
Pediatric vs Adult Intersex Surgery: Consent, Ethics & Consensus
Pediatric vs Adult Intersex Surgery: Consent, Ethics & The Modern Consensus Pediatric vs Adult Intersex Surgery: Consent, Ethics, & The Modern Consensus Intersex variations have long led to medical interventions. However, the last few decades mark a profound, necessary shift. The medical community now approaches surgery for children and adults with Differences of Sex Development (DSD) very differently. This article, therefore, dives into the complex, often contentious, differences between Pediatric vs Adult Intersex Surgery. We explore the critical role of informed consent, the evolution of medical ethics, and the overwhelming modern consensus for deferred, patient-centered care. 🧑⚕️ Executive Summary: Key Takeaways Shifting Paradigm: The standard of care has moved from early, non-consensual pediatric urological surgery to a model of deferred surgery. This wait ensures the patient can provide fully informed consent. Ethical Foundation: The core conflict centers on the patient’s autonomy versus the desire for ‘normalization.’ The modern consensus, consequently,