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

Objective: The gracilis was once applied in reconstructing erectile function but its appearance was bulky. We aimed to design a model meeting the requirements of both reducing volume and retaining function.

Materials And Methods: The gracilis muscles of 6 rabbits were harvested, applied colorful vascular perfusion and modified Sihler's intramuscular nerve staining. According to their intramuscular nerves and blood vessels, 9 rabbit right gracilis muscles were then longitudinally split into two halves. The anterior muscle bundle was selected as the functional unit and blood supply.

Results: The intramuscular nerves and vessels were simultaneously presented on a same specimen. Their relationship suggested gracilis muscle to be composed of two relatively independent subunits. The reconstructed penis survived well, simulating erectile action satisfactorily.

Discussion: The penis model reconstructed with longitudinally split rabbit segmental gracilis myocutaneous flap had met the requirements of both restoring erectile function and improving the appearance.