Johns Hopkins performs word’s first penile transplant

The team that performed the 14-hour operation included nine plastic surgeons, and two urological surgeons Dr. W.P. Andrew Lee, at center, wearing suit, led the team. A mannequin is pictured on the operating table.(Courtesy: Johns Hopkins Medical Center)

BALTIMORE — Johns Hopkins Medical Center said on Monday that it had successfully performed the world’s first penile and scrotum transplant last month.

The surgery took place on March 26 on a veteran who had been hit by an improvised explosive device while serving in Afghanistan.

A team including nine plastic surgeons and two urological surgeons was involved in the 14-hour operation. “A deceased donor’s entire penis, scrotum (without testicles) and partial abdominal wall were transplanted to the recipient,” the hospital said in a news release. “…The surgery involved transplanting skin, muscles and tendons, nerves, bone and blood vessels.”

“We are hopeful that this transplant will help restore near-normal urinary and sexual functions for this young man,” said Dr. W.P. Andrew Lee, the director of plastic and reconstructive surgery at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.

The Baltimore medical center said the patient has recovered and is expected to be discharged this week.

“It’s a real mind-boggling injury to suffer, it is not an easy one to accept,” said the recipient, who wishes to remain anonymous. “When I first woke up, I felt finally more normal… [with] a level of confidence as well. Confidence… like, finally I’m okay now.”

This article is republished with permission from Talk Media News.