Nursing Care for the Patient Undergoing Gender-Affirming Surgery: A Thorough Review of Pre-and Post-Operative Care, Complications Management, and Culturally Sensitive Support
Abstract
Background: Gender-affirming surgeries (GAS) are medically necessary, life-saving surgeries for the majority of transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) individuals, significantly decreasing gender dysphoria and overall quality of life. The nurse's role in this extremely specialized surgical process is multifaceted and far exceeds technical skills, encompassing holistic, patient-focused care. Aim: This review integrates the highest-level evidence (2020-2024) about nursing care best practices for patients undergoing GAS, focusing on the perioperative continuum of care. Methods: A narrative literature review published between 2020-2024 was conducted using PubMed, CINAHL, and PsycINFO. Search words utilized were "transgender," "gender-affirming surgery," "perioperative care," "nursing care," "cultural competency," and "postoperative complications." Results: The findings suggest the necessity of a two-stage nursing approach: pre-operative education, assessment, and preparation, and post-operative management of physical rehabilitation and psychosocial adjustment. Overarching themes are the necessity of comprehensive patient education on the outcome and complications of surgery, competent procedural care (e.g., vaginoplasty, phalloplasty, mastectomy), and the central role played by nursing in providing culturally sensitive, trauma-informed, and affirming care that validates patient identity. High-quality nursing care has a material impact on surgical outcomes, patient satisfaction, and later mental well-being. Conclusion: Treating TGD patients for GAS requires a sophisticated integration of technical expertise and profound psychosocial intervention. Staying grounded in values of cultural humility, trauma-informed practice, and patient-centered communication, nurses are key to walking patients through a life-altering and affirming process, providing both body protection and emotional validation.
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References
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Authors
Copyright (c) 2024 Areej Mohammed Mobarki, Amna Aziz Al-Subaie, Meaad Yahya Ahmed Machajy, Aisha Hassan Ali Maeid, Emad Ali Abdu Fagihi, Ali Ibraheem Nasser Khlofah Tayash, Najla Aidarous Mohammed Mathkour, Zainab Mohammed Yahya Mobarki, Amnah Mohammed Yahya Mobarki, Tahani Aidarous Mohammed Mathkour, Laila Aidarous Mohammed Mathkour
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