A man walks past a Community Health Centre on May 13, 2014 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo : Getty Images/Scott Barbour)
A team of surgeons in Boston has performed the first penile transplant in the United States. The 64-year-old recipient, Thomas Manning, is recovering well after the crucial surgery.
During a press conference with the news media on May 16, Monday, the surgeons at the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston said that a penile transplant is a kind of procedure that could help severely wounded soldiers in the future. The surgeons further shared the status of Manning's health, stating that he is recovering well and there are no signs of transplant rejection till now.
The transplant was conducted by a team of over 50 doctors and nurses. The operation lasted for over 15 hours and the transplanted organ was taken from a deceased donor.
Manning, who is a bank courier from Halifax, was diagnosed with penile cancer in 2012, after which his organ was amputated. If the penile transplant is completely successful and there are no signs of rejection, Manning should be able to regain control of urination in a few weeks and gain sexual function within a few months.
The penile transplant was performed as a part of a research program with the end goal of helping the veteran soldiers who brave severe injuries affecting their pelvis, The New York Times has learned. In addition, the program research program findings also intend to help accident victims and cancer patients.
Manning did not stay back from answering questions about the penile transplant publicly, basically to help people get rid of the stigma associated with genital injuries and cancer, according to a press release by Massachusettes General Hospital.
Dr. Curtis L. Cetrulo, the surgical team lead, revealed during the press conference that Manning will have to take anti-rejection injections for the remaining years of his life. The anti-rejection drugs will help with nerve regeneration and restoring the function of the transplant.
The surgeon further said that another burn victim is in line for the penile transplant. The team is planning to perform the surgery as soon as a suitable donor is available.
The following press conference video shows the two surgeons announce that they have performed nation's first penile transplant:
