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Penis Amputation
What is
Penis Amputation?
Amputation of the penis (penectomy) is an
operation that removes the penis. In a partial
penectomy, part of the penis is removed. In a
total penectomy, the whole penis is removed.
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Effects
of Penis Amputation
Penectomy is the most common and most effective
treatment of cancer of the penis. Lymph nodes in
the groin may be taken out during surgery.
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Candidates for Penis Amputation
Some
men have penile amputations, known as
penectomies, for medical reasons. Cancer, for
example, sometimes necessitates removal of all
or part of the penis. In very rare instances,
botched childhood circumcisions have also
resulted in full or partial penectomies.
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Your Consultation
A
doctor should be seen if there are any of the
following problems: growths or sores on the
penis, any unusual liquid coming from the penis
(abnormal discharge), or bleeding. If there are
symptoms of cancer, the doctor will examine the
penis and feel for any lumps. When a man has
cancer of the penis or of the bottom end of the
urethra, the best treatment may be amputation of
part or all of the penis.
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The
Penis Amputation Procedure
Partial penectomy removes only the end of the
penis. The surgeon leaves enough of the shaft to
allow the man to direct his stream of urine away
from his body. If the shaft cannot be saved, the
man must have a total penectomy. This operation
removes the entire penis, including the roots
that extend into the pelvis. The surgeon creates
a new opening for the urethra (tube from the
bladder) between the man's scrotum (sac for the
testicles) and his anus. The man can still
control his urination, because the "on-off"
valve in the urethra is above the level of the
penis.
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Recovery
The
area heals surprisingly well and quickly after
surgery.
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Risks
Infection and massive blood loss are the major
risks.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q:
What happens during partial penectomy?
A:
Partial removal of the penis involves removing
just the tip or head of the penis. The surgeon
aims to save as much of the shaft of the penis
as possible. This assists with urination by
allowing the stream of urine to be directed away
from the body.
It
also means that men can pass urine standing up
in public washrooms and so maintain previous
habits and routines.
Q:
What happens during total pendectomy?
A:
Total (radical penectomy) removes the entire
penis. This includes the parts of the penis that
extend into the pelvis. Passing urine is
achieved by creating a new opening for the
urethra, the tube that carries urine from the
bladder.
Q: Is
penectomy necessary in Stage I Penile Cancer?
A:
If the tumor begins in the glans and involves
other tissues, treatment may involve amputation
of the penis (partial penectomy). Lymph nodes in
the groin may also be removed. Other treatment
options during this stage are external radiation
therapy and microsurgery.
Q: Is
it possible to have sexual intercourse after
penectomy?
A:
Men
are usually surprised to learn that a satisfying
sex life is possible after partial penectomy.
The remaining shaft of the penis still becomes
erect with excitement. It usually gains enough
length to achieve penetration. Although the most
sensitive area of the penis (the glans or
"head") is gone, a man can still reach orgasm
and have normal ejaculation. His partner also
can still enjoy intercourse and often reach
orgasm.
Some
men give up on sex after total penectomy. Since
cancer of the penis is most common in elderly
men, many have already stopped sexual activity
because of other health problems. If a man is
willing to put some effort into his sex life,
however, pleasure is possible after total
penectomy. He can learn to reach orgasm when
sensitive areas such as the scrotum, skin behind
the scrotum, and the area surrounding the
surgical scars are caressed. Having a sexual
fantasy or looking at erotic pictures or stories
can also increase excitement.
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The following list of Urology procedures are
performed at Beverly Hills Medical Group -
please click the links to find out more:
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