The pudendal thigh flap for vaginal reconstruction: optimising flap survival

Reconstruction of the labia majora using a neurovascular pedicled pudendal thigh flap after extensive vulvectomy for primary extramammary Paget's disease: A case report

Key Clinical Message

A neurovascular pedicled pudendal thigh flap was used to reconstruct labial defect after extensive vulvectomy for primary extramammary Paget's disease. The flap was reliable for the superior skin and ideal for large labial defect reconstruction.

Abstract

Extramammary Paget's disease (EMPD), a rare type of intraepidermal carcinoma, predominantly affects the genitalia. Generally, the treatment for primary EMPD is wide surgical excision; however, large tissue defects after resection necessitate customized reconstruction. Previously, several reconstruction techniques have been outlined, such as local skin flaps (V-Y flaps), skin grafts, pedicled flaps, and free flaps. However, the complexity of EMPD management is due to the multiple flaps and techniques. In this case report, we applied a neurovascular pedicled pudendal thigh flap to reconstruct a labial defect in a 68-year-old woman using the technique of elevation and particularly the insetting of the flap. This pedicled flap was robust and reliable, producing a labium that was natural in appearance with good-quality skin cover and a protective sensation. The patient was satisfied with both the cosmetic appearance and normal sensation of the reconstructed labia. Additionally, the linear scar at the donor site was located along the inguinal fold, and the flap was accepted by the patient as an ideal tissue for reconstruction of the large labial defect.

Vulvar Reconstruction Using Keystone Flaps Based on the Perforators of Three Arteries

Various flaps are used to reconstruct skin and soft tissue defects of the vulva following resection of malignancies. Whenever possible, reconstruction using local flaps is the standard treatment. Here, we describe vulvar defect reconstruction using keystone flaps. Standard keystone flaps are based on randomly located vascular perforators. However, we designed a keystone flap that includes perforators of three named arteries (the anterior labial artery of the external pudendal artery, cutaneous branches of the obturator artery, and posterior labial artery of the internal pudendal artery) and the pudendal nerve, which accompanies the internal pudendal artery. Four patients with squamous cell carcinoma and extramammary Paget's disease of the vulva underwent radical vulvectomy and keystone flaps including perforators of three arteries. Depending on the morphology of the defects, keystone flaps were used with different designs. For elliptical and unilateral vulvar defects, a standard keystone flap was designed, and for defects on both sides of the vulva, a double opposing keystone flap was used. For oval defects, the omega variant keystone flap was designed, and when the morphology of the defect needed rotation of the flap, a rotational keystone flap was designed. All the patients showed good function and sensation, with an acceptable cosmetic appearance.

Perineal perforator switch flap for three-dimensional vulvovaginal reconstruction

BACKGROUND

Vulvovaginal reconstruction is challenging. In this study, we evaluated the outcomes of vulvovaginal reconstruction with "perineal perforator switch flap" (PPSF) and compared it with other conventional flaps. In addition, the long-term esthetic results were compared with the perineal perforator propeller flap (PPPF), which we previously used.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the clinical data of 16 patients (27 flaps) who underwent vulvovaginal reconstruction with PPSF. After tumor resection, perineal perforators close to the genitofemoral sulcus were identified. The flap was designed as an island with the perforator at the center. The flap was elevated while preserving the soft tissue surrounding the pedicle, and transferred to the defect via the subcutaneous tunnel without pedicle skeletonization.

RESULTS

All flaps survived and no major surgical complications were observed. The total follow-up period was 16.13±3.38 months. The mean operation time was 79.38±19.65 min, and the initiation of walking and the length of hospitalization were 1.69 ± 0.79 and 5.69 ± 0.79 days, respectively. Perineal function was well preserved. Comparison of esthetic results with PPPF showed that PPSF showed better results in symmetrical and labial shape (2.29 ± 0.73 vs. 3.13 ± 0.81; p=0.015, 2.43 ± 1.02 vs. 3.25 ± 0.68; p=0.031, respectively), and in total score. (10.29 ± 2.16 vs. 12.31 ± 1.82; p=0.017).

CONCLUSION

PPSF was technically simple and significantly reduced the duration of operation and the overall recovery time. PPSF also prevented delay in radiation. Therefore, PPSF is a promising method for vulvovaginal reconstruction.

Secondary Vulvar Reconstruction Using Bilateral Gluteal Fold Flaps after Radical Vulvectomy with Direct Closure

Although primary vulvovaginal reconstruction after vulvectomy has high potential to improve patients’ outcomes, flap reconstruction is not an established part of the current standard treatment for vulvar cancer. We report a patient with successful secondary vulvar reconstruction 3 years after radical vulvectomy with direct wound closure. A 69-year-old woman presented with chronic, burning vulvar pain 3 years after radical vulvectomy without reconstruction for stage IB vulvar cancer. Her urethral orifice had everted because of the direct wound closure, which resulted in severe pain on contact. We performed secondary vulvar reconstruction using bilateral 14 × 5 cm² gluteal fold flaps. Postoperative pain management and overall aesthetic outcomes were satisfactory. Secondary vulvar reconstruction with gluteal fold flaps can avoid the sequelae resulting from inadequate direct wound closure after radical vulvectomy. Thus, we strongly advocate immediate vulvar reconstruction to prevent such situations.

Successful combined approach to a severe Fournier's gangrene

We present a case of a successful reconstruction of a severe Fournier's gangrene (FG) involving the scrotum, the perineum, the right ischial area and extended to the lower abdomen. There are many different surgical techniques to repair and reconstruct the defect following debridement in FG. The authors treated this complex wound using negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT), dermal regeneration template and a split-thickness skin graft. Complete recovery was achieved and no major complications were observed. The patient showed a satisfying functional and aesthetic result.

Scrotal and perineal reconstruction

The scrotal and perineal area serves a special function. It is the pelvic outlet for the gastrointestinal tract, urinary system, and sexual function. In the male, the scrotum allows testicular mobility to reduce trauma and allow optimal thermal regulation for spermatogenesis. Trauma, infection, and cancer resection create defects that require reconstruction. The reconstructive goal here is to obtain durable coverage, function, and lastly aesthetic outcome. Pedicled local and regional flaps are the mainstay for this area. Due to the special function and appearance of the scrotum, reconstructive options for total scrotal defect always fall far short of the native scrotum. On the other hand, perineal reconstruction is overall satisfactory.

Reconstruction of the irradiated perineum following extended abdomino-perineal excision for cancer: an algorithmic approach

Our unit has implemented an algorithm for irradiated perineal reconstruction incorporating current evidence and a new technique in line with the advent of laparoscopic tumour excision. Our approach attempts to maintain the benefits patients derive from minimally invasive oncological surgery. Four consecutive patients had uterine retroversion to obturate pelvic deadspace and reconstruct the posterior vaginal wall. Age range was 41-84 years and mean follow-up of 21 months with mean in-patient stay of 7 days. All patients had neoadjuvant radiotherapy or chemoradiation for low rectal/anorectal adenocarcinoma. All patients had laparoscopic Extended APER and contiguous posterior vaginal wall excision and reconstruction with uterine retroversion and z-plasty skin closure. One patient required ultrasound aspiration of a pre-sacral seroma at two months. No patients returned to theatre for major complications. We highlight one minor and no major complications associated with an algorithmic approach incorporating our method of uterine retroversion and z-plasty parallel to traditional flap reconstruction methods.