The world's first penis transplant was a success
It could now become a more common procedure
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A team of surgeons from Stellenbosch University in South Africa has completed the first successful penile transplant in the world, with the patient now having full use of the organ.
Nine more patients will now receive new penises, and the procedure could eventually be extended to men who have lost their members from cancer or as a last-resort treatment for severe erectile dysfunction.
A 21-year-old man was the first recipient of the transplant during a nine-hour operation in December, having had his penis amputated three years ago following complications arising out of a circumcision.
According to the university, he has made a full recovery and has regained all function in the newly transplanted organ.
"Our goal was that he would be fully functional at two years and we are very surprised by his rapid recovery," said lead surgeon Professor Andre van der Merwe.
"This is a very serious situation. For a young man of 18 or 19 years the loss of his penis can be deeply traumatic.
"He doesn’t necessarily have the psychological capability to process this. There are even reports of suicide among these young men."
"It's a massive breakthrough. We've proved that it can be done – we can give someone an organ that is just as good as the one that he had," Graewe added. "It was a privilege to be part of this first successful penis transplant in the world."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments