ACS NSQIP Matched Cohort Study of Gender-Affirming Versus Benign Hysterectomy

As gender-affirming care expands, hysterectomies for gender dysphoria are increasing, but data comparing outcomes to benign hysterectomies remain limited.

The objectives of this study were to compare perioperative characteristics and 30-day outcomes between transgender and gender diverse individuals (TGDI) undergoing gender-affirming hysterectomy (GAH) and patients undergoing hysterectomy for benign indications, by surgical approach.

This was a retrospective cohort study using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program data (October 2015-December 2022). TGDI undergoing GAH were identified by gender dysphoria diagnosis and hysterectomy Current Procedural Terminology codes. Approaches included abdominal hysterectomy (AH), laparoscopic/robotic hysterectomy (L/RH), laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH), and vaginal hysterectomy (VH). A matched cohort was created based on demographics and comorbidities. Primary outcomes were operative time, length of stay (LOS), and 30-day complications.

A total of 975 TGDI undergoing GAH were included; 82% of GAHs were minimally invasive, mostly L/RH. GAH represented 0.7% of all benign hysterectomies, increasing over time (P<0.001). TGDI (970) were matched to controls. In L/RH, TGDI had longer operative times (113 vs 97 min, P<0.001) but shorter LOS (0 vs 1 d, P<0.001). Similar patterns were seen in VH: longer operative times (103 vs 62 min, P<0.001) and shorter LOS (0 vs 1 d, P=0.018). In AH, TGDI had shorter LOS (1 vs 2 d, P=0.006) with similar operative times. No significant differences were found in LAVH or complications across groups.

GAH is safe with perioperative outcomes comparable to benign hysterectomy. TGDI experience shorter hospital stays and low complication rates. Promoting minimally invasive and vaginal approaches can enhance equitable, high-quality care for TGDI.