Phillip Seaton and wife Deborah have sued a surgeon for "loss of service, love and affection", after Mr Seaton's penis was amputated during an operation which he said was done without his consent.

Phillip Seaton, a truck driver in Kentucky claims his penis was removed during an operation he was told would lead to a circumcision to treat inflammation four years ago.

The surgeon Dr John Patterson defended his move by explaining he was "forced" to amputate after he found life-threatening cancer during the operation.

The Seatons have already sued the hospital, where the surgery took place and agreed on a settlement out of court for an undisclosed amount and are now are suing Dr Patterson for damages.

Monday, Mr Seaton's lawyer, Kevin George, told jurors during the opening arguments in the civil case which takes place in Shelbyville, Kentucky, that his client no longer felt like a man and insisted Dr Patterson had hinted at the possibility of Mr Seaton suffering from cancer prior to the operation, which took place in 2007.

"He's angry because Dr Patterson took off his penis without asking; without giving him a choice; without giving him the opportunity to check around and talk to other people," Mr George was quoted by Associated Press news agency as telling the court, reportedly showing photos while adding "You can see there's nothing there."

Clay Robinson, a lawyer for Dr Patterson, defended his client and insisted the doctor had only removed the tip of the penis after he had found cancer and claimed Mr Seaton had signed a document authorising necessary treatment in unforeseen circumstances.

Robinson also said another doctor was responsible for the removal of the rest of the organ.

"Mr Seaton is here today, able to be in this courtroom... because John Patterson saved his life," Robinson said.

Cancer