Preoperative and Postoperative Considerations in Gender-Affirming Surgery

Purpose of Review

The review is aimed at determining critical factors in the preoperative and postoperative care of transgender patients undergoing gender-affirming surgery. General and procedure-specific considerations are summarized to improve the longitudinal perioperative care of transgender patients.

Recent Findings

Surgical providers should follow World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) guidelines regarding eligibility for surgery. Important elements in preoperative evaluation include mental health screening, fertility discussion, and adjustment of hormone replacement therapy. Postoperative considerations include proper cancer screening, mental health support, appropriate outcomes assessment, and awareness of potential procedure specific complications.

Summary

Proper perioperative care for transgender patients undergoing gender-affirming surgery involves a multidisciplinary approach to healthcare to create a comprehensive treatment environment at an institutional level.