Performing Surgery to Reverse FGM (Excerpt from ‘The Cut That Heals’)

Summary

In the Sano Surgery Center, Dr. Marcy Bowers performs clitoral plastic surgery to restore the genitalia of women who have undergone female genital mutilation (FGM). This centuries-old cultural practice has left many with lifelong complications. The surgery not only addresses urinary and menstrual issues by enlarging the constricted openings but also aims to restore sexual sensation through a procedure called clitoroplasty. Dr. Bowers believes in the importance of sensuality and sexuality as a basic human sense, and her work seeks to give back what FGM has taken away.

Takeaways

• 🚑 The script describes a surgical procedure called clitoroplasty, which is a type of clitoral reconstruction surgery performed on women who have undergone female genital mutilation (FGM).
• 🌐 FGM is a cultural tradition that involves forced cutting or scraping of the genitalia in young girls, leading to lifelong complications for most.
• 🔍 The patient in the script is part of a small but increasing number of women choosing to undergo surgery to restore their genitalia.
• 👩‍⚕️ Dr. Marcy Bowers is a surgeon who dedicates a portion of her practice to helping women with FGM, performing surgeries that can restore normal genital function.
• ✂️ The initial incision in the surgery involves cutting through scar tissue to expose any remaining genitalia, addressing issues of constriction and narrowing.
• 💧 One of the immediate benefits of the surgery is the ability to urinate comfortably, which was previously hindered due to the small opening caused by FGM.
• 🤰 Another benefit is the potential for women to give birth naturally instead of via C-section, which was not possible due to the small genital opening.
• 🩸 The script highlights the restoration of menstruation comfort, which was also affected by the FGM.
• ❤️ Dr. Bowers performs a procedure called clitoroplasty, which aims to expose sensitive clitoral tissue to restore sexual feeling, emphasizing the importance of sensuality and sexuality as a basic human sense.
• 🔄 The surgery not only corrects physical damage but also uncovers the hidden, healthy genitalia underneath, which can be very helpful for the patient's overall well-being.
• 🎶 The script concludes with a musical note, symbolizing the positive impact of the surgery on the patient's life, giving back a sense that was previously taken away.

Q & A

What is the medical condition described in the transcript?

The medical condition described is a result of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), where the clitoris has been sewn shut, causing complications such as difficulty in urination and menstruation.

What is FGM and what does it stand for?

FGM stands for Female Genital Mutilation, which is a centuries-old cultural tradition involving the forced cutting or scraping of the genitalia in young girls, leading to lifelong complications.

Why are some women opting for surgery to restore their genitalia?

Some women with FGM are opting for surgery to restore their genitalia to alleviate complications such as difficulty urinating, menstruating, and to restore sexual feeling.

Who is Dr. Marcy Bowers and what role does she play in this context?

Dr. Marcy Bowers is a surgeon who has a small part of her practice devoted to women with FGM, performing surgeries to restore their genitalia.

What is the first step Dr. Bowers takes in the surgery described?

Dr. Bowers' first step in the surgery is to make an incision through the scar tissue to expose any genitalia left underneath.

What is the purpose of the defibrillation procedure performed by Dr. Bowers?

The purpose of the defibrillation procedure is to address the problem of constriction and narrowing of the genital area, allowing for normal function.

What benefits does the surgery offer to women who have undergone FGM?

The surgery can offer benefits such as the ability to give birth naturally, urinate and menstruate comfortably, and restore sexual sensation.

What is the significance of the clitoris in the context of the surgery?

In the context of the surgery, the clitoris is significant because it contains sensitive tissue that, when exposed through a procedure called clitoroplasty, can help restore sexual feeling.

What distinguishes Dr. Bowers' work from other surgeons who perform defibrillations?

Dr. Bowers' work is distinguished by the inclusion of a procedure called clitoroplasty, which aims to expose sensitive clitoral tissue to restore sexual feeling.

What is Dr. Bowers' personal belief regarding the importance of sensuality and sexuality?

Dr. Bowers believes that sensuality and sexuality are fundamental human senses, akin to sight, sound, smell, and touch, and restoring these senses through surgery can be enormously beneficial.

What is the final outcome expected for the patient undergoing the surgery described in the script?

The expected final outcome for the patient is the restoration of normal genital function, including the ability to urinate and menstruate comfortably, and the potential for restored sexual sensation.