Good news

After about eight hours in surgery, Thien Nhan, 4, is recovering well. The surgeons are confident that the procedure to insert prosthetic testicles, extract the child's penis from beneath a covering of skin, and extend it was a success.

"His penis will be normal size for his age and look normal in about three months," said Thien Nhan's mum, Mai Anh. "It should be able to grow with him and have sensation."

Obviously, it had been a long day for Mai Anh, who was very relieved that the surgery was a success. Speaking at around midnight last night (Vietnam time), she said: "Thien Nhan is still groggy. When he woke up from the surgery his eyes were full of tears. He saw me there and he said: 'I didn't cry, Mummy. It doesn't hurt so don't worry. 'Since then, he's woken up a few more times and told me that he didn't cry."

Thien Nhan must remain in hospital in Bologne Italy for another two to three weeks, to recover from this major procedure.