Penile reconstruction with microsurgery

Abstract

The penis has traditionally been considered a symbol of power, masculinity and fertility, so any congenital or acquired penile pathology that eventually culminates in partial or total amputation of the phallus constitutes a catastrophic event for any man, presenting both physical and psychological devastating effects. The different levels of penile amputation in an individual can define their ability to micturate and to concretize sexual intercourse, which directly impairs their virility and sexual performance and thus their psychological well-being. All this finally justifies any reconstructive effort that can be offered in order to improve the patient's quality of life. The free radial forearm flap has been considered for many years the gold standard in penile reconstruction as it has demonstrated good functional and aesthetic results. This microsurgical technique represents a great reconstructive advance, which results in a rescue of the patient's self-esteem and masculinity with a significant improvement in his quality of life. The authors present the clinical case of a 35-year-old male patient who required an almost total amputation of the penis, secondary to a severe electrical burn and who subsequently underwent the first microsurgical penile reconstruction with a free radial forearm flap in Costa Rica.