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CION Cancer Clinics
Partial penectomy: what is removed and what remains | CION Cancer Clinics
A partial penectomy removes the end of the penis where the cancer is, usually the head and part of the shaft beneath it. The rest of the shaft, the testicles and the scrotum are kept. The urine tube is brought out at the new tip, so most men still pass urine standing. This page explains what is taken, why, and what changes afterwards. CION Cancer Clinics’ surgical oncologists in Hyderabad can talk this through with you.
MI
Medically reviewed by Dr. Mohammed ImaduddinConsultant Surgical Oncologist · MBBS, MS (General Surgery), MCh (Surgical Oncology) · last reviewed September 2026, next review due September 2027
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On this page
- What is removed in a partial penectomy?
- What stays the same and what changes?
- What happens during the operation?
- Words you will meet, in plain language
- Four fears men bring to us, and what is actually true
- What are the first weeks after surgery like?
- What should you ask the surgeon beforehand?
- Common questions about partial penectomy
The short answer
What is removed in a partial penectomy?
A partial penectomy removes the end of the penis where the cancer is, usually the head, called the glans, and part of the shaft beneath it. The rest of the shaft, the testicles and the scrotum are kept. The urine tube is brought out at the new end, so most men still pass urine standing.
How much is taken
The surgeon removes the cancer with a rim of healthy tissue around it, called the margin. How much of the shaft goes depends on how far the cancer has grown along it. The surgeon plans this from the examination and an MRI scan, and checks the edges again during the operation. The aim is to take enough to remove the cancer and no more.
Why this operation and not a smaller one
A partial penectomy is offered when the cancer has grown beyond the skin of the glans into the spongy tissue of the shaft, or when a smaller operation would not leave a safe margin. It is also offered when cancer has come back after a penile-sparing operation. In those situations a glansectomy would leave cancer behind.
Who it does not suit
If the cancer has grown so far along the shaft that too little would remain to pass urine standing, the team may advise a total penectomy instead. If it is small and on the surface only, a smaller operation may be enough. Your team weighs this, and this page cannot.
Afterwards
What stays the same and what changes?
Men and their families usually want to know four things. These are the typical answers. Your surgeon can tell you what applies to you.
Passing urine
The urine tube opens at the new end of the penis. Most men pass urine standing once healed. The stream may spray, so some men prefer to sit, especially at first.
Length and appearance
The penis is shorter, and the end looks different because the glans has gone. The skin is stitched over the end, and a small raised opening for urine sits at the tip.
Erections and sex
Erections usually still happen, because the spongy tissue in the remaining shaft is kept. Whether penetrative sex is possible depends on how much shaft remains. Many men still have orgasms and ejaculate.
Fertility
The testicles are not touched, so sperm is still made. Ejaculation is usually possible. If you hope to father children, tell the team before the operation so they can talk through the options.
Not sure whether this applies to you?
Ask an oncologistOn the day
What happens during the operation?
Anaesthetic
You are asleep under a general anaesthetic, or numb from the waist down with a spinal injection. The anaesthetist talks through the choice with you beforehand.
Removing the cancer
A tight band is placed at the base of the penis to control bleeding. The surgeon removes the end of the penis with a margin of healthy tissue and sends it to the laboratory.
Making the new opening
The urine tube is shortened a little less than the shaft and stitched to the skin at the new tip. This keeps the opening from narrowing as it heals.
Catheter and dressing
A soft tube called a catheter drains urine while the stitches heal. A dressing is placed over the end. You wake in the recovery area before going back to the ward.
On your report
Words you will meet, in plain language
- Corpora cavernosa
- The two spongy tubes in the shaft that fill with blood for an erection. The report says whether the cancer has reached them.
- Corpus spongiosum
- The spongy tissue around the urine tube, which continues into the glans. Cancer often grows into this first.
- Urethra
- The tube that carries urine from the bladder to the tip of the penis.
- Margin
- The rim of healthy tissue removed around the cancer. A clear margin means no cancer cells were found at the cut edge.
- Grade
- How abnormal the cancer cells look under the microscope. Higher grades tend to grow and spread faster.
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Commonly believed
Four fears men bring to us, and what is actually true
"I will have to use a bag for urine for the rest of my life."
No. The catheter is temporary and comes out once the stitches have healed. After that you pass urine through the new opening at the tip, usually standing. A permanent bag is not part of a partial penectomy.
"I will not be a man any more."
The testicles, which make male hormones, are not touched. Your voice, beard, strength and desire do not change because of this operation. What does change is how the penis looks, and that takes time to come to terms with. Counselling helps many men and their wives.
"If I wait, it may go away with medicines."
A cancer that has grown into the shaft does not shrink with ointments or tablets. Each month of delay lets it grow further along the shaft, which means more has to be removed later, or the whole penis.
"They will take more than they need, to be safe."
Surgeons now remove a smaller margin than they did in the past, because studies showed that more did not help. The aim is the least tissue that still removes the cancer. Ask your surgeon how much length they expect to keep.
Recovery
What are the first weeks after surgery like?
Most men stay in hospital for a few days and go home once they are walking, eating and the wound looks settled. The catheter may come out before discharge or at a clinic visit soon after.
Wound and swelling
The end of the penis is swollen and bruised at first. Keep it clean and dry as you are shown, and wear supportive underwear. Swelling goes down over several weeks. Tell the team if the wound becomes red, hot, smelly or starts to leak pus, or if you develop a fever.
When the catheter comes out
The first few times you pass urine can sting. The stream may be thin or spray. That usually improves. If the stream gets weaker over weeks rather than stronger, the new opening may be narrowing. That is a known problem and is treatable, so report it rather than straining.
The report and what comes next
The laboratory report is discussed at your first clinic visit. It confirms the margins and may lead to a decision about the groin glands. Regular follow-up checks then begin.
Before you agree
What should you ask the surgeon beforehand?
- Why a partial penectomy, and not a smaller operation?
- How much length do you expect to remain?
- Will I pass urine standing or sitting?
- Are the groin glands being checked, and when?
- How long will the catheter stay in?
- What happens if the margins are not clear?
Questions we are asked
Common questions about partial penectomy
How much of my penis will be left?
It depends on how far the cancer has grown along the shaft. The surgeon estimates this from the examination and the MRI, and can give you an idea before the operation. The aim is to leave enough to pass urine standing. If that is not possible safely, they will tell you beforehand.
Will I still be able to have sex?
Many men can, depending on how much shaft remains. Erections, desire and orgasm usually continue. Some couples find other ways to be intimate that work well. It is a fair question to ask the surgeon, and counselling for you and your wife is available if you want it.
Can the penis be made longer again later?
Some techniques can make the remaining shaft appear longer, such as releasing a supporting ligament or removing fat above it. Full reconstruction is a larger undertaking and is not done at the same time as cancer surgery. Ask what is possible once you have healed and follow-up is settled.
How long will I be in hospital?
Usually a few days. If groin gland surgery is done at the same time, the stay is longer. Ask your team for the typical stay for your operation and whether the catheter will come out before you leave. Plan for someone to take you home.
Do the groin glands need to be removed as well?
Not always. That decision depends on the grade and depth of the cancer and on what the groin examination and scans show. It may be done at the same time, a few weeks later, or not at all. Ask your surgeon which applies and why.
Can the cancer come back after a partial penectomy?
It can, either at the end of the penis or in the groin glands. Coming back at the end is less common than after a penile-sparing operation. This is why regular follow-up visits continue for years. Report any new lump, sore or swelling in the penis or groin between visits.
How do I tell my wife and family?
Many men find it easier to bring their wife to the appointment where the surgeon explains the operation. That way she hears it directly and can ask her own questions. You decide what the wider family is told. Our counsellors can help you plan that conversation.
Is it covered by Aarogyasri or my insurance?
Cancer surgery is usually covered under Aarogyasri, CGHS, ECHS and EHS, and most cashless insurers are empanelled at CION. Cover depends on the scheme and whether groin surgery is included, so call the helpline with your card details and we will check before you travel.
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Sources
- Cancer Research UK — Penile cancer: treatment
- Macmillan Cancer Support — Penile cancer
- NHS — Penile cancer
- National Cancer Institute — Penile Cancer Treatment (PDQ) - Patient Version
This page is general information, not a prescription. Do not change or stop any treatment based on what you read here. If anything is worrying you, contact your own treating team — or call our helpline and we will help you reach the right specialist.
Keep reading
Related pages
Passing urine after penectomyThe stream, the catheter and what to reportSexual function after partial penectomyErections, intimacy and what helpsGroin node surgery in penile cancerThe separate decision about the groin glandsTalking to your wife about penile surgeryHow to have the conversationPenile cancer surgery: what your options areWhere partial penectomy sits among the others
Talk to us
Been advised a partial penectomy?
Send us the biopsy report and the MRI, or call the helpline. A surgical oncologist will explain what is planned and what to expect. One helpline serves every CION centre.