Sex change surgeries on the rise in Kochi

There was a time when the mere mention of the word sex change was taboo, but with the society and authorities adopting a more tolerant attitude towards the transgender community, the number of those who go under the knife in order to gain a new identity is increasing in Kochi, say doctors in the city. Earlier, those Malayalis who wanted to get sex reassignment surgery used to either go abroad or to other metros within the country.
Plastic surgeon Dr KR Rajappan, who works in a prominent hospital in Kochi, says that they have successfully conducted three surgeries of late and many more are in the pipeline. A 30-year-old doctor and a 50-year-old salesperson were among those who opted for such treatment. “They are no longer considered outcasts, and inclusive policies from the government have also contributed to this sea change,” says Rajappan.
When compared to earlier times, transfer of tissues – which is a crucial aspect in such surgeries -- is not that much of a challenging task, thanks to medical advancements. The doctors are able to implant new organs more effectively, according to Dr Rajappan. “The surgery is a lengthy process that may extend from three to five years, and is done in three stages. “While the individual surgeries require at least 1.5 to 2 lakh rupees, the overall cost would come up to around four lakhs. The duration of the treatment depends on the development that the patient shows, his or her body shapes and other factors.”
Dr M Senthil Kumar, who is in charge of the sex change surgeries in the same hospital, reveals that recently, an engineering student approached him for a sex change, along with his parents, with an urge to become a female. “The boy told me that his parents initially were against it but had to agree because of his persistence. The fact that the youngster came with his parents is itself proof of the change in outlook.” He says from the time they conducted the first surgery back in 2008 till now, there has been approximately 30 to 40% increase in the number of those opting for such surgeries.
There has to be enough preparation before a patient can be wheeled into the operation theatre. He says, “First, we give them a proper psychiatric consultation to ensure his or her mind will not waver in future. Then, for the following one year, they have to dress in the manner of the gender they want to change to.” Then follows the endocrine or hormone surgery, which is conducted over a period of six to nine months.
State Transgender's Justice Board member Surya Abhilash is of the opinion that many among them have carved a new path after changing their sex. “We have managed to create awareness among the group. This has helped in removing hesitations and uncertainties.”
However, she airs a strong concern about medical negligence that prevails in some of the hospitals in the State, in connection with sex change, right from wrong medication to surgeries that have completely gone wrong. “I have come across instances when the responsibility was given to junior doctors. What people must realise is that we are not guinea pigs, on whom they can do experiments.”
It is not uncommon to find instances where those who have undergone such surgeries have regrets. Says Anjali Ameer, who made headlines for being the first transsexual to become a Mollywood heroine, candidly: “There have been days when I have had second thoughts for having undergone a sex change because of the sheer pain that one has to suffer. The follow-up is akin to that women have to put up with after a Cesarian surgery and I had to go for frequent and painful injections on the spine.” She was left rueing that she was not born a woman in those days of excruciating pain.
Surya too has a word of caution for those who are thinking of sex reassignment surgery, “They should not jump the gun, when it comes to sex change. They should prepare their body and mind before going ahead. Of course, with more medical experts and transgender friendly hospitals, if the surgery becomes successful for many, then there can be nothing in the world more joyous as this for them.”