Overview of gender-affirming surgery

Pediatr Radiol. 2024 Jul;54(8):1363-1370. doi: 10.1007/s00247-024-05874-z. Epub 2024 Feb 13.

Abstract

This publication will discuss the diversity of procedures that are common to those with intersex traits,/differences of sex development (I/DSD), and transgender and gender diverse (TGD) patients. It will address how these procedures are performed, and common after care and long-term considerations which are relevant to the pediatric radiologist. Some surgeries offered to these patient populations have shared surgical approaches and radiographic considerations. With the growth of TGD procedures as a field, more pediatric subspecialties are performing these procedures, and the approaches are informing the surgical care of the growing number of I/DSD individuals who are seeking surgery in adolescence and young adulthood. Surgeries discussed will include procedures to masculinize or feminize breast/chest tissue, facial bony contours, as well as internal and external genital structures. Patients are diverse and this includes their embodiment goals. As such, not all TGD and I/DSD patients will desire to undergo these procedures. It is important for radiologists to have a foundational understanding of this heterogenous set of procedures so they can provide optimal care for these patient populations.

Keywords: Differences in sex development; Gender affirming surgery; Gender diverse; Genital reconstruction; Intersex; Transgender.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Disorders of Sex Development / diagnostic imaging
  • Disorders of Sex Development / surgery
  • Female
  • Gender-Affirming Surgery* / methods
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Transgender Persons