Phallectomy

• Phellectomy is the surgical removal of the distal extremity of the penis, but the organ remains in the preputial cavity.
  • Often required in cases of neoplasia, traumatic damage, chronic paraphimosis and neurogenic disease, where other treatments have failed or are inadequate.
  • Some producers request the bulls have this procedure done to make “teaser” bulls to aid in the identification of cows/ heifers in estrus (an alternate procedure would be to have the bulls vasectomized Vasectomy).

Uses

Advantages

• It is considered an acceptable salvage procedure for a number of bulls with traumatic injuries, neurogenic disease or neoplasia of the penile tissues.

Disadvantages

• This procedure would mean the bull would no longer be able to serve (mate naturally) cows.
• The procedure requires the bull to have a general anesthetic and be placed in dorsal recumbency (there is an anesthetic risk in larger animals).

Technical problems

• Accessing the urethra and spatulating the urethra.

Alternative techniques

• Penectomy and urethrostomy Urethrostomy.

Time required

Preparation

• 10 -15 minutes (time to allow the bull to become sedated and for surgical preparation of the penis).

Procedure

• 30 – 60 minutes (this will be dependent on the clinician’s experience).

Decision taking

Criteria for choosing test

• Neoplasia of the penis.
• Traumatic injury of the penis.
• Where disease only involves the distal penis.