US docs perform world’s first penis transplant

WASHINGTON: Doctors at Johns Hopkins University said they have performed the world’s first total penis and scrotum transplant on a US military serviceman who was wounded in Afghanistan.

The 14-hour operation took place on March 26, and was performed by a team of nine plastic surgeons and two urology surgeons, JHU said in a statement.

“We are hopeful that this transplant will help restore near-normal urinary and sexual functions for this young man,” said W.P. Andrew Lee, professor and director of plastic and reconstructive surgery at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.

The entire penis, scrotum without testicles and partial abdominal wall came from a deceased donor.

The recipient has requested anonymity, but released a brief statement saying he is expected to be released from the hospital next week. — AFP