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Triphallia (triple penis), the first reported case in human.
Shakir Saleem Jabali1, Ayad Ahmad Mohammed1
1Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Duhok, Kurdistan Region, Iraq.
International Journal of Surgery Case Reports
|November 9, 2020
Summary
This case study reports the first instance of triphallia, a rare congenital anomaly involving three penises, in a human infant. Surgical excision of the supernumerary penises was successfully performed with no adverse events during a one-year follow-up.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Pediatric Surgery
- Medical Genetics
Background:
- Supernumerary penises (polyorchidism) is an extremely rare congenital anomaly, affecting 1 in 5-6 million live births.
- Presentation varies from rudimentary structures to complete duplication or triplication, often with associated anomalies.
Observation:
- A 3-month-old male infant presented with a left-sided hydrocele and evidence of two supernumerary penises.
- The supernumerary penises, measuring 2 cm and 1 cm, were located in the perineum, attached to the original penis, and possessed corpora cavernosa and spongiosum without urethras.
Findings:
- Surgical excision of both supernumerary penises was performed, with the corpora sutured using absorbable material.
- The patient experienced no postoperative complications and remained event-free during a one-year follow-up period.
Implications:
- Triphallia, the condition of having three penises, is previously unreported in humans.
- Management of supernumerary penises requires a multidisciplinary approach addressing medical, ethical, and cosmetic concerns.
- Surgical excision or reconstruction depends on corporal development and urethral anatomy, necessitating long-term follow-up.
