Replantation of the penis: a patient report

Phalloplasty: A Review of Techniques and Outcomes

BACKGROUND

Acquired or congenital absence of the penis can lead to severe physical limitations and psychological outcomes. Phallic reconstruction can restore various functional aspects of the penis and reduce psychosocial sequelae. Moreover, some female-to-male transsexuals desire creation of a phallus as part of their gender transition. Because of the complexity of phalloplasty, there is not an ideal technique for every patient. This review sets out to identify and critically appraise the current literature on phalloplasty techniques and outcomes.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search of the MEDLINE, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases was conducted for studies published through July of 2015 with multiple search terms related to phalloplasty. Data on techniques, outcomes, complications, and patient satisfaction were collected.

RESULTS

A total of 248 articles were selected and reviewed from the 790 identified. Articles covered a variety of techniques on phalloplasty. Three thousand two hundred thirty-eight patients underwent phalloplasty, with a total of 1753 complications reported, although many articles did not explicitly comment on complications. One hundred four patients underwent penile replantation and two underwent penile transplantation. Satisfaction was high, although most studies did not use validated or quantified approaches to address satisfaction.

CONCLUSIONS

Phalloplasty techniques are evolving to include a number of different flaps, and most techniques have high reported satisfaction rates. Penile replantation and transplantation are also options for amputation or loss of phallus. Further studies are required to better compare different techniques to more robustly establish best practices. However, based on these studies, it appears that phalloplasty is highly efficacious and beneficial to patients.

Technical considerations and outcomes in penile replantation

Penile amputations are uncommon injuries, therefore, the management and outcome of these patients have been compiled from solitary case studies or short reviews. Accidental trauma during circumcision, injury inflicted by a partner following marital discord, and genital self-mutilation observed in patients with deep psychosis, account for a majority of the presentations. Initially, patients with total penile amputations were managed by resuturing the penile structures without repairing the vessels. A high incidence of skin and glans necrosis, urethral strictures, and a failure of sensory recovery were observed, though the penile shaft sometimes survived. Presently, microsurgical replantation has markedly improved the results, though issues of skin loss and urethral stricture still persist. A series of three patients with penile amputation is presented (complete = 2, partial = 1); the technical considerations and outcomes are discussed.

Microsurgical penile replantation facilitated by postoperative HBO treatment

Successful microsurgical replantation of a penis amputated at the level of the pubis is a rare occurrence worldwide. Moreover, the use of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) for a postoperative replant Pseudomonas wound infection has not been reported. There is also disagreement regarding the importance of microsurgical repair of only the dorsal arteries or only the profundi arteries of the penis. A case is reported of penile replantation with a postoperative Pseudomonas wound infection treated with HBO to prevent potential replant loss, with a worldwide literature review. At 1-year postoperative follow-up, the patient has normal urinary flow and reports spontaneous erection, with the ability for intromission and a sensate glans. HBO facilitated the success of a penile replantation complicated by postoperative Pseudomonas wound infection. In addition, a literature review supports the microsurgical repair of at least a single isolated dorsal penile artery, but not a single or multiple profundi arteries.

Replantation

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

After studying this article, the participant should be able to: 1. Describe the indications and contraindications for extremity replantation. 2. Outline the sequence and technique of replantation. 3. Identify potential complications of replantation and recognize treatment options. 4. Assess the results of replantation in terms of function and costs versus benefits.