title: Penile reconstruction in the male.
abstract: We describe and review the most recent techniques of male genital reconstruction, identifying relevant material with an unstructured PubMed-based search of previous reports, using the keywords 'reconstruction', 'glans', 'shaft', 'lymphoedema', 'skin graft', 'scrotoplasty', 'urethroplasty', and 'penile prosthesis'. This search produced 22 reports that were analysed in this review. Split-thickness skin grafts are ideal for glans reconstruction, while full-thickness skin grafts should be used to cover defects on the shaft penis, as they tend to heal with less contracture. The radial artery-based free-flap phalloplasty is the technique of total phallic reconstruction associated with the highest satisfaction rates. Further research is required to identify an ideal reconstructive technique that would guarantee superior cosmetic and functional results, minimising donor site morbidity.
authors.affiliation: St Peter's Andrology, University College London Hospitals, London, UK ; Department of Urology, Broomfield Hospital, Chelmsford, UK ; Whipps Cross University Hospital, London, UK.
authors.forename: Giulio
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Garaffa
authors.affiliation: Department of Urology, University "La Sapienza", Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: Vincenzo
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Gentile
authors.affiliation: Department of Urology, University "La Sapienza", Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: Gabriele
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Antonini
authors.affiliation: Department of Urology, Broomfield Hospital, Chelmsford, UK ; Whipps Cross University Hospital, London, UK.
authors.forename: Petros
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Tsafrakidis
authors.affiliation: St Peter's Andrology, University College London Hospitals, London, UK.
authors.forename: Amr Abdel
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Raheem
authors.affiliation: St Peter's Andrology, University College London Hospitals, London, UK.
authors.forename: David J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Ralph
keywords: Genitalia; Glans reconstruction; Lymphoedema; RAFF, radial artery-based forearm free flap; STSG, split-thickness skin graft; Scrotoplasty; Shaft