Expectations and Experienced Outcomes Regarding Gender-Affirming Surgeries: A Pilot Study

Purpose: This study aimed to explore in what ways the preoperative expectations of transgender individuals regarding gender-affirming surgery (GAS) align with experienced postoperative outcomes and, subsequently, how these expectations can best be managed to support optimal outcomes. Methods: In the parent study, interviews were conducted to understand the health care experiences of a group of trans individuals that had or wanted to have gender-affirming surgical care. In this secondary analysis, we focused specifically on the individuals' expectations and experiences about the gender-affirming procedures they desired or underwent. Recruitment occurred from August 2018 to October 2018 at the Amsterdam University Medical Center (VUmc) in the Netherlands. Axial coding and theory-informed thematic analysis were used to assess preoperative expectations and postoperative. Results: The data regarding expectations related to GAS (ncodes=273) and postoperative experienced outcomes (ncodes=292) yielded a total of four themes—(1) Procedure, recovery, and functional results; (2) Esthetic outcomes of GAS; (3) Improved body image in relation to one's gender role; and (4) Increased psychosocial and sexual wellbeing at large in relation to one's gender role. Each of the four themes were divided into two subthemes: (1) expectations, and (2) experienced outcomes. Conclusion: Better understanding, education, and support in the decision-making process of trans individuals seeking gender-affirming surgical care is needed to manage expectations and overall outcomes of GAS procedures.