What Surgeons Need to Know About Gender Confirmation Surgery When Providing Care for Transgender Individuals

The 2017 document underscores the significance of gender confirmation surgery (GCS) for transgender individuals and the necessity for surgeons to be knowledgeable about the comprehensive care required, as outlined by the World Professional Association for Transgender Health Standards of Care. It discusses the increased demand for GCS following the US Department of Health and Human Services' decision to lift the Medicare coverage ban in 2014. The document details the pre-surgical requirements, such as mental health assessments and hormone therapy, and the various surgical options available. It also stresses the importance of primary care in managing hormone therapy and preventive screenings, as well as considering reproductive implications like cryopreservation. The expansion of third-party coverage is expected to provide more data on surgical outcomes, which could improve surgical practices. Despite most insurance companies deeming facial feminization surgery as cosmetic, it is noted to have a positive impact on alleviating gender dysphoria.