Genital reconstruction for cancer patient

Hanoi A 36-year-old man had his penis amputated due to cancer. Surgeons reconstructed the organ and restored sexual function.

The patient was diagnosed with penile cancer 5 years ago, with symptoms of discharge, inflammation and ulcers, and had to have his entire genitals removed and then undergo radiation therapy. Over time, his quality of life has been severely reduced due to inconveniences in personal activities and lack of sexual activity.

He went to the 108 Military Central Hospital for examination, hoping to have his genitals reconstructed. Doctors at the Craniofacial and Plastic Surgery Center used microsurgical fat flaps to correct the patient's defects.

On August 20, Associate Professor, Dr. Vu Ngoc Lam, Director of the Center for Craniofacial Surgery and Plastic Surgery, said that penis reconstruction using microsurgical fat flaps is one of the complex techniques because many steps must be performed in the same surgery. The purpose is to create a new penis with a realistic shape and, more importantly, must be able to perform genitourinary functions.

Doctors took a skin flap from the patient's forearm to reconstruct the entire penis, urethra, and glans. The hardness of the penis was created using autologous rib cartilage.

Two weeks after surgery, the patient was able to stand up and urinate like other men, something he had not been able to do for five years. His sexual function also gradually recovered.

Doctors reconstruct the patient's genitals. Photo: An Ngoc — Doctors reconstruct the patient's genitals. Photo: *An Ngoc*

Doctor Lam recommends that people with signs of inflammation, ulcers, and discharge from the penis should go to the hospital for examination and timely treatment.

"In the case of penile cancer, it is necessary to remove this part, but the patient does not completely lose hope and can be reconstructed," said Dr. Lam.

Le Nga

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