Overview of gender-affirming surgery

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Pediatric Radiology
• Surgical Procedures

Background:

• Growing overlap in surgical approaches for intersex traits/differences of sex development (I/DSD) and transgender and gender diverse (TGD) patients.
• Increasing number of pediatric subspecialties performing these procedures.
• Shared surgical techniques and radiographic considerations are emerging.

Purpose of the Study:

• To discuss the diversity of surgical procedures common to I/DSD and TGD populations.
• To outline the performance of these procedures, including aftercare and long-term considerations.
• To provide pediatric radiologists with foundational knowledge for optimal patient care.

Main Methods:

• Review of common surgical procedures for I/DSD and TGD patients.
• Discussion of radiographic considerations and aftercare.
• Focus on procedures for chest, facial, and genital masculinization or feminization.

Main Results:

• Identification of shared surgical approaches and radiographic considerations between I/DSD and TGD procedures.
• Highlighting the diversity of embodiment goals among patients.
• Emphasizing that not all patients seek or desire these procedures.

Conclusions:

• Pediatric radiologists require a foundational understanding of these heterogeneous surgical procedures.
• Optimal care for I/DSD and TGD patients necessitates awareness of their diverse surgical needs and embodiment goals.
• Evolving surgical techniques in TGD care are influencing I/DSD surgical management.