Gender Confirmation Surgery: An Update for the Primary Care Provider

Area of Science:

• Medical and surgical interventions for gender affirmation.
• Transgender healthcare access and disparities.
• Multidisciplinary approach to gender-affirming care.

Background:

• Improved healthcare access for transgender individuals through advocacy and insurance expansion.
• Gender surgeries are a vital component of gender affirmation.
• Primary care physicians require knowledge of transgender health challenges and surgical options.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the role of surgeons in gender-affirming care.
• To outline the goals of various gender-confirming surgeries.
• To provide an overview of available surgical treatment options.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of gender-affirming surgical procedures.
• Analysis of the multidisciplinary care model for transgender patients.
• Synthesis of information on surgical goals and options.

Main Results:

• Surgeons play a key role in facilitating gender transition.
• Various surgical procedures aim to align physical characteristics with gender identity.
• A range of surgical options are available to meet diverse patient needs.

Conclusions:

• Understanding gender-affirming surgeries is essential for primary care physicians.
• Comprehensive care requires collaboration between medical, mental health, and surgical professionals.
• Enhanced knowledge of surgical options improves the quality of care for transgender individuals.