Complex vulvar reconstruction following female genital mutilation/cutting

Abstract

Female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) is aworldwide problem affecting millions of women and is especially common in Africa and Arabia. Women suffer from serious physical and psychological problems. Anatomic reconstruction, therefore, is an important and life-changing option for many affected women. This work gives ashort overview of specialized techniques invented by the author for functional and aesthetic vulvar reconstruction following FGM/C. This work does not intend to provide anatomic or surgical details. The anterior obturator artery perforator flap (aOAP flap), the omega domed flap (OD flap), and amicrosurgical procedure called neurotizing and molding of the clitoral stump (NMCS procedure) are described. The aOAP-flap for vulvar reconstruction, the OD-flap for clitoral prepuce reconstruction, and the NMCS-procedure for reconstruction of the clitoral tip provided natural, reliable, and long-lasting results, all of which normalize the anatomy of the mutilated outer female genitalia. The reconstructive options presented contribute to re-establish normal anatomy and, thus, support women's health and relieve the burden forced upon them by FGM/C.