Reconstructive Surgery in Penile Cancer

0
Dec 15, 2014/ 0 Comments / in General Medical Posts / by
Reconstructive Surgery in Penile Cancer

Reconstructive Surgery in Penile Cancer

Most men diagnosed with the human papilloma virus (HPV) infection are vulnerable to developing penile cancer. HPV is blamed for causing genital warts. Research reveals that penile cancer is more prevalent among men with an HPV infection, with almost 5 of 10 men with penile cancer diagnosed with HPV. Reconstructive surgery will help prevent the risk of long-term problems in sexual function. Any physical changes to the penis after surgery can further be corrected with reconstructive surgery. The doctor may use skin and muscle from other parts of the body to recreate a functioning penis.


How Reconstructive Surgery is Performed?

Penile Erythematous Lesions IMageReconstructive surgery is performed using tissue from the forearm to recreate a ‘new’ penis, restoring its function and appearance.  This is usually performed after a total penectomy to cover a defect in the skin due to the spreading of penile cancer to the overlying lymph nodes.

Often performed a year after penectomy, penile reconstructive surgery may include:

  • – Cutting the suspensory ligament
  • – Removal of fat
  • – Skin grafts and tissue flaps
  • – Reconstruction of the penis

You may choose to recreate a new penis after undergoing penile cancer surgery that completely or partially removes the penis. The goals of reconstruction surgery in penile cancer include:

  • venous leakage image– Creating a urethra for urine passage
  • – Helping the man experience sensation in the penis
  • – Improving the rigidity in the penis for sexual intercourse

The doctor may use skin grafts from the forearm, abdomen, leg, groin, or scrotum for reconstruction of the penis after a penectomy. You may be required to undergo more than one penile reconstructive surgery for complete reconstruction. In some cases, six operations are performed to get the desired results.

Penile reconstruction surgery is primarily performed as a radical treatment for such conditions as penile cancer, penile trauma, corporal fibrosis, short penis, and other similar conditions linked to congenital abnormalities of the urethra and surgeries resulting in cosmetic and functional deformities.