Canadian Man Amputates Healthy Fingers to Alleviate Body Integrity Dysphoria

The elective surgery, aimed at addressing the man's profound distress and risk of self-harm, sparks debate on the ethics and necessity of such treatments.

• A 20-year-old Canadian man had two healthy fingers amputated to address his body integrity dysphoria, a condition where individuals feel certain body parts don't belong to them.
• The man experienced immediate relief after the amputation, which was decided upon due to his profound distress and the potential risks of self-harm.
• Despite ethical concerns and limited literature on body integrity dysphoria, the elective surgery was based on the patient's sustained desire and the distinct presentation involving two fingers rather than a complete limb.
• The case highlights the importance of understanding body integrity dysphoria and the potential for elective amputation to resolve distressing preoccupations, although it remains too under-studied to be a first-line treatment option.
• The decision to amputate was also seen as a step towards more inclusive healthcare practices, recognizing the unique needs of patients with body integrity dysphoria.

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