Abstract
Introduction The penis eventually needs specific cutaneous coverage in the context of reconstructive
procedures following trauma or congenital anomalies. Local flaps are the first choice
but are not always available after multiple previous procedures. In these cases, skin
graft and dermal matrices should be considered.
Materials and Methods This study was a retrospective review of the past 4 years of four patients with severe
loss of penile shaft skin who underwent skin reconstruction. Dermal matrices and skin
grafts were utilized. Dermal matrices were placed for a median of 4.5 weeks (3.0–6.0
weeks). The skin graft was harvested from the inner thigh region for split-thickness
skin graft (STSG) and the inguinal region for full-thickness skin graft (FTSG).
Results The four patients presented with complete loss of skin in the penile shaft. One patient
had a vesical exstrophy, one had a buried penis with only one corpus cavernosum, one
had a wide congenital lymphedema of the genitalia, and one had a lack of skin following
circumcision at home. They underwent reconstruction with three patients undergoing
split-thickness skin graft; two dermal matrices; and one full-thickness graft, respectively,
thereby achieving a good cosmetic and functional result. There were no complications,
and all the patients successfully accepted the graft.
Conclusion Dermal matrices and skin grafts may serve as effective tools in the management of
severe penile skin defects unable to be covered with local flaps.
Keywords
penile reconstruction - skin grafts - dermal matrices - pediatric
