OBJECTIVETo 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.

METHODSAdult 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.

RESULTSIn 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.

CONCLUSIONThese 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.