So, they performed the first successful penis transplant recently. I guess I somewhat have mixed feelings about it because.... yay, penis! But really? That was someone else's penis. Glad they can successfully do it, but it seems so odd on many levels -- for the donor's family who says, "Yeah go ahead and take his penis, too." (just for the absurdity of saying that); for the recipient who can be happy with a new penis but I would assume have to adjust to having some other dude's penis on his body; for the recipient's family just because; and for any future sex partners the recipient has. Seems kind of odd all around, but yeah.... yay and stuff.
Full article here.
Doctors have performed the world's first successful penis transplant.
The nine-hour operation by surgeons in Cape Town offers hope to high numbers of South African men who lose their penises due to complications with traditional circumcision.
Experts thought the unnamed 21-year-old patient - who had to have his penis amputated three years ago after circumcision - would take two years to regain all function.
However, it has taken just four months for this to occur - resulting in December's operation being declared a success.
The surgery was five years in the planning at Stellenbosch University and Tygerberg Hospital.
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."
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.
Full article here.