Reconstructive Urologist Specializing in Gender-Affirming Genital Surgery Support
Dr. Karl Coutinho, MD is a board-certified urologist with advanced training in reconstructive urology who plays a key role in gender-affirming surgical care, particularly for patients pursuing masculinizing genital surgery. As a critical part of the GAMMA (Gender Affirming Medical and Microsurgical Associates) team, Dr. Coutinho collaborates closely with Dr. Jonathan Keith and Dr. Drew Marano to support complex procedures such as Phalloplasty and Metoidioplasty, with a particular focus on implants, reconstruction, and treatment of urinary complications. He is known for his expertise in reconstructive urology, urethral strictures (scar-related narrowing of the urethra), and inflatable penile implant placement—skills that are directly relevant to achieving safe, functional, and durable gender-affirming outcomes.
Education, Training and Research
A New Jersey native, Dr. Coutinho completed his undergraduate studies in Biology and Economics at New York University before receiving his medical degree from New Jersey Medical School in 2010. He completed an internship in General Surgery and his Residency in Urology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. He then pursued advanced fellowship training in genitourinary trauma and reconstruction at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago and University Hospitals in Cleveland.
Dr. Coutinho also completed additional specialized training in genitourinary prosthetics and reconstruction through courses at Perito Urology in Miami, and as a visiting fellow at the Kulkarni Endosurgery Institute in Pune, India.
Dr. Coutinho has published widely and presented at national medical conferences in urologic reconstruction, military medicine, pediatric urology, kidney transplant, and genitourinary prosthetics. He has also served as a principal investigator and co-investigator on multiple FDA clinical trials, including research on the Optilume drug-coated balloon—an advanced treatment option for certain urethral strictures—as well as clinical research related to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
He is a founding member of the Society of Gender Surgeons and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.
Urologic Procedures for Phalloplasty & Metoidioplasty
Dr. Coutinho is a critical part of GAMMA’s masculinizing genital surgery team for Phalloplasty and Metoidioplasty patients. His urologic reconstruction expertise is especially important for urethral lengthening, prosthetic placement, and the long-term functional outcomes that follow Phalloplasty and Metoidioplasty. His gender-affirming related services include:
- Placement of Testicular Implants
- Placement of Erectile Implants (Inflatable Penile Prosthesis)
- Repair surgery for urologic complications after Metoidioplasty or Phalloplasty
- Advanced reconstruction for urethral strictures, fistulas (leaks), and complex urinary issues
Outside of gender-affirming surgery, Dr. Coutinho also treats complex reconstructive urology conditions that overlap with gender-affirming care, including urethral strictures, urinary incontinence requiring surgical treatment, and advanced erectile implant surgery.
Dr. Coutinho operates with the GAMMA surgical team in New Jersey and New York City. He is affiliated with Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center (Livingston, New Jersey), University Hospital (Newark, New Jersey) and Lenox Hill Hospital (New York City).
At GAMMA, Dr. Coutinho focuses on reconstructive urology, implant surgery, and the evaluation and repair of urinary complications associated with masculinizing genital procedures. While he most often sees patients in coordination with Dr. Keith and Dr. Marano, he may also evaluate select referrals for revision or repair surgery following procedures performed at other institutions. To learn more about referrals or consultation pathways, contact the GAMMA team.
