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.