Phalloplasty
is the construction of a phallus from skin found
elsewhere on the body. Medical surgery, at the
present time, is unable to replicate a
functioning penis for any man. For this
reason, information in this section uses the
term phallus rather than penis.
Unfortunately at the present time, phalloplasty
surgical procedures are considered to be
medically 'experimental' as surgical techniques
are still being developed and perfected.
Despite this reality, many
men still seek this type of genital
recontruction; a phallus:
- that looks
realistic;
- through which
urination from the stranding position is
possible ;
- with erectile
function; and
- has erogenous
sensation.
Construction of a
phallus
Construction of a
phallus for men identified female at
birth or reconstruction of a phallus
carried out on men identified male at
birth who have suffered removal of their penis
through illness or accident, are
similar.
The first part of this
procedure requires the preparation of the skin
to create the phallus, this can be taken from
the abdomen, groin, leg, forearm and grafted
into the pubic area, depending on the type of
procedure. The phallus is attached by connecting
the nerves, arteries and veins to the groin
area.
Urination
function
Surgery on men (identified
male at birth) is usually easier since
the urethra (urine tube) ends at the front of
the genital area. The urethra of men born
without a penis or men who have no penis (due to
illness or accidents) require the urethra to
be lengthened to enable urination through
the phallus. It is the lengthening of the
urethra which causes the most complications for
phalloplasty. Why? A surgically created urethra
is susceptible to fissures,
strictures or a combination of
both.
- A fissure is a
break or gap in the urethra.
- A stricture is
a narrowing of the urethra.
Creation and healing of a
phallus is reasonably possible for many men.
Urination through the phallus while standing is
the main reason many men are committed to
phalloplasty. Creation of a functioning urethra
remains the most complicated aspect of this
surgical procedure.
Scrotal
construction
It is possible to
construct a scrotum including testicular
implants at this time or after healing has
occured. A scotoplasty
procedure can be carried out to result in
reasonable appearing male genitals.
Erectile
function
Erection of the phallus is
possible, as it is for other men with a range of
erectile dysfunction.
There are a number of
different erectile prostheses available
to surgeons which can be implanted in the
phallus to obtain rigidity of the phallus as an
erection on demand.
The erectile prosthesis is
usually done in a separate surgery to ensure an
optimum healing outcome.
Conclusion
This short section on
phalloplasty should not be your only research.
You can find further information on the internet
and you are advised to contact other men in a
similar situation for their personal
experiences. Contact surgeons in this field of
surgery for their advice and further
information.
positives
- offers an acceptable
neophallus;
- can assist some men
feel more 'complete';
- might permit urination
in standing position;
- can increase self
confidence socially and sexually.
negatives
- expensive;
- invasive
surgery;
- multiple surgical
procedures;
- often requires lengthy
time off time;
- main complications
remain with extending the urethra (stricture
formation and/or fistulae) which may be
reduced by a two-stage procedure. However, if
complications persist, urination may be
possible only from a sitting position or even
urinary incontinence.
Phalloplasty
