Penectomy

This article is about surgical removal of the penis. For the removal of the penis other than by surgery (e.g. torture), see Penis removal.
Not to be confused with Sex reassignment surgery (male-to-female).
Not to be confused with Castration.
Penectomy
Diagram of a penectomy
SpecialtyUrology

Penectomy is penis removal through surgery, generally for medical or personal reasons.

Medical reasons for penectomy

Cancer, for example, sometimes necessitates removal of part or all of the penis.[1] The amount of penis removed depends on the severity of the cancer. Some men have only the tip of their penis removed. For others with more advanced cancer, the entire penis must be removed.[2]

In rare instances, a botched circumcision can also result in a full or partial penectomy, as with David Reimer.[3]

Fournier gangrene can also be a reason for penectomy and/or orchiectomy.

Follow-up support

Because of the rarity of cancers which require the partial or total removal of the penis, support from people who have had the penis removed can be difficult to find locally. Website support networks are available.[2] For instance, the American Cancer Society's Cancer Survivors Network website provides information for finding support networks.[4] Phalloplasty is also an option for surgical reconstruction of a penis.

Genital area of male after partial penectomy

Sexual support

Patients who have undergone a partial penectomy as a result of a penile cancer diagnosis have reported similar sexual outcomes as prior to surgery.[5] Sexual support therapists and specialists are available nationally in the United States and can be accessed through the specialist cancer services.[2] Many surgeons or hospitals will also provide this information postoperatively. Local government health services departments may be able to provide advice, names, and contact numbers.[tone]

See also

References

  1. ^ Korets, Ruslan; Koppie, Theresa M.; Snyder, Mark E.; Russo, Paul (2007). "Partial Penectomy for Patients With Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Penis: The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Experience". Annals of Surgical Oncology. 14 (12): 3614–3619. doi:10.1245/s10434-007-9563-9. ISSN 1068-9265. PMID 17896151. S2CID 24669920.
  2. ^ a b c Kennard, Jerry (2006-07-22). "Penectomy: Partial and Total Removal of the Penis". About.com. Archived from the original on 2016-04-02. Retrieved 2011-09-25.
  3. ^ Colapinto, John (2013-03-05). As Nature Made Him: The Boy Who Was Raised as a Girl. Harper Collins. ISBN 978-0-06-227831-9.
  4. ^ "Cancer Survivors Network". American Cancer Society. Retrieved 2011-09-25.
  5. ^ Sansalone, Salvatore; Silvani, Mauro; Leonardi, Rosario; Vespasiani, Giuseppe; Iacovelli, Valerio (2015). "Sexual outcomes after partial penectomy for penile cancer: results from a multiinstitutional study". Asian Journal of Andrology. 19 (1): 57–61. doi:10.4103/1008-682X.168690. ISSN 1008-682X. PMC 5227676. PMID 26643562.
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