A proposed technique for one-step preputial reconstruction in the dog

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Surgery
• Reconstructive Surgery
• Anatomical Studies

Background:

• Preputial reconstruction presents surgical challenges.
• Limited reconstructive options exist for penile defects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a reverse axial pattern flap utilizing the superficial branch of the dorsal penile artery.
• To evaluate its efficacy in preputial reconstruction.

Main Methods:

• Canine cadaveric penile dissection to delineate the superficial branch of the dorsal penile artery's vascular supply.
• Fluoroscopic identification and methylene blue injection to map flap perfusion.
• Surgical creation and application of the flap for preputial reconstruction in a clinical case.

Main Results:

• Methylene blue injection confirmed arterial supply to the designed skin flap.
• The flap was successfully employed for preputial reconstruction after mast cell tumor removal.
• A minor area of full-thickness flap necrosis occurred, healing by second intention.

Conclusions:

• The described reverse axial pattern flap is a viable option for single-stage preputial reconstruction.
• This technique demonstrates potential utility in veterinary reconstructive surgery.