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Benjamin H, Celine A, Mounia SM, Barbara H, Jean Paul M. Ethical stakes of penile transplantation: A literature review. J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg 2022; 75:1529-1536. [PMID: 35221229 DOI: 10.1016/j.bjps.2021.11.116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vascularized composite allotransplantation has become an alternative reconstruction technique for patients with a severe loss of substance. Today, five human penile transplantations have been reported. The objective of this literature review is to offer an updated overview of the technical and ethical questions surrounding penile transplantation compared with conventional phalloplasty. MATERIAL AND METHODS A systematic review was conducted of the literature from 2000 to 2020. A search of PubMed was performed using the keywords: "penile transplantation," "penis transplantation," and "penile vascularized composite allotransplantation." The criteria for the analysis were the type of study, surgical techniques, and ethical concerns. RESULTS Thirty-six articles were selected. These articles include reviews, case report, editorials, and preclinical studies. The first article was published in 2003, but the number of articles has increased after the second human transplantation in South Africa in 2014. Surgical techniques and the medication management specific to each team were successful in the 5 transplant cases, but several complications were noted. CONCLUSION Two decades of successful penile transplantations have proven the technique to be a viable solution to treat a penile amputation, allowing for a better esthetic and sensitive outcome paired with the possibility of natural urinary and erectile functions. Psychological impact of penile transplantation, selection of patients, complications of immunosuppressive therapies, and surgical technicity are the biggest penile transplantation challenges. Further experimental studies are necessary to produce standardized protocols to safely include penile transplantation in the conventional treatment of a penile amputation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haye Benjamin
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive, Aesthetic, and Maxillofacial Surgery, Henri Mondor Hospital, 51 avenue du Maréchal de Lattre de Tassigny, Créteil 94010, France
| | - Aboud Celine
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive, Aesthetic, and Maxillofacial Surgery, Henri Mondor Hospital, 51 avenue du Maréchal de Lattre de Tassigny, Créteil 94010, France
| | - SidAhmed-Mezi Mounia
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive, Aesthetic, and Maxillofacial Surgery, Henri Mondor Hospital, 51 avenue du Maréchal de Lattre de Tassigny, Créteil 94010, France
| | - Hersant Barbara
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive, Aesthetic, and Maxillofacial Surgery, Henri Mondor Hospital, 51 avenue du Maréchal de Lattre de Tassigny, Créteil 94010, France.
| | - Meningaud Jean Paul
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive, Aesthetic, and Maxillofacial Surgery, Henri Mondor Hospital, 51 avenue du Maréchal de Lattre de Tassigny, Créteil 94010, France
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2
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Girard AO, Lake IV, Lopez CD, Kalsi R, Brandacher G, Cooney DS, Redett RJ. Vascularized composite allotransplantation of the penis: current status and future perspectives. Int J Impot Res 2021; 34:383-391. [PMID: 34711953 DOI: 10.1038/s41443-021-00481-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Given the multifunctional role of the penis in daily life, penile loss can be a physically and emotionally devastating injury. Options to restore penile loss have traditionally relied on autogenous free flap, local flaps, and skin grafts. These techniques provide satisfactory outcomes but carry high rates of urologic and prosthesis-related complications. Vascularized composite allotransplantation may offer a novel solution for these patients through reconstruction with true penile tissue. Still, penile transplants pose ethical, logistical, and psychosocial challenges. These obstacles are made more complex by the limited cases detailed in published literature. A review of the literature was conducted to assay current practices for penile reconstruction. Most modern complex penile reconstructions utilize autogenous pedicled or free tissue flaps, which may be harvested from a variety of donor sites. A total of five penile transplants have been described in the literature. Of these, four report satisfactory outcomes. The advent of genital allotransplantation has recently broadened the landscape of treatment for penile loss. Reconstruction using true penile tissue through vascularized penile allotransplantation has the possibility to engender increased penile function, sensation, and overall quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alisa O Girard
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Division of Plastic Surgery, Rutgers - Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Isabel V Lake
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Christopher D Lopez
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Richa Kalsi
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Gerald Brandacher
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Damon S Cooney
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Richard J Redett
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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3
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Ward S, Boger M, Fleishman A, Shenkel J, Calvo A, Pomahac B, Zwolak R, Krishnan N, Rodrigue JR. Attitudes Toward Organ, Tissue, and Vascularized Composite Allograft (VCA) Donation and Transplantation: A Survey of United States Military Veterans. Transplantation 2021; 105:1116-1124. [PMID: 32639399 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000003376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are 20 million living US armed forces veterans; however, the organ donation attitudes of veterans have not been examined. METHODS Over a 17-month period, a convenience sample of 1517 veterans in New England completed a survey to assess attitudes about organ, tissue, and vascularized composite allograft (VCA) donation. RESULTS Most veterans (96%) supported the donation of organs and tissue for transplantation, and 59% were registered as an organ and tissue donor. Being younger (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 0.960.970.98; P = 0.01), female (aOR: 1.061.462.03; P = 0.02), non-Hispanic white (aOR: 1.302.073.30; P = 0.01), Hispanic (aOR: 1.282.434.61; P = 0.01), and having more trust that the transplant process is fair and equal (aOR: 1.191.401.65; P = 0.01) were predictive of donor registration. Also, most veterans were willing to donate their face (57%), hands/arms (81%), legs (81%), penis (men: 61%), and uterus (women: 76%) at time of death; donation willingness was higher for upper and lower limbs than for face or genitourinary organs (P < 0.001). Those unwilling to donate VCA organs expressed concerns about identity loss, psychological discomfort of self and others, body integrity, funeral presentation, and religious beliefs. Most (54%) felt that VCA donation should require permission of legal next-of-kin at the time of one's death, even if the decedent was a registered donor. CONCLUSIONS There is a high level of support for organ, tissue, and VCA transplantation and donation among veterans, despite limited educational campaigns targeting this population. There is high potential among veterans to further increase donor registry enrollment and raise awareness about VCA benefits for severely injured service members.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Ward
- Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA
| | | | - Aaron Fleishman
- Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA
| | - Jessica Shenkel
- Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA
| | - Amanda Calvo
- Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA
| | - Bohdan Pomahac
- Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Robert Zwolak
- Department of Surgery, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Manchester, NH
- Department of Surgery, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, White River Junction, VT
| | - Namrata Krishnan
- Department of Medicine, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, West Haven, CT
- Department of Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - James R Rodrigue
- Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
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4
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Ngaage LM, Elegbede A, Sugarman J, Nam AJ, Cooney CM, Cooney DS, Rasko YM, Brandacher G, Redett RJ. The Baltimore Criteria for an ethical approach to penile transplantation: a clinical guideline. Transpl Int 2019; 33:471-482. [PMID: 31646681 DOI: 10.1111/tri.13545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2019] [Revised: 09/20/2019] [Accepted: 10/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Significant advances and increasing acceptance of vascularized composite allotransplantation (VCA) have contributed to emerging success of penile transplantation. The aims of penile transplantation are fourfold: adequate urinary function, enabling natural erections, restoration of erogenous sensation and appearance of external male genitalia. Successful penile transplantation also requires limiting risks and managing complications of lifelong immunosuppression. Given the limited experience with this procedure, potential recipients must understand that penile transplantation is not currently standard of care and long-term functional outcomes are unknown. Moreover, these transplants are associated with complex ethical issues. Nevertheless, as the efficacy and safety of penile transplantation are being evaluated, clear indications for transplant are needed. Although preliminary recommendations have been proposed, a more comprehensive framework is needed. We performed a literature review for English language publications related to penile transplantation and ethics. Based on the results of the search, a review of prior recommendations, and our experience performing the first whole male genital allotransplantation including penis, scrotum and abdominal wall; screening and identifying potential donors and recipients for the procedure; and addressing the associated ethical issues, we propose guidelines for responsible penile transplantation: The Baltimore Criteria for an Ethical Approach to Penile Transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ledibabari M Ngaage
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Adekunle Elegbede
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jeremy Sugarman
- Department of Medicine, Berman Institute of Bioethics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Arthur J Nam
- Division of Plastic Surgery, R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Carisa M Cooney
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Damon S Cooney
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Yvonne M Rasko
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Gerald Brandacher
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Richard J Redett
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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5
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Hawksworth DJ, Cooney DS, Burnett AL, Bivalacqua TJ, Redett RJ. Penile Allotransplantation: Pushing the Limits. Eur Urol Focus 2019; 5:533-535. [DOI: 10.1016/j.euf.2019.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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