Successful penile reconstruction following prior arteriovenous loop thrombosis due to undiagnosed protein-S deficiency and exogenous testosterone

Abstract

Flap failure from microvascular thrombotic occlusion is a rare but significant cause for unsuccessful reconstructive surgery. We encountered thrombosis of arteriovenous loop in a patient undergoing phallus reconstruction. Further investigations revealed underlying previously asymptomatic hypercoagulable state due to protein-S deficiency in addition to long-term exogenous testosterone administration. Role of thrombophilia testing, thrombogenic potential of testosterone and the need for therapeutic perioperative anti-coagulation in such situations are described here.