Here is a sensitive and comprehensive FAQ section for Partial Penectomy, designed to address the difficult questions patients may be too afraid to ask directly.

FAQs: Partial Penectomy

(Organ-Sparing Surgery for Penile Cancer)

Section 1: The Procedure Explained

Q: What exactly is a Partial Penectomy? A: This is a surgery to remove the end of the penis where a tumor is located.

The Goal: To remove all the cancer with a "safety margin" of healthy tissue while saving as much of the shaft as possible.

Reconstruction: After the tumor is removed, we create a new urinary opening (neomeatus) and carefully stitch the skin over the end of the stump to help it heal neatly.

Q: Why can't you just "shave" the tumor off? A: Penile cancer can have "microscopic roots" that extend deeper than what we can see with the naked eye. To ensure the cancer is cured and doesn't come back, we must remove a small amount of healthy tissue (usually 5mm to 1cm) around the tumor. This is called obtaining "negative margins."

Q: Will I be asleep? A: Yes. The surgery is performed under general anesthesia (you are asleep) or spinal anesthesia (numb from the waist down). It usually takes 1 to 2 hours.

Section 2: Urinary Function

Q: Will I still be able to stand to urinate? A: In most cases, Yes.

If we are able to preserve enough length, you can still direct your stream while standing.

You may need to adjust your grip or stand closer to the toilet.

If the remaining length is very short, some men find it cleaner and easier to sit down to avoid spraying.

Q: Will I have control over my bladder? A: Yes. This surgery does not damage the urinary sphincter (the muscle that holds urine in). You should not experience incontinence (leaking) after the catheter is removed.

Section 3: Sexual Function & Intimacy

Q: Can I still get an erection? A: Yes. The internal structures that fill with blood to create an erection (the corpora cavernosa) extend all the way back to the pelvic bone. The remaining shaft will still get erect just as firm as before.

Q: Will I have sensation? A: While the glans (head) is the most sensitive part and is removed, the skin of the remaining shaft retains its sensation. Many men are able to achieve orgasm and ejaculation through stimulation of the shaft.

Q: Is intercourse still possible? A: This depends on the length of the remaining shaft.

Penetration: If adequate length is preserved, penetration is often possible.

Adaptation: You and your partner may need to explore different positions. We encourage open communication and can refer you to sexual health counselors if needed.

Section 4: Recovery & Healing

Q: Will I have a catheter? A: Yes. You will wake up with a soft tube (catheter) in your bladder.

Purpose: It keeps the new urinary opening dry so it can heal properly.

Duration: It typically stays in for 1 to 2 weeks.

Q: What will it look like after surgery? A: Immediately after surgery, there will be swelling and bruising. Once healed, the penis will look similar to a circumcised penis, simply shorter. The end will be covered with normal skin, with the urinary opening in the center.

Q: Is the recovery painful? A: Surprisingly, most men report that the pain is mild to moderate. The penis heals very well due to its rich blood supply. Pain is usually managed easily with oral medication for a few days.

Section 5: Cancer Control

Q: Does this surgery cure the cancer? A: Yes. For localized disease, partial penectomy is highly effective.

Success Rate: Local recurrence (cancer coming back in the same spot) is rare (less than 5-8%) if clear margins are obtained.

Follow-up: We will monitor you closely with physical exams to ensure the stump remains healthy.

Q: Do I need chemotherapy or radiation? A: Usually not for the penis itself if the surgery removes the tumor completely. However, we will check your groin lymph nodes (using scans or a separate procedure). If the cancer has spread to the nodes, additional treatment (surgery or chemo) may be needed.