Isolated Aphallia: A Case Report and Literature Review

Daniel N, Mekonen Y2, Ghebreberhan A and Tekeste E

Department of Internal Medicine, Mendefera Zonal Referral Hospital, Eritrea
Department of Surgery, Halibet Regional Referral Hospital, Eritrea
Department of Surgery, Adi Quala Hospital, Eritrea
Department of Surgery, Barentu Military Hospital, Eritrea #These authors contributed equally to this work

^*Correspondance to: Yohannes Mekonen 

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Abstract:

Background: Aphallia is an extremely rare congenital disorder characterized by the absence of a penis. When realized at birth, parents and close family members are left devastated. Even if speedy counselling is given, parents of newborns may take time to come about to a decision.
Case Report: A 2-month-old male infant was referred with complaints of an absent penis. Physical exam revealed normal scrotum and testicles and no congenital anomalies. The anal opening was located normally, but the urethral opening was not visible anywhere in the perineum. Laboratory exams and ultrasonography were normal. The infant was delivered vaginally at home and the mother had not received any antenatal care.
Conclusion: Aphallia results from failure of the genital tubercle to develop, leading to the absence of all penile tissue. Diagnosis includes absence of phallus, male karyotyping and normally developed scrotum with normal testicles. Managing this condition is difficult and requires multidisciplinary approach. Psychological counseling and surgery (in the method of gender reassignment or phalloplasty) are the cornerstones of treatment. Despite counseling and referral to a high-level hospital, the infant was lost to follow-up, highlighting the challenges of managing congenital anomalies in resource-limited settings.

Keywords:

Aphallia; Absence of penis; Resource-limited countries

Cite the Article:

Daniel N, Mekonen Y, Ghebreberhan A, Tekeste E. Isolated Aphallia: A Case Report and Literature Review. World J Surg Surgical Res. 2023; 6: 1486..