Fascia lata in penile reconstructive surgery: a reappraisal of the fascia lata graft.

Abstract

Various surgical techniques and innovations have been applied to manage complex penile deformities. As an adjunct to penile reconstructive surgery, use of fascia lata, the superficial connective tissue structure of the thigh, may also be considered. Herein, four case reports are described in which fascia lata was applied: penile deformity associated with multiple unsuccessful penile prosthesis surgeries; penile prosthesis migration after phalloplasty; partial penile loss after ablative penile cancer surgery; and penile fibromatosis (Peyronie's disease). Fascia lata was autogenously obtained from the lateral thigh in all cases and used for, respectively, corporoplasty, penile prosthesis fixation, penile elongation, and tunica albuginea grafting. Surgeries were successful in every instance, and each patient reported satisfactory neophallic appearance and function postoperatively. The functional anatomy of the fascia lata was investigated further with lower extremity cadaveric dissections. For penile reconstructive surgery, fascia lata offers an autogenous source, it can be expeditiously obtained causing minimal morbidity, and it serves as a viable graft material with good tensile strength. Its application derives from, and may extend to, other reconstructive surgeries.