7578 Hysterectomy with or without Oophorectomy for Transgender Male Patients: Preoperative and Intraoperative Considerations

Abstract

<h3>Study Objective</h3> To review the preoperative and intraoperative considerations for gynecologic surgeons when performing hysterectomy with or without oophorectomy for transgender male patients. <h3>Design</h3> Stepwise demonstration of techniques with narrated video footage. <h3>Setting</h3> Approximately 0.3% of hysterectomies performed annually in the U.S. are for transgender male patients, most commonly to alleviate gender dysphoria. A hysterectomy with or without oophorectomy can be offered to patients who have met criteria outlined by the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) guidelines. <h3>Patients or Participants</h3> Transgender male patients seeking hysterectomy with or without oophorectomy. <h3>Interventions</h3> Important perioperative counseling points for transgender male patients include: •Establishing terminology to minimize gender dysphoria •Discussing options for fertility preservation •Discussing the importance of continuing testosterone therapy post-oophorectomy to reduce the loss of bone density •Reviewing intraoperative and postoperative expectations Important intraoperative considerations for the performance of safe and effective hysterectomy with or without oophorectomy for transgender male patients include: •Maintaining a margin of at least 2 cm between the surgical instrument and the ovary during coagulation and transection of the infundibulopelvic ligament to prevent ovarian remnant syndrome •Performance of a two-layer vaginal cuff closure to reduce the risk of vaginal cuff complications <h3>Measurements and Main Results</h3> The patients recovered well without any postoperative complications. <h3>Conclusion</h3> In conclusion, it is essential to minimize the patient's experience of gender dysphoria by providing gender-affirming care before, during and after surgery. In particular, the surgeon should take care to perform oophorectomy with an adequate margin to minimize the risk of ovarian remnant syndrome and use a two-layer laparoscopic vaginal cuff closure to decrease the risk of vaginal cuff complications.