Postoperative Care After Gender Reassignment Surgery for Trans Women [39Q

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Gender reassignment surgery (GRS) has been performed for many years. There are few surgeons that offer these surgeries and patients often travel far to have this done as part of their transitioning. We have few data regarding postoperative and follow up care. Each surgeon has their own preferred protocol regarding dilatation, use of lubrication and other topical ointments. There is currently no peer committee overseeing these surgeons and their postoperative recommendations. METHODS: We performed a literature study and looked at different Gender Reassignment Clinics and their postoperative protocols. These are also provided to my patients after surgery when I do their postoperative care. RESULTS: Most clinics have their own recommendations for postoperative care after Gender Reassignment surgery. Often patients come to a gynecologist for postoperative care. There are different recommendations out there and there is limited follow up from the primary surgeons nor communication with the physicians that performed postoperative care. CONCLUSION: There needs to be more transparency in postoperative care of patients that undergo GRS. There is little communication with primary surgeons and their patient’s physician that is responsible for postoperative care. Gynecologists will see an increase in patients that need postoperative care after GRS and we need more data on how to do this appropriately and a peer committee that oversees these GRS surgeons, including looking at complications, techniques and outcomes.