Gender-Affirming Surgery for Transgender Individuals: Perceived Satisfaction and Barriers to Care

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the perceived satisfaction and barriers to care for transgender patients after they decide to undergo gender-affirming surgery (GAS). Method: A survey consisting of 21 multiple-choice and short-answer questions was distributed to transgender organizations and online forums across Canada and the United States. The data were then analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: There were 32 participants, 12 who identified as female to male and 20 as male to female. The mean age was 36 years, with a range of 18 to 81 years. The mean age of their first GAS was 33 years, and the range of wait time was 6 months to 7 years. Most of the participants received information about GAS from transgender websites and transgender surgery clinics (91% and 50%, respectively). Most participants (74%) felt like they had access to appropriate care and 89% felt like their surgeons provided enough information about GAS. There were 38% of participants who would change their experience with GAS. Participants stated several barriers toward receiving GAS: financial (73%), finding a physician (65%), and access to information (63%). Surgical transition was important to the quality of life for 91% of participants and 100% were happy with their decision to undergo GAS. Conclusions: Transgender participants demonstrated that GAS is important to their quality of life and this study showed significant barriers to GAS.