Penectomy

Penectomy is penis removal through surgery, generally for medical or personal reasons.

Medical reasons for penectomy

Cancer, for example, sometimes necessitates removal of part or all of the penis.<ref name="pmid17896151">Template:Cite journal</ref> The amount of penis removed depends on the severity of the cancer. Some men have only the tip of their penis removed. For others with more advanced cancer, the entire penis must be removed.<ref name="menshealth">Template:Cite web</ref>

In rare instances, a botched circumcision can also result in a full or partial penectomy, as with David Reimer.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

Fournier gangrene can also be a reason for penectomy and/or orchiectomy.

Follow-up support

Because of the rarity of cancers which require the partial or total removal of the penis, support from people who have had the penis removed can be difficult to find locally. Website support networks are available.<ref name="menshealth" /> For instance, the American Cancer Society's Cancer Survivors Network website provides information for finding support networks.<ref name="acs-csn">Template:Cite web</ref> Phalloplasty is also an option for surgical reconstruction of a penis.

File:Partial penectomy.jpg

Genital area of male after partial penectomy

Sexual support

Patients who have undergone a partial penectomy as a result of a penile cancer diagnosis have reported similar sexual outcomes as prior to surgery.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref> Sexual support therapists and specialists are available nationally in the United States and can be accessed through the specialist cancer services.<ref name="menshealth" /> Many surgeons or hospitals will also provide this information postoperatively. Local government health services departments may be able to provide advice, names, and contact numbers.Template:Tone inline

See also

• Penis transplantation
• Metoidioplasty
• List of surgeries by type
• Phalloplasty
• Sex reassignment surgery (male-to-female)