Introduction: The use of artificial urinary sphincters can improve urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomies; however, complications can arise. We hypothesized that dynamic graciloplasty improves urethral sphincter reconstruction. Materials and Methods: Models of urethral sphincter muscle reconstruction were developed in 5 adult rabbits by wrapping the gracilis muscle flap around the urethra. Intra-urethral pressure was measured in each of the models before reconstruction (control), after reconstruction, and after electrical stimulation of the flap in reconstructed models (stimulated models). Results: The mean maximum urethral closure pressure was significantly greater in the reconstruction model (69.7 (66.5-115.8) mm Hg) than in the control model (39.2 (33.7-49.6) mm Hg). The mean integral of the urethral pressure and urethral length was also significantly greater in the reconstruction model than in the control model. Furthermore, sphincter tightening was enhanced by the electrical stimulation of the flap. Conclusions: Our results support our hypothesis that the functional reconstruction of urethral sphincters using muscle flaps is promising for the treatment of urinary incontinence.
a b s t r a c tIn some cases, skeletal and soft issue elements are required for chest wall reconstruction. Although muscle flaps and ribs are commonly used for achieving ideal reconstruction, deformation and loss of bone strength are unavoidable in such cases. In the present report, we describe a technique for chest wall reconstruction that can help avoid such donor site deformity. A 59-yearold woman with metastasis of a malignant mixed tumor in the parotid gland underwent resection from the sternoclavicular joint to the first and second ribs, including the manubrium and part of the sternum body. To achieve chest wall reconstruction, we used a pectoralis major flap along with two dual-partitioned ribs. In this modified procedure, instead of simply using the flaps with the whole ribs (which is common), we only used the anterior cortical portion of the ribs. This helped preserve the chest wall strength and prevented deformity at the donor site. At 7 months after surgery, the cut ribs in the reconstructed area and the original donor site appeared stable, without any complications, on computer tomography. Although the thickness of the bone used was half of that used with the conventional method, the skeletal strength was sufficient for her daily activities. Our modified method requires some additional effort for cutting the ribs, but the BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). JPRAS Open 5 (2015) 7e12 rest of the procedure involves the use of a conventional, simple rib-muscle flap. With this method, donor site deformity can be prevented, and the procedure can not only be adapted for chest wall reconstruction but also for other skeletal reconstructions that require the use of ribs.
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