title: BAES Scrotal flap: anatomical bases and usefulness in complex urethral reconstruction.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To describe the anatomical characteristics and vascularization of the biaxial hair free scrotal flap (BAES-flap) and to detail its surgical application to reconstruction of the more complex urethral strictures.
  
  
  METHODS
  We performed macro and micro anatomical dissections of the scrotum in 15 cryopreserved cadavers for the study of the arterial microvascularization of the BAES flap, and this anatomical knowledge has been implemented with the aim to improve the anterior and posterior urethra reconstructive surgical technique. For scrotal skin conditioning we performed definitive hair removal with the alexandrite laser.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The BAES flap, thanks to its rich biaxial vascularization, its anatomical disposition over the urethral axis, and the suitable characteristics of hair free scrotal skin, has allowed us to perform successful one-step urethral reconstruction in complex cases such as panurethral disease, multioperated hypospadias, failed urethroplasties and obliterative stenosis.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Detailed study of scrotal skin arterial vascularization is essential to design reliable and versatile genital skin flaps that result appropriate for the most complex reconstructive urethral surgery. The BAES scrotal flap complies with these requirements offering the patient a one step reconstructive option with a very satisfactory surgical experience over more than 20 years.
authors: .Servicio de Urología del Hospital General. Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Deu. Barcelona.Spain.
authors: Alfredo
authors: A
authors: Gil-Vernet
authors: Servicio de Urología. Hospital General Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Deu. Barcelona.Spain..
authors: Manuel
authors: M
authors: Cespedes
authors: Departament de Ciencies Mediques. NEOMA Research Group. Universitat de Girona.Girona.Spain.
authors: Anna
authors: A
authors: Carrera
authors: Servicio de Urologia. Hospital Valle de Hebron. Barcelona.Spain.
authors: Jorge
authors: J
authors: Ropero
authors: Departamento de Laser. Clínica Planas. Barcelona. Spain.
authors: Rafael
authors: R
authors: Serena
authors: Servicio de Urologia. Hospital del Mar. Barcelona.Spain.
authors: Octavio
authors: O
authors: Arango
mesh_terms: D002102:Cadaver; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D012611:Scrotum / Q000098:blood supply / Q000601:surgery*; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000098:blood supply; D014521:Urethra / Q000601:surgery*; D014525:Urethral Stricture / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D013521:Urologic Surgical Procedures, Male / Q000379:methods*