Optimal Perioperative Pain Management of the Transgender Patient for Gender Affirming Surgery: A Scoping Review.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to identify perioperative pain control techniques, including massage, for transgender patients undergoing gender-affirming procedures.
Results Summary
The study found limited evidence on comprehensive pain management techniques, including massage, for transgender patients, advocating for more research to standardize acute pain management.
Population
Transgender patients undergoing gender-affirming procedures.
Effective Dosage
Not available
Duration
Not specified
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
regional anesthesia | neutral | perioperative pain control | transgender patient | - | can be implemented | #1 |
multimodal medications | neutral | perioperative pain control | transgender patient | - | can be implemented | #2 |
non-pharmacologic modalities | neutral | perioperative pain control | transgender patient | - | can be implemented | #3 |
pharmacologic techniques | neutral | comprehensive pain management | transgender patient | - | are necessary | #4 |
injections | neutral | comprehensive pain management | transgender patient | - | are necessary | #5 |
physical therapy | neutral | comprehensive pain management | transgender patient | - | are necessary | #6 |
acupuncture | neutral | comprehensive pain management | transgender patient | - | are necessary | #7 |
massage | neutral | comprehensive pain management | transgender patient | - | are necessary | #8 |
comprehensive preemptive analgesia techniques | decrease | avoid progression to chronic pain | transgender patient | - | should be implemented | #9 |
INTRODUCTION: As we increasingly encounter transgender patients in the perioperative setting, it is important to be cognizant of appropriate medical management of the transgender patient. There is limited literature on the appropriate perioperative techniques to implement for adequate pain control in the transgender patient presenting for gender affirming procedures. METHODS: In this scoping review, the authors identify publications that address perioperative pain control techniques that can be implemented by the anesthesiologist such as regional anesthesia, multimodal medications, or non-pharmacologic modalities. RESULTS: This scoping review included two retrospective reviews, two case reports, and one letter to the editor. There are no prospective, randomized controlled trials on this topic. The limitations of this scoping review include the limited publications that are available to analyze as this is a growing area of medicine. CONCLUSION: There are numerous variables that may play a factor in the pain experience of the transgender patient including biological factors, psychological and social factors. Techniques that are necessary for comprehensive pain management include pharmacologic, injections, physical therapy, acupuncture, massage, and more. There are limited publications on the comprehensive pain management of the transgender patient; therefore, the authors advocate that as perioperative physicians, anesthesiologists implement comprehensive preemptive analgesia techniques to avoid progression to chronic pain. Clearly more research is necessary to standardize acute pain management techniques in the transgender patient.