 The new vagina was managed by frequent or daily insertion of fingers or retractors, and the new urethra was kept open by the daily introduction of the catheter, ensuring against neomeatal stenosis.Most patients spent two weeks in the clinic.In 1975 one patient addressed Burou, requesting his services, and received a prompt reply that detailed the cost of sex-reassignment surgery at US$5,000 “payable in cash upon arrival, if possible in travelers cheques.” The price included “12 - 15 days hospitalization at the clinic, medical care and fees included, as well as the doctor’s payment.” This price is considered modest for the time based upon reports that indicated the average cost of sex-reassignment surgery was on the rise.