Gender Affirming Surgery Experience and Exposure among Reconstructive Urologists

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Gender Affirming Surgery
• Surgical Practice Patterns

Background:

• Limited data exists on current practice patterns for gender affirming surgery among reconstructive urologists.
• Understanding these practices is crucial for advancing care and training.

Purpose of the Study:

• To survey members of the Society of Genitourinary Reconstructive Surgeons (GURS) regarding their involvement in gender affirming surgery.
• To identify factors influencing urologists' attitudes towards gender affirming surgery and its integration into reconstructive urology.

Main Methods:

• An 18-question survey was distributed to all global members of GURS.
• Multivariable logistic regression was used to analyze factors affecting attitudes toward gender affirming surgery.

Main Results:

• 89% of respondents had seen transgender patients, but most (76%) saw 10 or fewer annually.
• Only 5% performed primary gender affirming surgery; 43% managed complications from surgeries done elsewhere.
• 50% of organizations aimed to develop multidisciplinary gender affirming surgery programs.
• 66% desired more training, and 75% supported gender affirming surgery as a GURS discipline.

Conclusions:

• Reconstructive urologists typically manage low volumes of transgender patients and focus on surgical complication repair.
• A majority of urologists support establishing gender affirming surgery as a dedicated discipline within GURS.
• Younger urologists and those in organizations developing multidisciplinary programs show more positive attitudes toward gender affirming surgery.