Polypropylene Mesh Implantation in Combination With Vacuum-Assisted Closure in the Management of Metastatic or Locally Recurrent Vulvar Cancer

Abstract

Mesh reconstruction, especially in combination with vacuum-assisted closure, might improve healing and reduce the surgical morbidity of extensive inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy or extensive local resection in progressive cancer of the vulva. Radical vulvectomy combined with inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy was performed in 2 patients (P1, P2). The inguinofemoral wound bed was stabilized by polypropylene mesh implantation and sealed with vacuum closure system. In 1 patient with local recurrence of vulvar cancer (P3), local excision and stabilization of the wound were performed by mesh implantation. Mesh implantation fulfills 2 purposes: (1) it protects exposed vessels and the wound can be vacuum sealed; and (2) it stabilizes the surgical bed, permitting the required radical excision locally and inside the vascular compartment.