Local man receives nation's first penis transplant

BOSTON — A Halifax man received the nation's first penis transplant in a 15-hour operation last week.

The surgery happened over two days from May 8 to May 9 at Mass. General in Boston. The organ came from a deceased donor.

Thomas Manning, the 64-year-old transplant recipient, is from Halifax. Manning's penis was removed because of cancer. Doctors say Manning is recovering well.

In a letter read at a news conference Monday, Manning thanked the doctors at Mass. General Hospital and the donor's family.

“Today I begin a new chapter filled with personal hope and hope for others who have suffered genital injuries, particularly for our service members who put their lives on the line and suffer serious damage as a result,” Manning wrote. “In sharing this success with all of you, it’s my hope we can usher in a bright future for this type of transplantation.”

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The experimental surgery is a part of a research program. Doctors hope they'll be able to help combat veterans with severe injuries as well as cancer patients.

The only other successful penis transplant was done in South Africa in 2014. The donor involved was able to go on to father a child.

You can watch part of the press conference from MGH Monday morning in the player below.

Cox Media Group