Penectomy
Risk Factors for Penile Cancer
- Have been treated with UV light and psoralen for psoriasis
- Aren’t circumcised
- Have HPV or AIDS
- Smoke
- Are more than 50 years old
- Have foreskin issues like phimosis and secretions that collect under the foreskin (smegma)
How to Prepare for Penectomy
Before a penectomy is performed, the patient’s physician will discuss other treatment options for penile cancer. It’s important to consult an experienced surgeon who will answer all patient questions and ensure surgery is performed successfully. Patients with less invasive cancers may be treated with partial penectomy, which removes less tissue than total penectomy.
What to Expect During Penectomy
Patients with a large and invasive tumor or penile cancer that is likely to return will need a partial or total penectomy.
During a partial penectomy, the surgeon will leave as much of the organ as possible so that the patient can still stand to urinate. If the cancer is confined to the tip, then the surgeon may perform a glansectomy by applying a skin graft.
During a total penectomy, the entire organ and the root that goes into the pelvis is removed. The urethra, which is the tube that allows urine to exit the body, will be rerouted to a spot in the perineum, which is the area between the anus and scrotum. This procedure is called a perineal urethrostomy. The patient will need to sit when urinating.
Patients undergoing a penectomy to treat penile cancer will also have their lymph nodes removed.
This will help determine if the cancer has spread. In some cases, the patient may undergo phalloplasty, which is penile reconstruction.
The Recovery Process
After a penectomy, the patient will:
Remain in the hospital for two to three days
Have a urinary catheter in place to drain urine for up to 14 days
Have a tube to allow blood to drain from the wound
Be able to eat and drink as usual
Have swelling that should subside within a few weeks
Patients will need to take one month off from work and avoid lifting anything heavy for four to six weeks. They may also need to wear compression stockings and or take medication to prevent blood clots.
It’s important to attend all follow-up appointments to ensure a speedy recovery, without complications.
Risks of Penectomy
After the surgery, patients may experience the following complications or side effects:
- Excessive bleeding
- Urinary tract infection
- Infection at the treatment area
- Lymphedema in the legs, which is when fluid drains into the soft tissue of the scrotum
Patients should call their physician if they develop a high fever and experience excessive bleeding. Pain that doesn’t respond to prescribed medication may also indicate a complication that needs immediate medical attention. Patients with new or worsening symptoms should call their doctor to schedule an appointment to avoid serious complications.
