Objective: To design an animal model for the reconstruction of penile erectile function with segmental gracilis musculocutaneous flap.
Methods: The rabbit gracilis muscle was split longitudinally into two approximately equal halves completely according to the principles of muscle compartmentalization. An animal model was designed for the reconstruction of erectile function with segmental musculocutaneous flap based on the anterior gracilis muscle bundle, with a silicone stick implanted as a supporter. A multi-channel physiological signal acquisition and processing system were used to stimulate the reconstructed penis and its CMAP was measured synchronously.
Results: When its nerve was electric stimulated, the muscle bundle contracted, which made the reconstructed penis moving accordingly. It satisfactorily simulated the way of a normal penis's erection.
Conclusions: The reconstructed penis with rabbit segmental gracilis musculocutaneous flap according to the principles of muscle compartmentalization has achieved the erectile function satisfactorily. It has met the requirements of both improving reconstructive penis's appearance and retaining muscle' s contractive function.