[Functional penile reconstruction with skin flaps combined with muscle: a preclinical study].

Objective: To devAop a new approach for functional penile reconstruction.

Methods: Total penile reconstruction using innervated gracilis muscles and anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap with fascia lata was performed on four human cadavers. Canine models were constructed using gracilis muscles and lower abdominal flap with anterior rectus sheaih, instead of the ALT flap. Seven months later, the erectile function of the neophalli elicited by electrostimulation was evaluated. The length, diameter and stiffness were measured respectively and the results were analyzed statistically using paired-samples t test.

Results: The penile reconstruction was success with good appearance in the cadaveric study. The hardness of the reconstructed penis in canine models was graded as 1.2 ± 0.4 at rest. With the nerve pedicles stimulated, it increased significantly and was graded as 3.4 ± 0.5 (P ＜ 0.05),while the length shortened and the diameter did not change significantly. A successful erection-mimic course was observed.

Conclusions: It indicates that penile reconstruction with skin flaps combined with muscle is feasible, serving as a theoretical and technical support for further clinical application.