Phantom erection after amputation of penis. Case description and review ofthe relevant literature on phantoms

Background: Perception of a phantom limb is frequent after an amputation of an upper or lower extremity. Phantom penis is reported infrequently, Metho d: Case description and literature review. Result: The phenomenon of phanto m penis followed total penectomy, Several aspects were unusual, particularl y the existence with phantom only in the erect state, and associated recrud escence of a preoperative painful ulcer. General features of limb phantoms after amputation are reviewed including a resume of recent studies of corti cal reorganization. The phantom process is analyzed looking for clues to th e nature of the underlying neural organization. The puzzle of phantom pain is briefly touched on. Conclusion: The development of the phantom is attrib uted to activity in the deafferented parietal sensory cortex.