Penis Transplantation: First US Experience.

OBJECTIVE: We describe the first successful penis transplant in the United States in a patient with a history of subtotal penectomy for penile cancer. BACKGROUND: Penis transplantation represents a new paradigm in restoring anatomic appearance, urine conduit, and sexual function after genitourinary tissue loss. To date, only 2 penis transplants have been performed worldwide. METHODS: After institutional review board approval, extensive medical, surgical, and radiological evaluations of the patient were performed. His candidacy was reviewed by a multidisciplinary team of surgeons, physicians, psychiatrists, social workers, and nurse coordinators. After appropriate donor identification and recipient induction with antithymocyte globulin, allograft procurement and recipient preparation took place concurrently. Anastomoses of the urethra, corpora, cavernosal and dorsal arteries, dorsal vein, and dorsal nerves were performed, and also inclusion of a donor skin pedicle as the composite allograft. Maintenance immunosuppression consisted of mycophenolate mofetil, tacrolimus, and methylprednisolone. RESULTS: Intraoperative, the allograft had excellent capillary refill and strong Doppler signals after revascularization. Operative reinterventions on postoperative days (PODs) 2 and 13 were required for hematoma evacuation and skin eschar debridement. At 3 weeks, no anastomotic leaks were detected on urethrogram, and the catheter was removed. Steroid resistant-rejection developed on POD 28 (Banff I), progressed by POD 32 (Banff III), and required a repeat course of methylprednisolone and antithymocyte globulin. At 7 months, the patient has recovered partial sensation of the penile shaft and has spontaneous penile tumescence. Our patient reports increased overall health satisfaction, dramatic improvement of self-image, and optimism for the future. CONCLUSIONS: We have shown that it is feasible to perform penile transplantation with excellent results. Furthermore, this experience demonstrates that penile transplantation can be successfully performed with conventional immunosuppression. We propose that our successful penile transplantation pilot experience represents a proof of concept for an evolution in reconstructive transplantation.

Ureteral Obstruction Due to Radiolucent Atazanavir Ureteral Stones.

Background: Protease inhibitors (PIs) are a well-documented cause of nephrolithiasis. Although medications such as indinavir are known to increase risk of stone formation, the association of newer HIV medications is not as well studied. In this study, we report a case of a patient who developed atazanavir stones. Case Presentation: A 74-year-old man with HIV on antiretroviral therapy-including atazanavir, a PI-presented with right flank pain. He previously had passed two ureteral stones that were not analyzed. A CT scan showed mild right hydronephrosis without evidence of nephrolithiasis or ureteral obstruction. The patient was presumed to have passed a stone and was discharged home. He returned one day later with persistent flank pain and acute kidney injury that did not improve with intravenous fluid hydration. A right ureteral stent was placed that relieved his symptoms. Subsequent ureteroscopy demonstrated bilateral ureteral stones that were basket extracted. Stone composition was 100% atazanavir. Since being switched off of this medication, the patient has not had any further episodes of renal colic and his renal function has improved to below his baseline level on presentation. Conclusion: Patients treated with the PI atazanavir are at risk for developing nephrolithiasis and obstructive uropathy. Because these stones can be radiolucent on CT scan, a high level of suspicion is required to accurately diagnose ureteral obstruction in these patients. Alternative effective HIV treatment regimens can to be utilized when clinically indicated.