[Morphologic observation of the regenerated nerve in reconstructed penis with sensory nerve implantation in rabbit].

Objective: To investigate the mechanism of sensory nerve regeneration of the reconstructed penis with sensory nerve implantation and to explore a new surgical technique to improve the postoperative sensory function in phallic reconstruction.
Methods: Adult male New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into experimental group (n = 20, with sensory nerve implantation) and control group (n = 20, without sensory nerve implantation), which were both performed phalloplasty with a superficial epigastric faciovascular pedicle flap. Postoperatively, the nerve regeneration process of the reconstructed penis was observed histologically.
Results: In experimental group, the amount of CGRP positive nerve fibers increased markedly with the time prolonged, whereas merely a few CGRP positive fibers scattered in deep dermis 6 months later in the other group. The cutaneous sensory nerve regeneration of the reconstructed penis in experimental group shows the procedure that the myelinated axon began to exist within 3 months, thereafter the myelinated axon and unmyelinated axon were both observed under the electron microscope.
Conclusion: These findings show that the rabbit model of phalloplasty with sensory nerve implantation can acquire well sensory reinnervation, and bring a light to clinical application for restoration of sensory function in reconstructed penis.