Sex reassignment surgery (SRS), also known as gender reassignment surgery (GRS) is the surgical procedure (or procedures) by which a transgender or intersex person's physical appearance and function of their existing primary and secondary sex characteristics are altered to resemble that of their identified gender. [INTERSEXUAL] [TRANSGENDER IDENTITY] These methods can also be performed after accidents or diseases in order to recreate a person's sexual characteristics.

History
At mid-20th century, studies seemed to confirm that a preferably early surgical determination of the sex was best for intersexual children. Sex reassignment surgeries as well as necessary hormonal treatments were often performed without informing or consent of the parents. [1] [2]

Only since first November, 2013 an entry of sex in the register of births is no longer mandatory if an allocation is impossible. [1] [2] Today, intersex people can decide themselves whether they want a sex reassignment surgery in the course of their lives or not. [INTERSEXUAL]

Procedures
A sex reassignment surgery needs extensive specialist knowledge and extraordinary surgical skills. There are many different procedures which offer various results. [1]

Without doubt, the most complex procedure is the female to male operation. After a long-term hormonal treatment the primary and secondary sex characteristics can be adjusted. This might include a possible breast reduction or phallus construction out of female genital tissue. There are still no satisfying techniques which enable trans men to experience preferably "natural" erections or ejaculations. [1] [3]

An "easier" procedure is the male to female operation. A breast augmentation alone can already cause an effective feeling of visible femininity for trans women. The male to female surgery often provides good results. [4]