First penile transplant recipient 'to become father'

The South African recipient of the world's first penile transplant is to become a father, a surgeon who performed the operation has told the BBC.

His girlfriend has reported that she is about four months pregnant, and this showed that the "transplant worked", said Andre van der Merwe.

The 21-year-old recipient, whose identify is being protected, lost his penis in a botched circumcision.

The operation took place in December.

Surgeons at Stellenbosch University and Tygerberg Hospital performed a nine-hour operation to attach a donated penis.

Dr Van der Merwe said he was "very pleased" when he heard that the man's girlfriend was pregnant, and had not asked for a paternity test as there was no reason not to believe the couple.