What Is Male Genital Reconstruction Surgery?
Male genital reconstructive surgery treats functional problems caused by genital infections, injuries, or illnesses:
- Buried penis that occurs when the skin of your abdomen or groin hides your penis
- Circumcision complications
- Fournier’s gangrene, a life-threatening infection that destroys skin tissue
- Complications from penile enhancement surgery
- Penile and scrotal lymphedema (swelling)
During the procedure, a urologist rebuilds your genitalia, including the penis and surrounding tissue. These procedures restore the appearance of your genitals and your ability to urinate and/or engage in sexual activity.
Why Choose Ï㽶ÊÓƵ of Utah Health for Male Genital Reconstruction Surgery
U of U Health urologists offer comprehensive services for patients who need genital reconstruction. Our fellowship-trained urologic surgeons are highly experienced in treating these complex conditions and performing these types of surgeries. Their expertise affirms long-lasting results and increases the likelihood that you will regain sexual and urinary function.
What to Expect During Genital Reconstruction Surgery
Each genital reconstruction surgery is different. Some surgeries take only an hour, and you go home the same day. Others require much more time in the operating room and several days of recovery in the hospital.
These surgeries involve removing diseased tissue, adding or rearranging other tissue to restore function to the genitalia, amongst other things:
-
Removing scar tissue
-
Removing the excess skin and fatty tissue that hangs over your genitals and thighs (panniculectomy)
-
Removing the fat pad above your pubic area (escutheonectomy)
Your surgeon may use a skin flap or skin graft (transplanting a piece of skin from one area to another) to cover any exposed areas . Skin grafts usually come from the thigh or abdomen.
How to Prepare for Genital Reconstruction Surgery
In the weeks before your surgery, you may have tests to ensure you’re healthy enough for surgery:
-
Blood work to make sure your other organs work correctly
-
Chest X-ray to assess the health of your lungs
-
Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG) to check your heart health
-
Medication review to determine if you need to stop taking any blood thinners before surgery
Before surgery, you should also stop using tobacco products, including cigarettes, chewing tobacco, vaping products, and nicotine gum.
Find a Doctor
Recovery Process & Aftercare Instructions
Genital reconstruction surgeries are complex procedures. Recovery may take several months while your body heals and swelling decreases.
The extent of your surgical procedure will determine your recovery time and aftercare instructions. You may go home immediately after a minor procedure. On the other hand, more complex repairs require a few days in the hospital. Before your procedure, your care team will let you know what to expect during recovery so you and your loved ones can prepare.
Before you leave the hospital, your doctor may prescribe pain medication, stool softeners, and antibiotics. You should plan to have someone help you with daily tasks for several days after surgery. It may take several weeks to return to normal activities like work or exercise. Additionally, you should not have sexual intercourse until your surgeon says it’s okay.