Penectomy

Penectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the partial or total removal of the penis. It is often performed as a treatment for penile cancer, severe trauma to the penis, or as part of sex reassignment surgery for transgender women.

Types of Penectomy

There are two main types of penectomy: partial and total.

• Partial Penectomy: In a partial penectomy, only part of the penis is removed. The goal is to preserve as much penile length as possible while ensuring all cancerous or damaged tissue is removed. This procedure is often used in the treatment of penile cancer when the disease is localized to a specific part of the penis.

• Total Penectomy: A total penectomy involves the removal of the entire penis. This procedure is typically reserved for cases where cancer has spread throughout the penis or when severe trauma has occurred. In some cases, a total penectomy may also be performed as part of sex reassignment surgery for transgender women.

Procedure

During a penectomy, the patient is placed under general anesthesia. The surgeon then makes an incision in the penis and removes the necessary tissue. If a total penectomy is being performed, the entire penis is removed. In some cases, the surgeon may also remove the scrotum and testicles, particularly in cases of sex reassignment surgery.

Following the removal of the penis, the surgeon creates a new opening for urine to exit the body, known as a urethrostomy. This is typically located in the perineum, the area between the scrotum and the anus.

Aftercare and Recovery

After a penectomy, patients typically stay in the hospital for several days to recover. Pain management is a key part of aftercare, as is monitoring for potential complications such as infection or bleeding.

Patients who have undergone a penectomy may also require psychological support to cope with the loss of their penis. This can include counseling or support groups.

See Also

• Phalloplasty
• Sex reassignment surgery
• Penile cancer
• Urethrostomy