Clinical Research On Total Penile Reconstruction Using Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator Flap Combined Rib Cartilage

Objective:To explore a new surgical procedure for total phallic reconstruction.Methods and materials:Since October 2002,Five patients with penile loss were reconstructed by transferring a deep inferior epigastric perforator(DIEP) Flap and implanting the 12^th costal cartilage in.Results:All of the flaps survived suceessfully.With the follow-up from two months to four years,patients could void standing with good stream,no one developed fistula formation or urethral stenosis.There were no obvious rib resorption.All the patients achieved penetration during sexual intereourse,and two of them were reported the return of erogenous sensibility of the neopenis leading to orgasm.The appearances of the neopenis and donor-site scar were satisfactory.Conclusion:This new procedure,designed reasonable,which can be completed in one-stage,provides an esthetically and functional acceptable neophallus without great donor-site damage.It seems to be a useful alternative for penile reconstruction.