Many soldiers returning from combat bear visible scars, or even lost limbs, caused by blasts from improvised explosive devices, or IEDs. Some servicemen also return with debilitating hidden injuries—the loss of all or part of their genitals.

The Johns Hopkins reconstructive surgery team that performed the country’s first bilateral arm transplant in a wounded warrior has now successfully performed the first total penis and scrotum transplant in the world, Johns Hopkins Medicine announced today. A team of nine plastic surgeons and two urological surgeons was involved in the 14-hour surgery on March 26. They transplanted from a deceased donor the entire penis, scrotum (without testicles) and partial abdominal wall.

“We are hopeful that this transplant will help restore near-normal urinary and sexual functions for this young man,” says W.P. Andrew Lee, professor and director of plastic and reconstructive surgery at Johns Hopkins University’s School of Medicine.

The recipient is a veteran who sustained injuries in Afghanistan and wishes to remain anonymous. He has recovered from the surgery and is expected to be discharged from the hospital this week.

Read More at the Source: Johns Hopkins surgeons perform world’s first total penis and scrotum transplant | Hub

By: Archana Nilaweera
Image: Johns Hopkins Medicine