1115 – Bilateral mastectomy in the gender-affirming process: a contemporary clinical and epidemiological overview

Abstract

Introduction: Bilateral mastectomy in the gender-affirming process (BMGP) is an important intervention for gender
affirmation and improvement of quality of life for transgender individuals, involving biopsychosocial aspects and access
to public health policies. Therefore, analyzing its distribution and trends is justified to evaluate and improve planning
and access to this type of care.
Methods: A descriptive, ecological study using secondary data extracted from the Hospital Information System of DATASUS.
Data were collected from 2018 to 2025, with nationwide coverage, and compiled in an electronic spreadsheet using descriptive statistics, quantifying the number of procedures over the years. Individuals of all age groups were included, and the
variable analyzed was the number of BMGP procedures.
Results: It was observed that the number of procedures remained low and stable from 2018 to 2022, with an annual average of 6.6 BMGPs. The year 2020 was an exception, showing an 85.7% decrease compared to 2019. In contrast, the period
between 2023 and 2025 exhibited an increase from 24 surgeries in 2023 to 162 in 2025, representing a growth of 575%.
Additionally, regarding geographic distribution, the data indicate the Northeast region as having the highest number of
procedures (144 total cases), while other regions demonstrated a later but increasing growth trend. In total, the other
regions recorded 68 (Southeast), 19 (South), 52 (Midwest), and 38 (North) surgeries.
Conclusion: BMGP in Brazil exhibited low numbers between 2018 and 2022, with a decline in 2020, followed by a significant increase starting in 2023. The recent rise suggests progress in access and public health policies. Therefore, it is necessary to support this upward trend by strengthening the healthcare network and ensuring equity in care.
Ethics: Public data.