[Decision-making in gender reassignment surgery]

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Psychiatry
• Surgical Procedures

Background:

• Hormone therapy and gender reassignment surgery involve complex medical and psychological considerations.
• These interventions on healthy bodies are recognized as potentially dangerous and irreversible procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To emphasize the critical need for thorough psychiatric evaluation before initiating hormone therapy or gender reassignment surgery.
• To outline essential risk-benefit assessments and multidisciplinary approaches in patient care.

Main Methods:

• Integration of experienced psychiatrists for differential diagnosis and patient assessment.
• Implementation of multidisciplinary consultation meetings for therapeutic decision-making.
• Adherence to a minimum two-year observation period for treatment eligibility.

Main Results:

• Psychiatric assessment is vital for evaluating patient frailties and risk-benefit ratios.
• Multidisciplinary team approach ensures comprehensive patient care and safety.
• A structured observation period is a prerequisite for social security coverage.

Conclusions:

• Endocrinologists and surgeons must collaborate with psychiatrists to ensure patient safety.
• Rigorous evaluation and a multidisciplinary framework are essential for hormone therapy and gender reassignment surgery.
• The established two-year observation period is key for treatment coverage and patient well-being.