The nine-hour operation by surgeons in Cape Town offers hope to high numbers of South African men who lose their penises due to complications with traditional circumcision.

Experts thought the unnamed 21-year-old patient - who had to have his penis amputated three years ago after circumcision - would take two years to regain all function.

However, it has taken just four months for this to occur - resulting in December's operation being declared a success.

The surgery was five years in the planning at Stellenbosch University and Tygerberg Hospital.

It was led by Professor Andre van der Merwe, who said: "We are very surprised by his rapid recovery.