Conventional Penile Reconstruction Versus Penile Allotransplantation: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Penile loss from trauma, oncologic resection, congenital anomalies, or gender-affirming needs represents a devastating condition with profound functional and psychosocial implications. Conventional reconstructive techniques, including radial forearm, fibula, scapular, and anterolateral thigh flaps, have evolved over decades and provide patients with an acceptable neophallus capable of voiding and sexual activity. However, these methods remain limited by donor-site morbidity, prosthesis-related complications, high revision rates, and the inability to restore natural erectile tissue or fully replicate penile appearance. In recent years, penile allotransplantation has emerged as an alternative within the field of vascularized composite allotransplantation, offering restoration of native anatomy and the potential to achieve sensation, erectile function, and even fertility. To date, only five penile transplantations have been reported worldwide, each demonstrating encouraging short-term outcomes but raising complex challenges. The primary concerns are the lifelong requirement for systemic immunosuppression, the unknown long-term consequences of rejection episodes, and significant ethical and psychosocial considerations, including donor allocation, patient selection, and recipient and partner acceptance. In this narrative review, we compared conventional reconstructive approaches with transplantation, drawing on published literature and clinical experience to highlight indications, surgical techniques, functional outcomes, and psychosocial dimensions. While reconstruction remains the standard of care and provides reliable outcomes compatible with normal life expectancy, transplantation holds promise as a quality-of-life-enhancing option for carefully selected patients. Ongoing clinical research, refinement of surgical and immunological strategies, and the development of robust preclinical models will be essential in defining the role of penile allotransplantation in the future.

Keywords: microsurgical reconstruction; penile allotransplantation; penile reconstruction; vascularized composite allotransplantation; vca.