Kathmandu, Nepal — In a groundbreaking medical achievement, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital (TUTH) has successfully performed Nepal's first gender-affirming surgery, marking a historic milestone for transgender healthcare in the country.
The landmark procedure was conducted on a 25-year-old transgender woman from Janakpur, eliminating the need for Nepali transgender individuals to seek expensive medical treatment abroad.
International Collaboration Leads Medical Breakthrough
Dr. Jayan Man Shrestha, head of TUTH's Plastic Surgery Department, confirmed the successful completion of the vaginoplasty procedure. "The surgery was successful and the patient has already been discharged," Dr. Shrestha announced, emphasizing the significance of this medical first for Nepal.
The complex procedure was made possible through international collaboration, with Dr. Alireza Hamidian Jaromi, an LGBTQ-affirming plastic surgeon from Temple Health in the United States, leading the surgical team. The American expert worked alongside a dedicated team of TUTH physicians to ensure the surgery's success.
The Surgical Team
The comprehensive surgical team included:
- Dr. Jayan Man Shrestha - Department Head, Plastic Surgery
- Dr. Ishwar Lohani - Consultant Plastic Surgeon
- Dr. Sangam Rayamajhi - Plastic Surgeon
- Dr. Samit Sharma - Plastic Surgeon
- Dr. Bikesh Rajbandari - Plastic Surgeon
- Dr. Himalaya Niraula - Plastic Surgeon
- Multiple resident doctors
Technical Details of the Procedure
The surgical team performed a complete vaginoplasty, which involved removing the penis and testes while reconstructing female genitalia using existing tissue. The procedure included:
- Construction of the vagina using penile tissue
- Formation of the clitoris for functional sensation
- Creation of labia for anatomical completeness
Dr. Shrestha noted that the patient specifically requested only genital reconstruction surgery, declining additional procedures such as breast augmentation or facial feminization surgery. "We are ready to provide other surgeries if the person requests them," he added, highlighting the hospital's commitment to comprehensive transgender care.
Affordable Alternative to Foreign Medical Tourism
Prior to this breakthrough, transgender Nepalis faced significant financial and logistical challenges in accessing gender-affirming surgery. Most were forced to travel to India, Thailand, or other countries for these procedures, often at considerable expense and risk.
Dr. Lohani emphasized the economic benefits of local availability: "The procedure costs only around Rs150,000 to Rs200,000, which is about the same price as a plane ticket to go abroad." This pricing makes gender-affirming surgery significantly more accessible to Nepal's transgender community.
Future Plans for Transgender Healthcare
TUTH administrators announced plans to establish a dedicated gender-affirming clinic to better serve transgender patients and expand these services. This specialized facility will provide comprehensive care for individuals seeking various forms of gender-affirming treatment.
"Those who want to undergo sex-reassignment surgery can contact doctors at the outpatient department of the plastic surgery unit of our hospital," Dr. Shrestha explained. He revealed that several people have already expressed interest in the service following news of the successful procedure.
Impact on Nepal's LGBTQ+ Community
This medical milestone represents a significant step forward for LGBTQ+ rights and healthcare access in Nepal. The availability of gender-affirming surgery within the country addresses a critical gap in healthcare services for transgender individuals.
Dr. Lohani expressed hope for the positive impact on the patient's life: "We hope the person who underwent the surgery has now achieved the gender identity of his choice. Others can also get the service at the hospital."
Medical Significance and Safety
Healthcare experts emphasize that while surgical procedures are not required for gender affirmation, many transgender individuals seek these interventions to align their physical appearance with their gender identity. The successful completion of this surgery demonstrates Nepal's growing medical capabilities and commitment to inclusive healthcare.
The procedure's success also validates the effectiveness of international medical collaboration in advancing specialized healthcare services in developing countries.
Looking Forward
With this historic achievement, Nepal joins a growing number of countries providing comprehensive transgender healthcare services domestically. The establishment of this capability at TUTH is expected to:
- Reduce medical tourism costs for transgender individuals
- Improve access to safe, regulated surgical procedures
- Enhance follow-up care and patient support
- Set standards for transgender healthcare in South Asia
The successful surgery represents not just a medical achievement, but a significant step toward greater inclusivity and recognition of transgender rights in Nepal's healthcare system.
Healthcare advocates hope this development will encourage further investment in LGBTQ+-affirming medical services and contribute to reducing discrimination against sexual and gender minorities in Nepal.
For more information about gender-affirming services at TUTH, interested individuals can contact the Plastic Surgery Department's outpatient clinic.
