Recognizing Racial Disparities in Postoperative Outcomes of Gender Affirming Surgery

Exploring the connection of health disparities and inequities with health care-acquired infections in North America: A scoping review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Health care-associated infections (HAIs) pose a significant concern for patient safety, impacting one in 31 hospitalized patients in the United States. Traditional infection prevention strategies emphasize clinical and procedural factors. However, emerging evidence highlights the critical role of social determinants of health (SDOH). Factors such as race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, insurance coverage, language barriers, disability, and other social disadvantages contribute to HAI disparities. Despite this increasing recognition, limited research has systematically examined these relationships. In response, the Association for Professionals in Infection Prevention and Epidemiology (APIC) established a Health Equity Committee to evaluate the impact of SDOH on HAIs and advance meaningful action.

METHODS

A literature review was conducted to synthesize findings on the intersection of HAIs and SDOH. A comprehensive search strategy identified 16 relevant studies published between January 2014 and March 2024, focusing on catheter-associated urinary tract infections, central line-associated bloodstream infections, Clostridioides difficile infections, and surgical site infections.

RESULTS

The findings revealed significant disparities in infection rates, readmission risks, and access to preventive measures. Black, Hispanic, and Asian patients experienced higher central line-associated bloodstream infections and catheter-associated urinary tract infections rates, particularly in pediatric populations. C difficile infections disproportionately affected individuals from disadvantaged neighborhoods and those insured through Medicare and Medicaid. Surgical site infections risks were higher among racial and ethnic minorities, especially in underserved areas with limited health care access. Additionally, hospitals serving socially vulnerable populations reported worse standardized infection ratios for HAIs yet were not consistently recognized in reimbursement penalties, highlighting systemic challenges in quality measurement.

CONCLUSIONS

To reduce HAI disparities, health care systems must adopt multifaceted approaches that include enhanced data collection, health equity-focused infection prevention strategies, and policy reforms that address SDOH-driven risks. Prioritizing longitudinal studies and systematic analyses will be essential in advancing equitable health care and improving patient outcomes across diverse populations.

Epidemiology and disparities of gender-affirming surgery in the United States

BACKGROUND

Several advances have been made to increase access to gender-affirming procedures across the country, yet it remains unknown whether these benefits are experienced disproportionately across demographics. The purpose of this study was to investigate the epidemiologic trends of gender-affirming surgery across the country over the past six years, as well as to analyze the racial and ethnic disparities in immediate postoperative complications for patients undergoing gender-affirming surgery nationwide.

METHODS

Retrospective cohort study was conducted of gender-affirming procedures performed in the United States between 2015 and 2020 across 719 hospitals participating in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program. Age at surgery, type of reconstruction, and postoperative complications were compared across demographic groups.

RESULTS

During the study interval, 4491 patients underwent gender-affirming surgery, including 71.1% (n=3221) masculinizing procedures and 28.3% (n=1270) feminizing procedures. Over the last five years, there has been a fourfold increase in gender-affirming surgery, from 299 per million to 1029 per million cases performed in the United States (p<.001). Transmasculine patients were ten years younger than transfeminine patients (p<.001). While masculinizing procedures were the most common across all demographics, Black and Hispanic patients were significantly more likely to undergo feminizing procedures than White patients (p<.001). Black patients were significantly older than White patients at the time of surgery. Black patients were significantly more likely than White patients to experience postoperative surgical complications (p=.039).

CONCLUSIONS

Racial and ethnic disparities exist in gender-affirming surgery preference, timing, and postoperative outcomes.

Assessing racial disparities in gender-affirming surgery utilization and hospital-level experience

Racial and ethnic minority groups as well as gender minorities seeking gender-affirming care and surgery have historically had difficulties with healthcare access and experience. The intersection of these two groups may result in deficient healthcare for patients of minority racial and ethnic groups seeking gender-affirming surgery. This study sought to explore differences in gender-affirming genital surgery experience by race. The 2018-2021 Healthcare Utilization Project National Inpatient Survey was queried for gender-affirming surgeries. Demographic, inpatient safety, and hospital-level characteristics were collected. Results were stratified by race and evaluated for significant differences. A total of 4605 patients were included in the study, 3345 patients were identified as White (73%), 320 as Black/African American (7%), 485 as Hispanic/Latino (11%), and 110 as Asian/Pacific Islander (2%). Black/African American patients experienced a higher rate of inpatient medical complications than the overall population (1% vs. 3%, P = 0.004) and had a longer length of stay (3 vs. 5 days, P < 0.001). The highest total charges were observed among Black/African American patients ($130,873, IQR $119,235, P < 0.001). Black/African American patients also less often experienced routine discharge (94% vs. 81%, P < 0.001) and more often required a higher level of care upon discharge, such as home healthcare or transfer to another facility (6% vs. 17%, P < 0.001). While the healthcare population is becoming more diverse, healthcare disparities still exist among non-White individuals receiving gender-affirming genital surgery. The present data suggest that Black/African American patients receiving gender-affirming genital surgery have more complicated hospital and discharge courses, and experience higher total hospital charges.

Racial Disparities in Plastic Surgery Outcomes: A Systematic Literature Review and Meta-Analysis

Background

Racial disparities in surgical outcomes have been shown to lead to subpar results in various patients. Variability and contradictions in the current literature highlight the need for a crucial evaluation of the matter in studies focusing on plastic and reconstructive surgery. Investigating the matter is a pivotal step toward effective guidelines that mitigate factors contributing to racial disparities in outcomes and improve our perception of a patient-centered health-care system. The study aimed to identify whether racial disparities exist in plastic and reconstructive surgery procedures.

Methods

Systematic review of the literature as per the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines was performed to find relevant articles assessing the impact of race on surgical outcomes. PubMed, Embase, MEDLINE, and Cochrane library were screened by both authors, and relevant articles were identified. Prevalence of complications were extracted from included studies, and odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated and grouped for a statistical analysis.

Results

Meta-analysis of 13 studies, with a mean of 8059 patients per study, demonstrated a pooled OR of 1.21 (95% CI: 1.00-1.46), indicating an insignificant association between non-White race and postoperative complications. Subanalysis comparing African American patients to White patients (10 studies) showed an OR of 1.36 (95% CI: 1.06-1.74), signifying a statistically significant risk for African Americans. No publication bias was observed, but substantial heterogeneity (73% and 79%) suggested varied study factors influencing outcomes.

Conclusions

Racial disparities exist in plastic and reconstructive outcomes. Physicians and medical staff should focus on patients' sociodemographic background, accessibility to care, support cycles, and language proficiency, while determining the surgical plan and postoperative care.

The Impact of Race and Ethnicity in Microvascular Head and Neck Reconstruction Postoperative Outcomes: A Nationwide Data Analysis

BACKGROUND

Racial and ethnic disparities have been extensively reported across surgical specialties, highlighting existing healthcare inequities. Nevertheless, evidence is lacking regarding their influence on postoperative outcomes after head and neck reconstruction. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of race and ethnicity on postoperative complications in head and neck microvascular reconstruction.

METHODS

The ACS-NSQIP database was used to identify patients who underwent head and neck microvascular reconstruction between 2012 and 2022. Baseline characteristics were compared based on race (White, non-White) and ethnicity (Hispanic, non-Hispanic). Group differences were assessed using t tests and Fisher Exact tests. Multivariable logistic regression models were constructed to evaluate postoperative complications between the groups. A Cochran-Armitage test was conducted to evaluate the significance of trends over time.

RESULTS

A total of 11,373 patients met inclusion criteria. Among them, 9,082 participants reported race, and 9,428 reported ethnicity. Multivariable analysis demonstrated that Hispanic patients were more likely to experience 30-day readmission (OR 6.7; 95% CI, 1.17-38.4; P=0.032) and had an average total length of stay of 5.25 days longer (95% CI, 0.84-9.65; P=0.020) compared with non-Hispanic patients. Additional subgroup analyses revealed higher rates of all readmissions among non-White patients, particularly those indicated by malignancy (OR 1.23; 95% CI, 1.1-1.4; P=0.002). No significant differences were found in mortality, reoperation rates, and operative times between racial and ethnic groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this study suggest that ethnicity may be a significant risk factor for readmission in head and neck microvascular reconstruction. However, future studies are needed to further clarify the impact of race and ethnicity on longer postoperative outcomes, particularly in head and neck cancer minorities.

Evaluating Access and Outcomes in Gender-affirming Breast Augmentation: A Comparative Study of a County Hospital and an Academic Center

Background

Research on the diverse patient population undergoing gender-affirming breast augmentation remains scarce. We compared patients undergoing this procedure at San Francisco General Hospital (ZSFG), a county hospital, and the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), an academic medical center.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent primary gender-affirming breast augmentation at ZSFG (August 2019 to June 2023) and UCSF (March 2015 to June 2023). Differences in sociodemographic characteristics, surgical access, and outcomes between sites were assessed.

Results

Of 195 patients, 122 patients had surgery at UCSF and 73 patients at ZSFG. ZSFG patients were more likely to be unstably housed (P < 0.001), Spanish-speaking (P = 0.001), and to have obesity (P = 0.011) and HIV (P = 0.004). Patients at ZSFG took hormones for longer before surgical consultation (P < 0.001) but had shorter referral-to-surgery intervals (P = 0.024). Patients at ZSFG more frequently underwent a subglandular approach (P = 0.003) with longer operative times (P < 0.001). Major surgical complications were uncommon (2.1%) with no differences between sites. Aesthetically, implant malposition/rotation occurred more often in patients at UCSF (P = 0.031), but revision rates were similar at both sites. Patients at UCSF had longer follow-up periods (P = 0.008).

Conclusions

County hospital patients seeking gender-affirming breast augmentation have distinct sociodemographic profiles and more comorbidities than academic medical center patients. County patients might experience greater barriers that delay surgical eligibility, such as stable housing. Nevertheless, this procedure can be safely and effectively performed in both patient populations.

Is gender dysphoria associated with increased hospital cost per stay among patients hospitalized for depression? Focus on the racial and regional variance in US hospitals

Introduction

Individuals with gender dysphoria do not identify with their sex assigned at birth and face societal and cultural challenges, leading to increased risk for depression, anxiety, and suicide. Gender dysphoria is a DSM-5 diagnosis but is not necessary for transition therapy. Additionally, individuals with gender dysphoria or who identify as gender diverse/nonconforming may experience "minority stress" from increased discrimination, leading to a greater risk for mental health problems. This study aimed to identify possible health disparities in patients hospitalized for depression with gender dysphoria across the United States. Depression was selected because patients with gender dysphoria are at an increased risk for it. Various patient and hospital-related factors are explored for their association with changes in healthcare utilization for patients hospitalized with depression.

Methods

The National Inpatient Sample was used to identify nationwide patients with depression (n = 378,552, weighted n = 1,892,760) from 2016 to 2019. We then examined the characteristics of the study sample and investigated how individuals' gender dysphoria was associated with healthcare utilization measured by hospital cost per stay. Multivariate survey regression models were used to identify predictors.

Results

Among the 1,892,760 total depression inpatient samples, 14,145 (0.7%) patients had gender dysphoria (per ICD-10 codes). Over the study periods, depression inpatients with gender dysphoria increased, but total depression inpatient rates remained stable. Survey regression results suggested that gender dysphoria, minority ethnicity or race, female sex assigned at birth, older ages, and specific hospital regions were associated with higher hospital cost per stay than their reference groups. Sub-group analysis showed that the trend was similar in most racial and regional groups.

Conclusion

Differences in hospital cost per stay for depression inpatients with gender dysphoria exemplify how this community has been disproportionally affected by racial and regional biases, insurance denials, and economic disadvantages. Financial concerns can stop individuals from accessing gender-affirming care and risk more significant mental health problems. Increased complexity and comorbidity are associated with hospital cost per stay and add to the cycle.

Are There Racial Disparities in Perioperative Pain? A Retrospective Study of a Gynecological Surgery Cohort

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to examine whether racial disparities exist in immediate postoperative pain scores and intraoperative analgesic regimens in a single surgical cohort.

DESIGN

A single-center, retrospective analysis.

METHODS

This retrospective study of a single surgical cohort was conducted via chart review of the existing electronic health record. A total of 203 patients who underwent minimally invasive hysterectomy were included in the analysis. Three initially reviewed patient records were excluded from the final analysis due to the small size of their racial cohorts (two Asian or Pacific Islander and one Native American). The White patients (n = 103) and Black patients (n = 100) were compared for differences in pain scores in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU). The patients' intraoperative analgesic regimens were also compared.

FINDINGS

There were no significant differences between races in the postoperative pain scores in the PACU or in the analgesia administered by the anesthesia provider intraoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS

In this specific population, there was no evidence of racial disparities in postoperative pain or intraoperative analgesia administration. Further research is needed to understand the unique factors of the perioperative period, to see if the absence of disparities in this study is repeated in other cohorts, and to mitigate any disparities that are found.

Masculinizing Chest Reconstruction in Adolescents and Young Adults: An Analysis of National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Data

BACKGROUND

Masculinizing chest reconstruction (MCR) has been shown to improve quality of life and gender dysphoria in transmasculine adult patients. As nationwide access to gender-affirming care expands, more adolescents are seeking MCR. However, there is a paucity of literature examining patient characteristics, safety, and disparities among this population.

METHODS

Cases of MCR were selected from the pediatric and adult American College of Surgeons and National Surgical Quality Improvement Program. Adolescent (18 years and older) and young adult (aged 19-25 years) transgender patients were analyzed for differences in demographics, comorbidities, surgical characteristics, and postoperative complications.

RESULTS

A total of 1287 cases were identified, with an adolescent cohort of 189 patients. The proportion of White patients to other races was greater among adolescents than young adults (91.2% vs 82.4%, P = 0.007). Of adolescents and young adults, 6.0% and 11.1% identified as Hispanic/Latino, respectively (P = 0.059). Rates of all-cause postoperative complications were similar between adolescents (4.2%) and young adults (4.1%). Multivariate binary logistic regression showed that Black or African American patients experienced more all-cause postoperative complications than other races after controlling for American Society of Anesthesiologists classification, age group, and body mass index (odds ratio, 2.8; 95% confidence interval, 1.3-5.9; P = 0.008).

CONCLUSIONS

Masculinizing chest reconstruction is equally safe for transmasculine adolescent and young adult patients. However, our data point to racial disparities in access to care and postoperative outcomes. An intersectional approach is needed to better understand the unique health care needs and barriers to care of minority transgender youth.

Complications After Orchiectomy and Vaginoplasty for Gender Affirmation: An Analysis of Concurrent Versus Separate Procedures Using a National Database

IMPORTANCE

Gender-affirming orchiectomy may be performed in isolation, as a bridge to vaginoplasty, or concurrently with vaginoplasty for transgender and nonbinary persons, although there is a paucity of data on immediate postoperative outcomes on the various procedural approaches.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study is to compare 30-day surgical outcomes after gender-affirming orchiectomy and vaginoplasty as separate and isolated procedures.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a retrospective cohort study of patients in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database to compare surgical outcomes of orchiectomy alone and vaginoplasty alone to concurrent orchiectomy with vaginoplasty using bivariate and adjusted multivariable regression statistics.

RESULTS

Concurrent orchiectomy and vaginoplasty were associated with greater 30-day surgical complications compared with orchiectomy alone (15.4% vs 2.9%, P < 0.01) and similar odds of 30-day surgical complications compared with vaginoplasty alone (15.4% vs 11.1%, P = 0.15). On multivariable logistic regression analysis, compared with orchiectomy alone, concurrent orchiectomy and vaginoplasty were associated with higher increased odds of 30-day surgical complications (adjusted odds ratio, 6.48; 95% confidence interval, 2.83-14.86) as well as vaginoplasty alone (adjusted odds ratio 4.30; 95% confidence interval, 1.85-10.00).

CONCLUSIONS

This study highlights the perioperative outcomes for isolated versus concurrent gender-affirming orchiectomy and vaginoplasty, demonstrating lower morbidity for orchiectomy alone and similar morbidity for vaginoplasty alone when compared with concurrent procedures. These data will aid health care providers in preoperative counseling and surgical planning for gender-affirming genital surgery, particularly for patients considering concurrent versus staged orchiectomy and vaginoplasty.