Penectomy: Types, Surgery and Recovery
Updated: 2 days ago
Written and medically reviewed by Dr. Baraa Alnahhal, MD · Last reviewed: November 2026 · How we review
Quick Answer
A penectomy is surgery to remove part or all of the penis, mainly to treat penile cancer when there's a large tumor, the cancer has spread to nearby tissue or it's likely to come back. A partial penectomy removes only the affected part. The hospital stay is one to three days. Emotional support is important.
What the research says
Penis-sparing surgery controlled cancer well: in 179 men treated with penis-preserving surgery, local recurrence occurred in 8.9% over about 43 months, the 5-year local recurrence-free rate was 86.3%, and 5-year cancer-specific survival was 91.7% for those with only a local recurrence (Philippou P et al., Journal of Urology, 2012) [2]
Less invasive treatment matched partial penectomy for early cancer: in 1,239 men with early (T1a) penile cancer, 10-year cancer death rates were 12.4% after local tumor destruction and 13.5% after partial penectomy, with no meaningful difference (Jannello LMI et al., Annals of Surgical Oncology, 2025) [3]
Key takeaways
A penectomy removes part or all of the penis.
It's mainly used to treat penile cancer.
Surgery takes less than two hours.
You'll have a catheter for up to two weeks.
Emotional and sexual health support is an important part of care.
What is a penectomy?
A penectomy (peh-NEK-tuh-mee) is uncommon because penile cancer affects fewer than 1 in 100,000 males each year in North America and Europe. Other treatments, such as ablation, chemotherapy, radiation or creams, may be tried first. Sources: [1]
Why it's done
Other cancer treatments may be tried first.
Penile cancer with a large tumor.
Cancer that has spread to nearby tissue.
Cancer that's likely to come back.
Rarely, Fournier's gangrene or a severe injury. Sources: [1]
Types of penectomy
Lymph nodes in the groin may also be removed.
Type | What's removed | Notes |
Partial | Only the affected tissue | A skin graft from the thigh may create a new glans |
Total | The entire penis, including the root | Urine exits through a new opening between the anus and genitals |
Lymph nodes in the groin may be removed to check for spread. Sources: [1, 2, 3]
How to prepare
You'll have a biopsy, blood tests and imaging such as CT, PET or MRI.
Tell your team about all medicines and supplements; some raise bleeding risk.
Share any allergies, including to latex or skin cleaners.
Don't eat or drink after midnight; take needed medicines with a small sip of water. Sources: [1]
What happens during surgery
Surgery takes less than two hours.
You get general anesthesia.
A urinary catheter is placed to drain urine.
The surgeon removes part or all of the penis.
The incisions are covered with bandages or skin glue.
You wake up in recovery, where pain and nausea are treated. Sources: [1]
Risks
Type | Examples |
Physical | Bleeding, blood clots, infection, narrowing of the urethra, UTIs, leg or scrotal swelling (lymphedema), cancer coming back |
Emotional | Anxiety, depression, stress, suicidal thoughts |
Sexual | Penetrative sex isn't possible after total penectomy; reduced sensitivity after partial |
After a partial penectomy, erections, penetration and orgasm may still be possible. Sources: [1]
Recovery
You'll stay in the hospital one to three days.
A urinary catheter stays in for up to two weeks.
After a total penectomy, you'll sit to urinate through a new opening called a perineal urethrostomy.
Plan to miss about a month of work or school.
Don't lift more than 10 pounds for several weeks.
Compression stockings or medicine help prevent blood clots. Sources: [1]
Some people may later be able to have phalloplasty to create a new penis. Sources: [1]
Outlook
A penectomy is an effective cancer treatment, often with the best survival rate. Success depends on the cancer's stage and location and how quickly it was found and treated. Sources: [1, 2]
When to call your provider
Fever, chills, tiredness or headache.
Heavy bleeding.
Pain that pain relievers don't help.
Signs of sepsis.
New or worsening symptoms. Sources: [1]
If you have thoughts of suicide, call or text 988 in the U.S.
Conclusion
A penectomy can remove penile cancer and save your life. Talk openly with your care team about sexual health and emotional support, and ask about reconstruction options.
Keep learning: read about phalloplasty and penile implants.
Frequently asked questions
What is a penectomy?
Surgery to remove part or all of the penis.
Why is a penectomy done?
Mainly to treat penile cancer.
What's the difference between partial and total penectomy?
Partial removes only affected tissue; total removes the whole penis.
How long does surgery take?
Less than two hours.
How long is the hospital stay?
One to three days.
How long will I have a catheter?
Up to two weeks.
Can I have sex after a penectomy?
It may be possible after partial penectomy, but not penetrative sex after total.
How do I urinate after a total penectomy?
Through a new opening between the anus and genitals, sitting down.
Can the penis be reconstructed?
Phalloplasty may be possible for some people.
How long is recovery?
Plan to miss about a month of work.
Related Reading
Phalloplasty: Reconstructive Surgery for Penile Construction building a new penis.
Penile Implant: Types, Surgery, Recovery and Results devices that restore erections.
Ablation Therapy: A Minimally Invasive Approach to Tissue Destruction a less invasive cancer treatment.
Amputation Surgery: Understanding Procedures, Causes, and Long-Term Recovery coping after removal surgery.
Skin Graft: Types, Surgery and Recovery grafts used in partial penectomy.
References
Cleveland Clinic. Penectomy: Purpose, Procedure, Results & Recovery. Cleveland Clinic. Last updated July 18, 2025. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/22806-penectomy
Philippou P, Shabbir M, Malone P, et al. Conservative surgery for squamous cell carcinoma of the penis: resection margins and long-term oncological control. J Urol. 2012;188(3):803-808. PMID 22818137. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.juro.2012.05.012
Jannello LMI, de Angelis M, Siech C, et al. Local tumor destruction versus partial penectomy for T1a squamous cell carcinoma of the penis. Ann Surg Oncol. 2025;32(8):6151-6157. PMID 40263226. https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-025-17352-3
Medical disclaimer
This article is for general education only and does not replace advice from a qualified healthcare professional. Talk to your doctor about your own diagnosis and treatment, and seek emergency care right away for severe or sudden symptoms.
Comments