The Experimental Study And Clinical Application Of Nipple Reconstruction With Double-opposing M Flaps

[Objective]To investigate a simple and reliable method of nipple reconstruction and to evaluate the feasibility and superiority of nipple reconstruction with double-opposing M flaps.[Method]Twenty adult male SD rats were used in this study. Each animal was undergone two operations of nipple reconstruction: double-opposing M flaps method was used on the left abdominal wall, meanwile S flaps method was used on the right abdominal wall. Nipple shape, blood supply, height and the survival of the nipple were comparatively observed on 0,3,7,30 days postsurgery. Retraction rate was calculated on 30 days postsurgery. Using a paired-samples T test to judge two kinds of surgical reconstruction nipple retraction rate is statistically significance or not.[Results]Two rats dead from anesthesia accidents and/or cold circumstance. The observation data is as follows:By double-opposing M flaps mehods, the reconstructed nipples of 16 cases were survivaled(survival ratio:16/18), which appeared cylindrical, with cross-shaped scar on the top, and the central slightly concave. The complications were part of flap edge necrosis, wound infection. By S flaps methods, the reconstructed nipples of 17 cases were survivaled(survival ratio:17/18), which appeared elliptically cylindrical, with linear scar on the top. The complications were marginal flap congestion, necrosis, wound infection, dehiscence. The rate of survivaled nipples between the two different surgical methods was no significant difference (P>0.05).By double-opposing M flaps method, the retracting rate of reconstructed nipples 30 days postsugery was 33.57%; meanwhile it was 43.86% by S flaps method. There was a significant difference between two groups (P<0.05) [Conclusion]Double-opposing M flaps mehtod is a reasonable designed, safe and reliable method to reconstruct nipples, which has a lower retraction rate by contrast to the traditional operation method. Reconstructed nipples were cylindrical, with cross-shaped scar on the top,and the central slightly concave, shaped like the normal nipple top dermatoglyph,vivid appearance. So this method is worth to widely use in clinical.