Vietnam Performs First Successful Penis Transplant Using Brain-Dead Donor Surgical team at Viet Duc University Hospital in Hanoi performs the groundbreaking penis transplant procedure using microsurgical techniques and advanced tissue transplantation protocols. Viet Duc University Hospital in Hanoi has successfully performed Vietnam's first penis transplant using an organ from a brain-dead donor, marking a major milestone in the country's reconstructive transplant surgery capabilities and expanding treatment options for patients with severe genital injuries. The recipient, a 43-year-old man, had previously undergone partial penile amputation at the hospital's Center for Andrology. Following four years of stabilizing treatment, his remaining penile tissue was too short, creating significant difficulties with sexual activity and substantially impacting his quality of life and psychological well-being. Although urinary function had been preserved, the patient sought transplantation to restore both the organ's appearance and function. Rigorous Multidisciplinary Assessment Before approving the procedure, specialists at Viet Duc University Hospital conducted comprehensive assessment of the patient. Multidisciplinary consultations evaluated surgical feasibility, immunological compatibility, psychological readiness, and ethical considerations. The medical team ultimately determined the patient met all required criteria for transplantation, made with great caution and focused on restoring anatomy and function while improving long-term quality of life. Surgeons reconstructed the penis by reconnecting the urethra, corpus spongiosum, and corpora cavernosa using microsurgical techniques under an operating microscope. The procedure meticulously joined tiny arteries, veins, and nerves—a level of complexity that reflects the organ's anatomical and functional significance. The transplant incorporated modern tissue and organ transplantation protocols, including donor-recipient immunological matching, graft preservation, anti-rejection therapy, and postoperative blood flow monitoring via clinical examination and Doppler ultrasound. Rare Achievement in Global Medical History According to published international medical literature, only five penis transplant cases have been reported worldwide, with the most recent documented in 2018. Hospital director Duong Duc Hung emphasized that the penis represents one of the most anatomically and functionally complex organs to transplant. The objective extends far beyond ensuring graft survival to restoring essential functions including urination, sensation, and eventually erectile function. The patient's recovery has been encouraging. The surgical wound is healing well with no early complications detected. Urinary function is being closely monitored, and the patient is responding positively to immunosuppressive treatment and postoperative care. However, physicians cautioned that penis transplantation remains highly complex and requires additional time to assess recovery of sensation, erectile function, urethral healing, and long-term organ rejection risk. Hospital director Hung described the operation as a landmark achievement for Vietnamese medicine, demonstrating the nation's mastery of complex tissue transplantation techniques and the maturity of Viet Duc University Hospital's organ transplantation programme. Beyond benefiting a single patient, the breakthrough could expand treatment options for people who have lost their penis due to cancer, trauma, or serious accidents—particularly relevant for expatriates and foreign residents in Vietnam who may require advanced reconstructive medical services. July 29, 2026
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