BISHKEK -- Kyrgyzstan has successfully carried out its first sex-change surgery.



Doctors at the Bishkek-based National Hospital told RFE/RL on January 5 that the surgery was performed on a 25-year-old man from Uzbekistan in October.



Doctors said the patient -- who was not named -- has made regular returns to Bishkek for checkups since then.



The last visit to the Bishkek clinic was two weeks ago.



Doctors said the patient, who is now a documented woman with a female name, is recovering well and feeling good.



The patient told doctors she was referred to the Bishkek hospital because there is no chance for such surgery in Uzbekistan.



The doctors said 10 other potential patients have been referred for consultations on possible sex changes, but none has been carried out yet.