Udupi: Kasturba Hospital, Manipal, has successfully carried out its first full gender-affirming surgery for a transgender woman. The procedure went well, and the patient is now recovering under the care of the hospital team. The hospital describes this as a significant milestone in its commitment to making every patient feel welcome and well cared for.
Background of Gender-Affirming Procedures at the Hospital
The plastic surgery department at Kasturba Hospital has been performing gender-affirming procedures for some time, including facial feminisation and breast augmentation, assisting several transgender patients over the years. However, this marks the first time the team has conducted a complete gender-affirming genital surgery, working closely with the urology department.
Surgical Team and Collaboration
The surgery was led by Dr Joseph Thomas, professor and head of plastic surgery, and Dr Harshavardhan Shetty, associate professor, along with their team. Dr Anupam Choudhary from the urology department also contributed to the procedure. The multidisciplinary collaboration was crucial for the surgery's success.
Post-Operative Care and Patient Support
The patient is currently receiving comprehensive post-operative care, including pain management, wound care, and counseling support as part of the recovery plan. Dr Joseph Thomas stated, "Most patients who come to us for this surgery have waited a long time, sometimes years, to feel comfortable in their own body. This surgery requires careful planning, and the teamwork across departments here at Kasturba Hospital made a big difference in how smoothly things went."
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