First Penis Transplant at Massachusetts General Hospital

A man from Halifax, Massachusetts, who had his penis removed due to penile cancer, underwent the experimental 15-hour penis transplant operation earlier in May. The organ was transplanted from a deceased donor.

Massachusetts General Hospital is making history today with the announcement of the nation’s first genitourinary reconstructive (penile) transplant. The result of more than three years of research, a team of 30 physicians, anesthesiologists, nurses, fellows and residents, worked to surgically graft the vascular and nerve structures. Patient Thomas Manning, 64, who had penile cancer that necessitated removal of his penis to cure the cancer, received the donation in early May.

“Today’s announcement is a major milestone in the field of transplantation, one of which will give hope to those who suffer from serious genital injuries,” said Dr. Curtis Cetrulo of Mass General Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. “The entire transplant team has worked tirelessly to ensure that our patient is on a strong path to recovery, thanks in part to the gift of organ donation.”

Credit: A photo released by Massachusetts General Hospital on May 16, 2016, shows Thomas Manning, who earlier this month underwent a 15-hour procedure resulting in the nation’s first penis transplant.