A phalloplasty is a surgical procedure to create a penis. A phalloplasty is a multi-staged procedure that may include various techniques, including the creation of the penis and lengthening of the urethra. Steps may involve creating the tip (glans) of the penis, creating the scrotum, removing the vagina, and placing erectile and testicular implants. It is important to note that each staged surgical plan is unique to each patient and may or may not include some/all of the above procedures.
Dr Kanhai uses the abdominal skin flap to create a phalloplasty. The phalloplasty procedure will take at least 4 different operations:
- The creation of a phallus
- The removal of the vaginal sheath and lengthening the urethra
- Scrotoplasty and possibly corrections
- Implantation of penile and testicular implants
What to expect
Pre-operative:
- Bring a list of your questions and concerns to your pre-operative visits. Understanding the expectation for recovery, based on your plan, is essential.
- You will need surgery referral letters from two qualified mental health professionals.
- You will be given guidelines on eating, drinking and adjusting current medications before the surgery can take place.
- Smoking is a relative contra-indication to subcutaneous mastectomy. Because of the increased risk of infection i.a., you are advised to stop smoking as soon as possible.
- After you have discussed which surgery technique is best for you, Dr Kanhai will draw up a plan for the operation.
- The anaesthesiologist will provide information on the anaesthesia, and doctor Kanhai about the type of the operation, and the follow-up procedures that might be necessary.
- Dr Kanhai will also ask about any risk factors for blood clotting issues (past deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism), bleeding problems (like haemophilia), or family/personal history of issues with anaesthesia.
- You will undergo a physical examination to ensure readiness for the operation.
Peri-operative:
- We will give you general anaesthesia through a vein in your arm. You will be asleep throughout the procedure and won’t feel any pain during surgery. Each surgery can take between two to four hours.
- During the phalloplasty, Dr Kanhai takes a large section of skin and tissue (flap) from your abdominal area and forms it into a penile shaft.
- Other stages may include removing female genitals for patients undergoing FTM transgender surgery.
- Extending the urethra, to make urinating while standing possible.
- Constructing a scrotum or head of the penis (glans).
- Implanting a device to enable erections.
- Inserting artificial testicles into the scrotum.
Post-operative:
- After your surgery you need to stay in the hospital for up to 2 days to monitor your condition.
- After the first 24 hours in the hospital, you will slowly be given food to ensure you are not nauseated.
- You will be given sequential compression devices (SCDs) on your legs, which gently squeeze your legs and help prevent blood clots.
- You will be given a daily fraxiparine to help prevent small clots from forming at the blood vessel connections to your penis and groin area.
- Depending on how you react to the medications, you can take the medications home to proceed the post-operative treatment from the comfort of your home.
- We will give you at-home instructions after they have ensured that your recovery is going well.
