Penis
Circumcision (sleeve method)
This surgical procedure involves the removal of the foreskin from the end of the penis. It can be performed in order to treat a number of conditions, including phimosis, which occurs when the tip of the foreskin is too narrow; and balanoposthitis, which causes inflammation of the foreskin. It may also be performed as a voluntary procedure. Your doctor will use what is known as the sleeve method, during which the foreskin is removed from the retracted position, rather than pulled back over the glans.
Excision of benign neoplasms
Benign neoplasms or tumours are harmless, but your doctor may recommend that they are removed by means of a fairly simple surgical procedure. During the procedure, your doctor will carefully remove the skin lesions, ensuring that the surrounding tissue, blood vessels and nerves remain unharmed.
Glansectomy / partial penectomy for penile cancer
If you have been diagnosed with penile cancer, your doctor may recommend surgical treatment. In cases where only the tissue at the end of the penis (known as the glans) has been affected by the disease, your doctor may recommend a glansectomy. During this procedure, the glans is removed, preventing the cancer from spreading further. If the cancer has affected the penile shaft, your doctor may recommend a partial penectomy, in which case part of the penis is removed. The end of the penis is typically removed, while the shaft remains.
Total penectomy with perineal urethrostomy
In order to treat penile cancer that has affected a large area of the penis, a total penectomy may be necessary. During this procedure, the whole penis is removed, as well as the roots that reach into the pelvis. After removing the penis, your doctor will perform a perineal urethrostomy, which involves creating a new opening so that urine is able to drain from the perineum (the area between the scrotum and the anus). Once this opening has been created, you will need to sit down to urinate, but you will still be able to control urination as normal.
Urethroplasty for urethral strictures
A urethral stricture occurs when the urethra becomes abnormally narrow, causing a blockage to the flow of urine. The condition can occur as a result of an injury, or from scarring. Some common symptoms of the condition include weak urine flow; incontinence; swelling and pain in the penis; and urethral discharge. In very severe cases, the condition can cause an inability to urinate, which is very dangerous and requires urgent medical treatment. In order to repair a urethral stricture, your doctor may recommend a urethroplasty, which is a surgical procedure. During the procedure, your doctor will make a small incision in the penis in order to remove damaged tissue and carefully reconstruct the urethra.
Hypospadias repair
A hypospadias is a condition that occurs when there is a defect in the opening of the penis at birth. The urethra does not end at the top of the penis as it should, but rather on the underside of the penis. Hypospadias repair is typically performed on boys between the ages of six months and two years old. During the procedure, the doctor will use a small piece of foreskin to form a tube and increase the length of the urethra. Extending the urethra allows it to open up at the tip of the penis. In some cases, the doctor may insert a catheter into the urethra in order to ensure it holds its new shape. The catheter is secured to the head of the penis, and is typically removed a week or two after surgery.