A Buccal Mucosal Harvesting Technique for Urethral Reconstruction

PURPOSE: A step-by-step harvesting technique for buccal mucosa is described that maximizes graft yield while minimizing potential donor site morbidity in urethral reconstruction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A specialized oral retractor was used to expose and retract the buccal mucosal lining of the oral cavity for graft harvesting in 12 patients. RESULTS: Adequate buccal mucosal graft size was obtained for each reconstruction. There were no oral donor site or urethral recipient site complications. CONCLUSIONS: This harvesting technique offers a simple and effective method for optimizing buccal mucosal graft harvests.