Surgeons at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) have conducted the first penile transplant in the U.S. The recipient is a 64-year-old man, who underwent a penis amputation in 2012, as a consequence of cancer. He will recover the function of the organ, said physicians in a statement issued Monday.

The operation led by Curtis L. Cetrulo, Jr., MD, and Dicken S.C. Ko, MD, took 15 hours. Surgeons were able to surgically “graft the complex microscopic vascular and neural structures in a donor organ”, onto the structures of Thomas Manning.

Men who lose their penises due to disease or injuries can live without the organ. However, psychological aspects of such a condition may be “overwhelming”. Image Credit: The Star
Men who lose their penises due to disease or injuries can live without the organ. However, psychological aspects of such a condition may be “overwhelming”. Image Credit: The Star

Mr. Manning continues to recover, his blood flow has been established and he shows no signs of infection, said the MGH. Physicians expect he will recover the functions he had lost after a penectomy. Such a complex medical procedure was achieved after more than three years of research.

The procedure is scientifically called ‘genitourinary vascularized composite allograft’ (GUVCA) transplant. It is the result of research among several departments of the MGH, including: Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Urology, Psychiatry, Infectious Disease, Nursing, and Social Work.

The three main objectives of GUVCA is to reconstruct external genitalia to a more natural aspect, and re-establish urinary function. In addition, it will help accomplish sexual function, wrote physicians. Losing genitalia can be “truly devastating” to an individual.

Men who lose their penises due to disease or injuries can live without the organ. However, psychological aspects of such a condition may be “overwhelming”, said the team of surgeons. The latter, has been working to guarantee the recovery of Manning.

“We are hopeful that these reconstructive techniques will allow us to alleviate the suffering and despair of those who have experienced devastating genitourinary injuries and are often so despondent they consider taking their own lives,” said Cetrulo, of the MGH Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the Transplant Center.

Mr. Manning sees a bright future for penile transplant

Former president of the Urologic Society for Transplantation and Renal Surgery Mr. Ko, said that the new medical goal has been achieved due to the joint work of an “extraordinary multidisciplinary team”. Researchers expect to use the new technique to treat patients with pelvic and genitourinary tissue loss.

Mr. Manning wanted to share his story with the world, in order to help others who may receive a similar transplant in the future. He also thanked his family, his medical team and the donor’s family for giving him an “improved quality of life”, said the MGH in a press release.

“Today I begin a new chapter filled with personal hope and hope for others who have suffered genital injuries, particularly for our service members who put their lives on the line and suffer serious damage as a result.” Mr. Manning said. “it’s my hope we can usher in a bright future for this type of transplantation.”

Alexandra Glazier, President and CEO of the New England Organ Bank, thanked the donor’s family for consenting the donation, while they were struggling with the death of a family member. At the same time, she sent a message to Manning, saying the family feels blessed and is praying for his recovery.

Source: Massachusetts General Hospital (Press Release)