Penis transplantation

Penis transplantation is a surgical procedure where a penis is transplanted to a person who does not have one due to birth defects, disease or trauma. This procedure is considered a type of Vascularized composite allotransplantation (VCA).

History

The first successful penis transplant was performed in September 2006 at a military hospital in Guangzhou, China. The recipient was a 44-year-old male who had sustained a traumatic penile loss in an accident. The transplanted penis came from a 22-year-old male. However, the transplanted penis was later removed due to psychological problems experienced by the recipient and his wife.

The first successful long-term penis transplant was performed by a team of South African surgeons at Stellenbosch University and Tygerberg Hospital in Cape Town in December 2014. The recipient was a 21-year-old man who had lost his penis due to complications from a traditional circumcision.

Procedure

The procedure of penis transplantation involves the connection of blood vessels, nerves and the urethra to the recipient's body. The surgery can take up to 12 hours and requires a team of surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, and other medical professionals.

Risks and Complications

Like all transplant surgeries, penis transplantation carries risks such as infection, bleeding, and rejection of the transplanted organ. Patients must take immunosuppressive drugs for the rest of their lives to prevent rejection of the new organ.

Ethical Considerations

There are several ethical considerations in penis transplantation. These include the source of the donor organ, the informed consent process, and the psychological impact on the recipient and his partner.

See Also

• Organ transplantation
• Vascularized composite allotransplantation
• Stellenbosch University
• Tygerberg Hospital

References

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