Surgeons are developing techniques and policies for penis transplant.
It is currently not available totransgendermales, though the possibility is under study.
It followed a failed attempt in China, in which the transplant was removed two weeks later.
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Who Is a Candidate for a Penis Transplant?
Other experts have weighed in on the criteria and suggested modifications moving forward.
They include:
As the science evolves, it’s likely that further changes will be recommended and adopted.
These evaluations can include tests like theMini-Mental Status Exam, and assessments to ensure informed consent.
This can include the nerves and blood vessels grafted to the recipient.
The techniques also may need to be revisited.
It is a special decision made by the loved ones of the donor.
Those waiting for a penis donor can expect it to take weeks or months.
A person waiting for a penis donor may be called into surgery at a moments notice.
This procedure lowers the risk of rejections of the new organ being transplanted.
To avoid the ethical complications involved, the testicles were not transplanted.
Even after recovery, transplant recipients will need to be monitored throughout their lives.
Results in the Boston and Baltimore cases have been excellent, however.
A recipient is given immunosuppressant medications to fight this risk, but they become more vulnerable to infection.
The risk of transplant failure and rejection is considerable.
Summary
Penis transplant is still rare, with just five successful cases in the world.
Transgender people are not yet eligible but may be in the future.
A penis transplant is a complex procedure.
Candidates need to go through extensive testing, including their psychological profile, and wait for a donor match.
Organ rejection is a lifelong risk and requires maintenance medications.
Your healthcare provider can discuss the option with you.
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