Penectomy: Let's talk about this sensitive topic

This is a really hard topic to talk about, and it can be a topic that many people don't even hear about. However, sometimes, as a treatment for a serious condition like penile cancer, the penis has to be surgically removed. Today we're talking about this surgery, which is medically known as a penectomy. Being aware of something like this may be important to you or someone you know someday. So let's talk about this openly and simply.

Simply put, what is Penectomy?

Penectomy is the surgical removal of your penis. There are two main types.

1. Partial Penectomy: Here, the surgeon removes only the diseased part of the penis, always trying to preserve as much healthy tissue as possible.

2. Total Penectomy: In this, the entire penis, that is, the part of the penis that is attached to the body, is removed.

This surgery is performed as a treatment for a condition affecting the penis.

Why do you have to have this kind of surgery?

The main and most common reason for this surgery is penile cancer . This is a very effective cancer treatment. Doctors usually recommend this surgery in the following cases:

• If the cancer is large .
• If the cancer has spread to surrounding tissues .
• If there is a risk of cancer coming back after treatment.

However, this surgery may be necessary not only for penile cancer, but also for other reasons, very rarely. For example, in cases of severe infection called Fournier's gangrene (in which tissue dies) or in cases of serious injury to the penis, this surgery may be necessary.

How common is this surgery?

In fact, penectomy is not a very common surgery. This is because penile cancer is a very rare type of cancer. Even in countries like North America and Europe, less than one in 100,000 men develops this cancer each year. Also, doctors try other cancer treatments before resorting to this surgery. Examples include:

• Ablation therapy: Destroying cancer cells using extreme heat or cold.
• Chemotherapy: Giving anti-cancer drugs.
• Radiation therapy: Destroying cancer cells through radiation therapy.
• Topical therapy: Applying anti-cancer creams directly to the skin.

How should I prepare before surgery?

Before this type of surgery, you will have the opportunity to speak with a team of doctors. They will recommend several tests to determine the exact type of cancer you have and its stage.

Once the results of these tests are in, the doctor will discuss with you whether partial or total removal of the penis is best for you.

In addition, your general health will be checked. This means measuring things like your body temperature, pulse, and blood pressure . This is to make sure you are healthy enough to withstand surgery.

You should also tell us about any allergies you have. For example:

• Dishes
• Latex
• Medicines
• Things like iodine that cleanse the skin

You will be advised to stop eating or drinking after midnight the night before your surgery. This is to prevent the risk of food or drink getting into your airway (aspiration) while you are under anesthesia. If you must take any essential medication, take it with a sip of water only.

How is the surgery done?

During surgery, your medical team will usually include a urologist , an anesthesiologist, and a team of nurses .

First, the anesthesiologist will put you completely to sleep. This means you won't feel any pain, you won't be conscious, it's like you're in a deep sleep.

Then, nurses will insert a small tube (urinary catheter) into your urethra and guide it up to your bladder. This drains urine and helps the surgeon locate the exact location of your urethra during surgery.

• Partial Penectomy: The surgeon removes the part of the tissue affected by the cancer. He or she tries to leave as much of the healthy part of the penis as possible. The main goal here is to allow you to urinate while standing and to preserve as much sexual function as possible . Sometimes, if the tip of the penis (glans) has to be removed, skin from another part of your body, usually the thigh, is taken to create a new tip. This is called a skin graft .
• Total Penectomy: In this procedure, the surgeon removes your entire penis, including the base that is attached to the pelvis.

If the surgery is performed due to cancer, several lymph nodes in the groin area will also be removed and sent for testing to see if the cancer has spread.

This surgery usually takes less than two hours.

What happens after the surgery?

After the surgery, the nurses will cover the area with bandages or skin glue. Once the anesthesiologist stops giving you the anesthetic, you will gradually regain consciousness within a few minutes. At first, you will feel a little dizzy.

You will then be taken to the recovery room. They will monitor your condition closely until you are fully awake. After you regain consciousness, you will be given painkillers. Some people may feel nauseous due to the anesthesia, and they will give you medicine for that as well, if necessary.

Here are some things you can usually expect in the hospital after surgery:

• You will have to stay in the hospital for about one to three days.
• The catheter will be left in place for about two weeks.
• Sometimes a small tube (surgical drain) will be placed at the surgical site to drain any blood that collects there.
• You will be able to eat and drink as before.
• The swelling in the surgical area will last for some time.

How do you urinate after the penis is completely removed?

In a total penectomy, the surgeon reattaches your urethra to another location. That is, a new opening is created in the area between your anus and your scrotum (the perineum). This is called a perineal urethrostomy . This means that you have to sit down to urinate.

Is it possible to make a new penis?

Although this is not possible in all cases, sometimes a surgeon can take skin and tissue from another part of your body (such as your arm or thigh) to create a new penis. This surgery is called a phalloplasty . This is a very complex procedure.

What are the benefits and risks of this surgery?

Like any surgery, this one has benefits and risks.

The main advantage is that this is the most successful treatment for penile cancer. The survival rate is usually highest after this surgery.

Risks and Complications

As well as common risks of every surgery, there are also risks specific to this surgery.

Impact on mental health

This is one of the biggest challenges of this surgery. While it can be physically painful, it can also have a significant impact on your mental health. A healthy penis is very important for your sexual and emotional health. The size, appearance, and urination changes of your penis can have a significant impact on your self-confidence and self-esteem. Therefore,

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Stress
• Disappointment with life

Situations like this can arise. It is very important to understand that these feelings are completely normal .

Things to know about sex life after surgery

This is a problem for many people.

But remember, sexuality is not limited to intercourse. There are many other ways to express your sexuality. Talking to a sex therapist can be a great help in overcoming these difficulties. Also, you can talk openly about this with your partner and maintain sexual intimacy through other methods, such as kissing and cuddling.

How long does it take to recover? (Recovery Time)

Everyone's recovery rate is different, but here are some general things to expect.

If you have these symptoms, call your doctor immediately.

Pay attention to your body during your recovery. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor or go to the hospital immediately.

• Signs of an infection: fever, chills, extreme tiredness, or headache.
• Excessive bleeding.
• Having pain that cannot be controlled even with painkillers.
• Symptoms of Sepsis: (This is a severe infection that can be life-threatening).
• If you are concerned about any new or worsening symptoms .

It is normal to experience a variety of emotions before undergoing surgery. You may feel angry, lonely, sad, or frustrated. All of these feelings are normal. The most important thing is to understand that you are not alone in this journey. Talk to your family and friends. Also, be open about any concerns you may have with your doctor and the nursing staff. Seek the help of a counselor if necessary.

penectomy, removal of the penis, penile cancer, penile cancer, urology, men's health, surgery, phalloplasty