Gender Affirmation Surgery: A Primer on Imaging Correlates for the Radiologist

Area of Science:

• Medical Sciences
• Surgical Procedures
• Gender Studies

Background:

• Gender affirmation surgery encompasses a range of procedures to align a patient's physical characteristics with their gender identity.
• These surgical interventions are integral components of comprehensive gender-affirming care.
• A thorough understanding of surgical outcomes, including anatomy and potential complications, is essential for healthcare providers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an overview of common gender affirmation surgical therapies.
• To define key anatomical structures relevant to these procedures.
• To describe potential complications associated with gender affirmation surgeries.

Main Methods:

• Review of multidisciplinary and multimodality approaches in gender affirmation surgery.
• Description of anatomical considerations for genital reconstruction (vaginoplasty, metoidioplasty, phalloplasty), body contouring, and maxillofacial contouring (facial feminization/masculinization).
• Discussion of common and unique complications encountered post-surgery.

Main Results:

• Gender affirmation surgery includes three main categories: genital reconstruction, body contouring, and maxillofacial contouring.
• Each category involves specific anatomical considerations and potential surgical outcomes.
• Postsurgical anatomy and associated complications must be recognized, particularly in diagnostic imaging.

Conclusions:

• Gender affirmation therapy can be individualized to meet each patient's specific needs.
• Knowledge of normal postsurgical anatomy and unique complications is vital for accurate interpretation of diagnostic imaging.
• Multidisciplinary approaches enhance the safety and efficacy of gender affirmation surgeries.