First penis transplantation completed in the US

Editor's Note

Surgeons at the Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, completed the first successful penis transplantation in the US in a patient who had a subtotal penectomy for penile cancer.

Operative reinterventions were needed on postoperative days 2 and 3 for hematoma evacuation and skin eschar debridement. At 3 weeks, no anastamotic leaks were detected, and the catheter was removed. A repeat course of anti-rejection drugs were needed at postoperative day 32.

At 7 months after surgery, the patient has recovered partial sensation and has spontaneous penile tumescence.

The researchers concluded that it is feasible to perform penile transplantation with excellent results and with conventional immunosuppression.