Making a decision to undergo Sex reassignment surgery takes a lot of courage and commitment. Besides, the patient usually has a lot of expectations now that the very part of the body is changed permanently. During the various stages of transition, the patient experiences numerous psychological and physical challenges. If not addressed efficiently, these challenges may have a critical impact on the life of the patient after the transgender surgical procedure.
Challenges before SRS – Pre-operative stage
Quite often, it is always hard getting a qualified surgeon and endocrinologists professionals who clearly understand the needs of the patient. Just like any other surgical procedure, Sex reassignment surgery is a procedure that comes with complications and risks. Thus, choosing a qualified surgeon is vital, yet a very challenging task.
Financial problem is also a major challenge, as sex reassignment surgery is a costly procedure with a wide range of surgical prices. The cost includes anesthesia charges, surgical facility costs, surgeon fee, and other medical tests. Notably, the cost varies depending on the surgeon level of experience, the expected result, medical facilities, and the location of the surgery.
Strategies a helping professional can apply to address the Pre-operative stage challenges
Ideally, before any surgical procedure, an initial consultation is made between the patient and the plastic surgeon; the surgeon analyzes the cost incurred in each category with the patient. Usually, the board of surgery issues health coverage to the social and medical advocacy to assist with the cost of SRS. To qualify for the financial assistance, the patient has to undergo a diagnosis to confirm the Gender Identity Disorder.
Challenges during SRS – Peri-Operative stage
Also, the general anesthesia administered to the patient may not work effectively, leading to surgical pain (Hage, 2009). This concern may be accompanied by surgical complications and other discrepancies concerning the expected and the actual results.
Assistance from a helping professional regarding Peri-Operative stage
According to Standards of Care and board of Transgender Health Program, the pre-surgical evaluation process before the surgical procedure evaluates all the medical equipment. This helps to minimize any risk and complications during the surgical procedure.
Besides, the Plastic Surgery board creates sufficient professional support and surgical intervention during the surgical procedure to ensure efficiency of the surgery.
Challenges after SRS- Post-Operative stage
After the surgery, the patient must readjust their life and live as the desired sex. This includes cross-dressing as well as adapting to the conduct of the opposite sex. Quite often, adjusting to this new sexual life is a great challenge. For instance, changing from female to male would entail adopting new behavior that portrays male sexual features. Temporary concerns are relatively common after the surgery.
Besides, the patient may experience dissatisfaction, doubt, and other psychological problems. In fact, some patients regret after the surgery; they may experience a complete loss of functioning and poor aesthetic results.
Strategies a Helping Professional can apply to address the Post-Operative stage
Adjusting to a normal life aimed at achieving the desired sex orientation is not any easy task. Luckily, psychotherapeutic doctors and surgeons provide the required psychological support to recover the desired gender identity.
Most importantly, the Transgender Health Program coordinates the recovery process and helps the patients to achieve the expected results (Smith, 2005). Also, they provide the required professional assistance to enable the patient to adapt quickly to their new gender identity.
Conclusion
Sex reassignment surgery is a crucial procedure since it defines the sex orientation of the patient. Thus, making a decision to undergo the procedure require adequate prior consultation between the patient and the plastic surgeon. With the right professional support from the Transgender Health Program, the patient can understand their goals, expectations, and also recover successfully from any physical stress. Most importantly, it creates readiness to deal with the adjustment, challenges and risk involved during the gender transition process.
References
Hage, J. J. (2009). Evaluation of surgical procedures for sex reassignment: A systematic review. Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery, 62(3), 307–308.
Smith Y.L. (2005). Sex reassignment: outcomes and predictors of treatment for adolescent and adult transsexuals. Psychological Medicine; 35(1):89-99.
Sohn, M., & Bosinski, H. A. G. (2007). Continuing medical education: Gender identity disorders: Diagnostic and surgical aspects (CME). The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 4(5), 1193–1208.
