Doctors Perform World's First Successful Penis Transplant In South Africa

The unnamed 21-year-old beneficiary of the transplant had to have his penis amputated three years ago after circumcision, and after his surgery last December, experts thought would take him two years to regain all function. However, it took just four months for this to occur resulting in the operation being declared an outstanding success.

According to Sky News, the surgery was five years in the planning at Stellenbosch University and Tygerberg Hospital. The surgery has been attempted once before - but this is the first example of a successful long-term result. Experts estimate as many as 250 penis amputations take place every year across South Africa.

It was led by Professor Andre van der Merwe, who said:

"We are very surprised by his rapid recovery.

"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.

"There is a greater need in South Africa for this type of procedure than elsewhere in the world, as many young men lose their penises every year due to complications from traditional circumcision."

"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.

"The heroes in all of this for me are the donor, and his family. They saved the lives of many people because they donated the heart, lungs, kidneys, liver, skin, corneas, and then the penis."

The nine-hour operation offers hope to high numbers of South African men who lose their penises due to complications with traditional circumcision. The procedure could eventually be extended to men who have lost their penises from penile cancer or as a last-resort treatment for severe erectile dysfunction.

Stellenbosch University posted the announcement on the Facebook page.

Post by Stellenbosch University, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences.

You can also watch the video below...