Penile Amputation: Cosmetic and Functional Results

Introduction: Penile amputation is a rare type of external genital trauma. It may arise from accidental trauma, assault or self-inflicted mutilation. As with all trauma, initial management focuses on assessment and resuscitation of the patient. When available, hypothermic preservation of the detached penis should be undertaken.

Aim: This review serves to compile the current available information on etiology and management of penile amputation injuries, with focus on functional and cosmetic results.

Main outcome measures: Main outcome measures were penile cosmetics, viability, and sensation; urethral patency and graft survival, functionality.

Methods: A literature search using Medline, PubMed (U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health), and abstracts from scientific meetings was performed from 1980-2013.

Results: Due to the rarity of penile amputation injuries, no randomized trials exist. Likewise, available published series on management of this condition are comprised of a small number of patients.

Conclusions: Penile amputation is rare but challenging. Current microreplantation procedures have a uniformly good result with a minimum number of post-operative complications. When microreplantation cannot be performed, older corporal reattachment techniques may be offered. When phallic reconstruction is required, a microsurgical free forearm flap phalloplasty may be performed to restore the patient with an acceptable cosmetic and functional phallus. Virasoro R, Tonkin JB, McCammon KA, and Jordan GH. Penile amputation: Cosmetic and functional results. Sex Med Rev 2015;3:214-222.