Penile Reconstruction Versus Transplantation: Which One Is Ideal?

AbstractPurpose of ReviewReconstruction of composite tissues or organs is challenging, with limited functional and esthetic outcomes. Nearly 100  years passed from the first penile reconstruction is performed; however, the outcomes were far from ideal. With the beginning of the reconstructive transplantation era, new choices became possible.Recent FindingsUntil now, four penis transplantations were performed worldwide, with encouraging short-term results. Although with a short follow-up, these penile transplantations reported success. However, the problems related to systemic lifelong immunosuppression remain as the major problem related to these life-enhancing transplantations.SummaryIn this review, we revisit and evaluate the conventional methods of penis reconstruction, overview the up-to-date results of penis transplantation, and discuss advantages and disadvantages of these two techniques.
Source: Current Transplantation Reports - Category: Transplant Surgery Source Type: research