A longitudinally split rabbit segmental gracilis to simulate penile erectile function: anatomic basis and animal...

Area of Science:

• Regenerative Medicine
• Surgical Innovation
• Anatomical Studies

Background:

• The gracilis myocutaneous flap has been used for penile reconstruction.
• Previous applications resulted in bulky appearance, compromising aesthetics.
• A need exists for a less bulky, functional penile reconstruction method.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design a penile reconstruction model using a modified gracilis flap.
• To reduce the volume of the reconstructed penis.
• To maintain or improve erectile function post-reconstruction.

Main Methods:

• Harvesting gracilis muscles from rabbits.
• Utilizing colorful vascular perfusion and modified Sihler's nerve staining.
• Longitudinally splitting rabbit gracilis muscles into two halves.
• Selecting the anterior muscle bundle as the functional unit with blood supply.

Main Results:

• Simultaneous visualization of intramuscular nerves and vessels on a single specimen.
• Identification of the gracilis muscle as composed of two independent subunits.
• Successful survival of the reconstructed penis model.
• Satisfactory simulation of erectile action.

Conclusions:

• The longitudinally split rabbit segmental gracilis myocutaneous flap is a viable option for penile reconstruction.
• This method effectively restores erectile function.
• The technique improves the aesthetic appearance of the reconstructed penis.