Expectations and Experienced Outcomes Regarding Gender-Affirming Surgeries: A Pilot Study

This study aimed to explore in what ways the preoperative expectations of transgender individuals regarding gender-affirming surgery (GAS) align with experienced postoperative outcomes and, subsequently, how these expectations can best be managed to support optimal outcomes.

In the parent study, interviews were conducted to understand the health care experiences of a group of trans individuals that had or wanted to have gender-affirming surgical care. In this secondary analysis, we focused specifically on the individuals' expectations and experiences about the gender-affirming procedures they desired or underwent. Recruitment occurred from August 2018 to October 2018 at the Amsterdam University Medical Center (VUmc) in the Netherlands. Axial coding and theory-informed thematic analysis were used to assess preoperative expectations and postoperative.

The data regarding expectations related to GAS (n_codes=273) and postoperative experienced outcomes (n_codes=292) yielded a total of four themes-(1) Procedure, recovery, and functional results; (2) Esthetic outcomes of GAS; (3) Improved body image in relation to one's gender role; and (4) Increased psychosocial and sexual wellbeing at large in relation to one's gender role. Each of the four themes were divided into two subthemes: (1) expectations, and (2) experienced outcomes.

Better understanding, education, and support in the decision-making process of trans individuals seeking gender-affirming surgical care is needed to manage expectations and overall outcomes of GAS procedures.