. McClung regularly performs Metoidioplasty. Metoidioplasty is a surgery that releases hormonally-enlarged clitoral tissue to create a small penis with an average length of 1.5-2.3" (4-6 cm) and a maximum length of 3.9" (10cm). The goal of the procedure is to relieve gender dysphoria by providing the patient with a penis that despite being small has erogenous sensation and can achieve an erection without an erectile device. Metoidioplasty takes about 3-5 hours to perform.

Without additional procedures, Metoidioplasty is also referred to as a Simple Release or Simple Meta. The clitoris is re-positioned and moved to a position similar to that of a natal penis by cutting the ligaments that hold it in place. As the name implies, a Simple Meta is an uncomplicated procedure.

Metoidioplasty can also include additional procedures: Vaginectomy (removal of vaginal lining and closure of the vagina), Urethroplasty (urethral lengthening to tip of penis to enable standing urination) and Scrotoplasty (creation of a scrotum using labial tissue).

Dr. McClung performs the Ring Metoidioplasty method which uses a flap of tissue from the anterior vaginal wall, along with the labia minora, to create the urethral extension, instead of using buccal mucosa tissue from the mouth.

Insertion of testicular implants can be performed in stage 2, at least six months later. Dr. McClung uses Alpha Aesthetics testicular implants.

Dr. McClung doesn't require Vaginectomy to have Urethral Lengthening done, though patients should understand that this carries a high risk of fistula, which may need surgical revision.

If you are having Vaginectomy performed, a Hysterectomy is required. Dr. McClung can coordinate with a surgical associate so that you can have Hysterectomy and Metoidioplasty performed in the same surgery. A robotic Hysterectomy would be performed first, immediately followed by Metoidioplasty.

Those who have some mons fat may benefit from having a Mons Resection. This procedure removes excess skin and fat of the mons area to improve both aesthetic and functional outcomes. Dr. McClung can perform this as part of a stage 2 surgery.

Metoidioplasty Risks and Complications

All surgeries carry the risk of complications. With Metoidioplasty, there are different levels of risk depending on which additional procedures you are having. In general, complications can include infection, bleeding, blood clots, tissue necrosis, damage to surrounding tissues, pain and negative reactions to anesthesia or medications. Additional procedures can add other types of complications, such as urethral fistula or stricture, wound separation, bladder or rectal injury and the inability to stand to urinate.

Some patients may require surgical revisions. Dr. McClung has the experience and skill needed to address complications, including complex urinary issues.

Surgery Eligibility

• Non-smokers
• BMI below 35
• Age 18+
• Minimum two years of testosterone treatment.
  

Insurance & Financing
Dr. McClung accepts insurance from Cigna, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, UnitedHealthcare and more. If paying out-of-pocket, medical financing from companies such as CareCredit is also accepted.

Getting a Consultation
Contact Dr. McClung's office to schedule your phone, virtual or in-person consultation. The $150 fee may be covered by your insurance. The wait time is one month and a surgery date can usually be booked about nine months after your consultation.

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