BMJ  2007;334:1179-1180 (9 June), doi:10.1136/bmj.39234.448067.3A

Letters

Cosmetic genitoplasty

Surgical solution is becoming acceptable, as for birth

The first 150 words of the full text of this article appear below.

Liao and Creighton refer to idiosyncratic decisions about cosmetic genitoplasty in the absence of local and national guidelines.¹ Having worked as a clinical psychologist in women's health for several years, I have seen patients at various stages on the labial surgery pathway, and the reasons for referral to me have been varied.

Some women have had labial surgery and request further interventions, thus causing concern to their surgeons. Satisfaction with surgery has been professed, but it has not changed how they feel about their bodies. These women are faced either with the prospect of more surgery or the stark reality that such a solution may not offer everything they had hoped. Other referrals are to "cover all bases," check that the patient is in "sound mind," and rarely can a serious psychiatric diagnosis be invoked. Unfortunately, some of these patients have already been given a date for their surgery and . . . [Full text of this article]

Department of Clinical Psychology, Hillingdon Hospital, Uxbridge, Middlesex UB8 3NN

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