A PENILE CANCER survivor, Thomas Manning, has received the first penis transplant in the United States.
The 64-year-old said that after the transplant his life has been changed. He said:
I begin a new chapter filled with personal hope and hope for others who have suffered genital injuries.
Thomas said that by speaking out about his experience, he wanted to help to de-stigmatise genital cancers and injuries. He added: “In sharing this success with all of you, it’s my hope we can usher in a bright future for this type of transplantation”.
He previously had most of his penis removed during surgery while fighting cancer.
Manning, who is a bank courier, said he is looking forward to going back to work and hopes to eventually have a love life again.
The surgery is part of a research programme which aims to help veterans with severe pelvic injuries, as well as cancer patients and accident victims.
Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston confirmed that it carried out the 15-hour procedure, which connected the complex nerve and vascular structures of the deceased donor’s penis.
The leader of the surgical team, Dr Curtis L Cetrulo began researching the possibility of a penile transplant in 2012. He said he now hopes these techniques will be a solution to the psychological impacts that a genital injury can cause. He said:
We are hopeful that there reconstructive techniques will allow us to alleviate the suffering and despair of those who have experienced devastating genitourinary injuries.
Dr Cetrulo added that if everything goes as planned within a few weeks normal urination should be possible.
A South African man received the world’s first successful penis transplant in December 2014. The nine-hour operation took place at Tygerberg Hospital in Cape Town.
Just months after the operation, the 21-year-old’s girlfriend became pregnant.
FAQs about Penile Transplants – answered by the Massachusetts General Hospital.
Will sexual function be restored?
We are cautiously optimistic that sexual function will be restored.
How was a donor selected and the family approached?
This was a thorough approval process developed by the leadership at the New England Organ Bank. The way in which they approach the donor family, which was vetted through their advisory and oversight committees, is based on sensitivities and respect to the donor and his family.
How many surgeons on the team?
There were seven attending surgeons and six fellows/residents.
How many caregivers?
More than 30, including anesthesiologists, nurses, physician assistants, scrub nurses, circulators and organ bank personnel.
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