50 surgeons and 15 hours later the US's first penis transplant is a success

A cancer patient has received the first penis transplant in the United States, at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, according to Associated Press on Tuesday.

Thomas Manning underwent the 15-hour surgery - performed by a team of more than 50 surgeons - on May 8 and 9. The doctors said they are cautiously optimistic that Manning, 64, who had his penis amputated in 2012 because of cancer, will be able to urinate normally and function sexually again.

“Today I begin a new chapter filled with personal hope and hope for others who have suffered genital injuries,” Manning said. “In sharing this success with all of you, it is my hope we can usher in a bright future for this type of transplantation.”

Doctors said his psychological state will play a key role in his recover, and they expect him to leave hospital this week.

“Emotionally, he's doing amazing,” Curtis Cetrulo, who led the transplant, said at a news conference. “I'm really impressed with how he's handling things. He's just a positive person. He wants to be whole again. He does not want to be in the shadows.”

The doctor said reproduction will not be possible because Manning did not receive new testes.

The hospital did not provide details of the deceased donor.