17231. SEX CHANGE SURGERY. This paper covers the historical background of sex change (gender reassignment) operations, and the differences between true transsexualism and “cross dressing”. It also discusses pre-surgery preparations, hormone therapy, and the surgical procedures involved in both male-to-female and female-to-male reassignments. The possible negative side effects and ethical issues are described, but it is also noted that recent improvements in techniques are leading to increased reports of patient satisfaction. Keywords: transgender transsexual sex change surgery gender reassignment. 16 pages; 54 footnotes; 10 bibliographic sources.