MUSCLE FLAP RECONSTRUCTION AIDS IN URETHRAL REGENERATION

Traditional methods of reconstructing full-thickness urethral defects have employed a cutaneous component utilized to replace the lining of the urethra. These methods have failed to take advantage of the regene rative ability of urethral epithelium. This epithelium is capable of r egenerating, eliminating the need for urethral lining reconstruction. Muscle flap reconstruction provides an environment that allows for com plete regeneration of the urethral epithelium. A 56-year-old male pres ented with a 12-cm defect of the bulbous and penile urethra involving 180 degrees of the urethral circumference secondary to Fournier's gang rene, A proximally pedicled gracilis muscle was used to reconstruct th e urethral defect, This healed without stricture or leak, Urethral bio psies showed satisfactory migration of the uroepithelium across the ur ethral defect.