Vulvar Reconstruction Research Articles

Role of V-Y flap reconstruction in vulvar cancer patients: multicenter retrospective study

ObjectiveTo assess if the use of a V-Y reconstructive flap after excisional radical surgery positively influences the surgical outcomes in patients with vulvar cancer.MethodsThis was a multicenter, retrospective, controlled study....

Perioperative care pathway for vulvar reconstruction: a case series

Perioperative care pathway for vulvar reconstruction: a case series

An Account of a Giant Adolescent Vulvar Lipoma

AbstractThough they are commonly known as “universal tumors,” lipomas are rarely found in the vulva. In this report, we discuss the case of a 15-year-old girl who presented with an enormous (26.5 × 21.5 × 6.5 cm) left labial swelling that had been progressively enlarging for a year and had led to extensive distortion of the vulvar anatomy. Following imaging, surgical excision with vulvar reconstruction was performed focusing on esthesis and function. Pathological examination confirmed the clinical and radiological diagnosis of a lipoma. The patient is doing clinically well at 1 year of follow-up with significant improvement in her academic performance and self-esteem.

A Simplified Algorithmic Approach to Vulvar Reconstruction According to Various Types of Vulvar Defects.

Various surgeons adopt various vulvar reconstruction methods for different types of vulvar defects to restore anatomical structures. Vulvar reconstruction has relatively few references as it is performed in many different ways. Our report aimed to create a simplified reconstruction algorithm that can be used to select the reconstruction flap and to compare clinical outcomes. The patients who underwent vulvar reconstruction between April 2017 and May 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. The reconstruction flap was selected according to a suggested algorithm, which accounted for the defect location depending on the vulvo-thigh junctional crease-the visual landmark of the inferior pubic ramus-and proper perforator location. Postoperative surgical complications, functional outcomes, and oncologic outcomes were analyzed according to the histologic and flap types. Forty-seven patients underwent reconstruction with 31 internal pudendal artery perforator flaps (66%) and 16 profunda artery perforator flaps or transverse upper gracilis flaps (34%). The histologic type included 21 extramammary Paget disease (44.7%), 20 squamous cell carcinoma (42.6%), and 6 other types (12.8%). Postoperative complications, including wound and functional complications, occurred in 10 patients (21.3%). There were more cases of wound complications with profunda artery perforator flaps and transverse upper gracilis flaps (37.5%) than those with internal pudendal artery perforator flaps (12.9%) (P = 0.04). There were 7 cases (14.9%) of 2-year oncologic recurrence with no significant differences in terms of histologic or flap types. According to our suggested simplified algorithm, various types of flaps resulted in reliable surgical outcomes with minimal complication rates and acceptable functional and oncologic outcomes, and the primary goals of vulvar reconstruction were achieved effectively. Using our algorithm, selection of the reconstruction method could be simplified and specified despite the complexity of vulvar defects.

Secondary post-oncologic vulvar reconstruction - a simplified algorithm.

Surgical treatment is the gold standard of care for vulvar cancer and is burdened by a high risk of wound complications due to the poor healing typical of the female genital area. Moreover, this malignancy has a high risk of local relapse even after wide excision. For these reasons, secondary reconstruction of the vulvoperineal area is a relevant and challenging scenario for gynecologists and plastic surgeons. The presence of tissue already operated on and undermined, scars, incisions, the possibility of previous radiation therapy, contamination of urinary and fecal pathogens in the dehiscent wound or ulcerated tumor, and the unavailability of some flaps employed during the primary procedure are typical complexities of this surgery. Due to the rarity of this tumor, a rational approach to secondary reconstruction has never been proposed in the literature. In this observational retrospective study, we reviewed the clinical data of patients affected by vulvar cancer who underwent secondary reconstruction of the vulvoperineal area in our hospital between 2013 and 2023. Oncological, reconstructive, demographic, and complication data were recorded. The primary outcome measure was the incidence of wound complications. The secondary outcome measure was the indication of the different flaps, according to the defect, to establish an algorithm for decision-making. Sixty-six patients were included; mean age was 71.3 ± 9.4 years, and the mean BMI was 25.1 ± 4.9. The mean size of the defect repaired by secondary vulvar reconstruction was 178 cm2 ± 163 cm2. Vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous (VRAM), anterolateral thigh (ALT), fasciocutaneous V-Y (VY), and deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) were the flaps more frequently employed. We observed five cases of wound breakdown, one case of marginal necrosis of an ALT flap, and three cases of wound infection. The algorithm we developed considered the geometry and size of the defect and the flaps still available after previous surgery. A systematic approach to secondary vulvar reconstruction can provide good surgical results with a low rate of complications. The geometry of the defect and the use of both traditional and perforator flaps should guide the choice of the reconstructive technique.

The inguinal fold as a flaps bank: the inguinal fold island flap (IFI flap).

The aim of this article is to describe an island flap, harvested from the inguinal fold, which can be used for vulvar reconstruction: the inguinal fold island flap (IFI flap). IFI flap is indicated for reconstruction of defects of vaginal vestibule and labia minora and it could be raised bilaterally safeguarding regional symmetry and avoiding vaginal introitus or urethral distortion. This flap has been utilized to reconstruct defects after vulvar melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma resections and in one case to restore vaginal vestibule anatomy in a revision surgery in a transgender woman. IFI flap is an example of an "aesthetic/functional" reconstruction which could be proposed to younger patients too.

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.

Perforator flaps for vulvar reconstruction: basic principles.

In vulvar cancer, the standard treatment is radical local excision, with immediate reconstruction. Reconstruction aims to restore anatomy and function of the external female genitalia, facilitating preservation of normal body image, sexual function, and micturition and defecation functions. The purpose of this paper is to describe the principles of perforator flaps for vulvar reconstruction. Basic concepts, indications and operative technique are discussed and detailed. In vulvar reconstruction, the use of perforator flaps is a superior surgical technique when compared to the use of conventional flaps.

Impact of vulvar reconstruction on the accuracy of a nomogram for predicting local recurrence after surgery for vulvar cancer

Summary background dataVulvar carcinoma is a rare disease accounting for 3%–5% of all gynaecological cancers. Although surgery is the standard treatment at an early stage, the outcomes are highly correlated with clear resection margins. Therefore, surgical defects can be important and require reconstruction. The aim of this study was to evaluate vulvar reconstructions using a previously validated nomogram predicting the risk of local recurrence at 2 years. MethodsPatients who underwent surgery for vulvar cancer between 1998 and 2017 were extracted from eight FRANCOGYN centres. We estimated the probability of local recurrence at 2 years using a previously validated nomogram and compared it with actual relapse in patients with or without vulvar reconstruction. Patients were clustered into tiertiles according to their nomogram score: low-, intermediate-, and high-risk for local relapse probability. ResultsWe reviewed 254 patients, of whom 49 underwent immediate vulvar reconstruction. The predicted and actual probability of two-year local relapse were 20.1% and 15.7%, respectively, with a concordance index of 0.75. In the low- and intermediate-risk groups, the difference between predicted and observed recurrence was less than 10% in patients with or without vulvar reconstruction. For the high-risk group, the difference reached 25% and observed recurrence probability was lower in patients who underwent vulvar plasty compared with those who did not (20.0% vs. 36.2%, respectively). Local recurrence-free survival rates following vulvar reconstruction were comparable at two years (82.1% vs. 84.8%, respectively, p = 0.26). ConclusionVulvar reconstruction after surgical resection for vulvar cancer is safe. Vulvar reconstruction should be considered in aggressive cases to decrease local recurrence.

Urethral functional reconstruction using a pedicled thigh flap for urethral cutaneous fistula after vulvar necrotizing fasciitis.

The penile and scrotal skin are often resected after vulvar necrotizing fasciitis, so functional and aesthetic vulvar reconstruction is extremely challenging. With widespread and deepened infections, urethral fistulas can develop, forcing penis and scrotal amputations. In cases complicated with a urethral fistula, the wound cannot be treated by simple skin graft surgery, and complicated flap surgery is required. We verified that urethral functional reconstruction using a pedicled thigh flap is a useful technique for managing urethral cutaneous fistulas that develop after necrotizing fasciitis.

Personalized reconstructive and plastic approach in the surgical treatment of vulvar cancer

Introduction. The choice of a rational method of treatment in vulvar cancer is one of the most actual and difficult problems of modern clinical oncology. In the majority of cases vulvar cancer occurs in elderly and senile patients, as well as in some patients with locally advanced form. The aim of the investigation was to assess the possibility of reconstruction after surgical treatment of vulvar cancer.Materials and Methods. A study was conducted involving 151 patients with squamous cell vulvar cancer in whom the gynecological oncology department of Chelyabinsk regional clinical center of oncology and nuclear medicine performed surgical treatment by various methods in the following volume: dilated vulvectomy with the resection of adjacent anatomical structures with reconstructive and plastic component.Results. The original ways of plasty of the postoperative wound after vulvectomy were evaluated, the minimum risk of complications was revealed. The presented technologies permit to use additional variants of the wound defect reconstruction and have a number of advantages in comparison with two dermalfascial flaps from the medial surfaces of the femur used earlier. Discussion. Studies have shown that vulvar reconstruction using skin flaps can avoid complications and improve patients' quality of life. Reconstruction with flaps is not currently an accepted standard of treatment for vulvar cancer. Conclusion. The methods of the wound defect closure are possible after radical vulvectomy in patients with squamous cell vulvar cancer and resection of adjacent anatomical structures without reduction of surgical treatment volume. These methods of wound defect closure contribute to the reduction of postoperative complications and significantly reduce postoperative stay in a medical institution.

The Pedicled Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator (DIEP) Flap for Vulva Reconstruction

Pain, scar contracture and soft tissue defects are common late sequel of acne inversa and Fournier’s gangrene. Aesthetical as well as functional reconstruction of the external vulva and labia majora can be very challenging. We present two cases where a pedicled Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator (DIEP) flap for vulva reconstruction was implemented. In order to reconstruct both labia majora, we partially split the flap and raised a bilaterally pedicled DIEP flap. Many local flap techniques have been published on vulvar reconstruction. The aim of this paper is a discussion of the present literature and a review of current strategies for soft tissue restoration with the DIEP flap for vulva reconstruction. Wepresent and discuss two cases which were successfully reconstructed using the described surgical technique

A Review of Reconstruction for Vulvar Cancer Surgery.

Vulvar reconstruction may be required after vulvectomy or any vulvar surgery. Providers should be familiar with techniques for reconstruction to improve clinical outcomes. This article reviews the different techniques for reconstruction after vulvectomy and describes the decision-making process for selection of appropriate techniques, postoperative care, and expected outcomes. A literature search was conducted, focusing on the plastic surgery and gynecologic oncology literature, using the following search terms: "vulvar reconstruction," "perineal reconstruction," "vulvectomy," and "vulvar cancer." The search was limited to English publications. Reconstruction after vulvectomy can be performed using a variety of techniques ranging from simple or complex closure to adjacent tissue rearrangement to skin grafting, locoregional, and free flaps. The appropriate technique is best chosen based on the characteristics of the patient and postablative defect, as well as the reconstructive goals. Postoperative complications are usually minor. Vulvar reconstruction techniques vary widely and offer patients improved outcomes. Knowledge of vulvar reconstruction techniques is necessary for gynecologists performing vulvar surgery to ensure optimal patient outcomes.

Tạo hình khuyết hổng trong phẫu thuật ung thư âm hộ: báo cáo 2 trường hợp tạo hình phức tạp và tổng quan y văn

Performing radical surgery for locally advanced vulvar cancer is usually associated with the occurrence of large perineal defects. These defects, especially in previously radiated cases, often require more advanced reconstructive techniques using locoregional flaps. We present two cases of vulvar reconstruction, one case using a split and thinned, transversely oriented, pedicled deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap and another one with gracilis myocutaneous flap. These pedicled flap seems to be an effective and feasible method of perineal reconstruction after extended perineal resection for locally advanced vulvar cancers. especially in pre-irradiated patients.

Double identification of sentinel lymph node with indocyanine green and 99m-technetium in vulvar cancer and V–Y flap for vulvar reconstruction

In this video we show the different steps in the approach to a case of vulvar cancer from the first consultation to final treatment. The surgical procedure involved the double...

Aesthetic reconstruction of localized periurethral cancer defects: a case report

Although several techniques of vulvar reconstruction have been reported, the aesthetic repair of localized periurethral defects has not been investigated yet. A 60-year-old woman presented with a neoplasm located on the right side 1–2 mm from the urethral meatus. A radical wide local excision was performed with the resection of the distal part of the urethra. The urethral meatus was reconstructed by the mobilization of the anterior and lateral vaginal mucosa. The vulvar defect was repaired by the advancement of the two bilateral V-shaped local flaps harvested at the level of labia majora. The present case emphasizes the importance of tailoring reconstructive options for vulvar reconstruction to provide aesthetically appealing results, to prevent or restore organ function and to reduce disease and treatment-related morbidity. Level of evidence: Level V, therapeutic study.

Outcomes of the use of different vulvar flaps for reconstruction during surgery for vulvar cancer

BackgroundVulvar carcinoma is a rare cancer, accounting for 3–5% of all gynecological cancers. Surgery is the standard treatment for patients with early stage vulvar cancer and vulvar reconstruction can be performed for these patients. The present study aimed to compare three different flap and to analyze the outcomes of vulvar surgery. MethodsWe performed a single-center retrospective study between October 2001 and December 2015. We compare patients who underwent radical surgery for vulvar cancer combined with three different vulvar flap reconstructions (GTF, gluteal thigh flap; RF, rhomboid flap; VYF, V-Y flap).We collected data on the operating time, length of hospital stay, reoperation rate, and postoperative complications. ResultsWe reviewed 179 patients who underwent radical vulvar surgery and 61 (34%) of these underwent additional reconstruction. There were no significant differences in clinical characteristics between the three groups. The median hospital stay was significantly longer for the GTF group (24 days) than RF (17 days) and than VYF (14 days) (p = 0.002). No significant differences were found concerning the operating time. Regarding postoperative complications, reoperation rates of 69%, 41%, and 25% were noted in the GTF, RF, and VYF group, respectively (p = 0.04); partial necrosis was the most common postoperative complication. The overall and recurrence-free survivals were comparable between the three groups. ConclusionWhen the defect is too large, VYF seems to be the procedure of choice for ensuring healing without a prolonged hospital stay compared to RF and GTF. Moreover, VYF was associated with a lower reoperation rate within 60 days compared to RF and GTF.

Quality of Life and Sexual Functioning After Vulvar Reconstruction With the Lotus Petal Flap.

Resection of (pre) malignant lesions in the vulvoperineal area may result in large defects that cannot be closed primarily. The lotus petal flap technique is widely used for reconstruction. The aim of this study was to evaluate both quality of life (QoL) and sexual functioning of patients who underwent the lotus petal flap procedure, because no data are available on this topic. A cross-sectional study was performed on all eligible patients (N = 38) who underwent the lotus petal flap procedure between 2005 and 2016. The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire C30, Female Sexual Function Index, and Body Image Scale were used to evaluate QoL and sexual functioning. The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire C30 and Female Sexual Function Index scores were compared with scores of age-matched healthy women. Twenty-six patients (68%) responded. The mean (SD) age was 65.5 (16.3) years, and the median follow-up time was 38.5 months (range 16-141 months). Quality of life scores were lower compared with healthy women in the domains physical, role, and social functioning. Sexual activity rates were comparable with healthy women; however, sexual functioning was worse. Although patients were satisfied about their sexual life, pain was reported. Patients who underwent vulvar reconstructive surgery with lotus petal flaps seem to have a lower QoL compared with healthy women. Patients report more pain during sexual activity but are satisfied about their sexual functioning. These results should be included in preoperative counseling and follow-up of future patients eligible for vulvar reconstruction with a lotus petal flap.

Experience with gluteal V-Y fasciocutaneous advancement flaps in vulvar reconstruction after oncological resection and a modification to the marking: Playing with tension lines.

Many post-vulvectomy vulvar reconstruction solutions, using local fasciocutaneous flaps where possible, have been proposed. We report the use of V-Y advancement flaps from the gluteal fold in medium to large vulvar reconstructions and a simple modification we made to the technique in order to minimise wound-related complications. Between 2006 and 2016, 30 vulvar reconstructions were performed via a total of 59 flaps, 24 of which were raised using the proposed modification to the plasty design. Short- and long-term (24 months) follow-up data were analysed, postoperative flap sensitivity was tested, and any arising complications were recorded. The mean age of patients treated was 75.3 years (51-92 years). The mean monolateral defect dimensions were 7.5 × 4.7 × 2.8 cm. Minor complications were recorded in 23% of patients (14% of flaps). One case of ostial stenosis occurred. Micturition and ambulation recovery was rapid, and flap sensitivity was fully restored 24 months after reconstruction. Scars were well hidden by natural soft tissue folds. The outcomes in this case series confirm that the gluteal V-Y advancement fasciocutaneous flap is a useful and simple technique for reconstructing even large vulvar defects. It has a low functional and aesthetic impact and enables rapid return to autonomy. Moreover, the simple modification to the V-Y flap proposed, designed to reduce tension at the apical part of the wound, appears to reduce the complication rate.

Trends and Complications of Vulvar Reconstruction After Vulvectomy: A Study of a Nationwide Cohort.

The objective of this study was to determine complications associated with primary closure compared with reconstruction after vulvar excision and predisposing factors to these complications. Patients undergoing vulvar excision with or without reconstruction from 2011 to 2015 were abstracted from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. Common Procedural Terminology codes were used to characterize surgical procedures as vulvar excision alone or vulvar excision with reconstruction. Patient characteristics and 30-day outcomes were used to compare the 2 procedures. Descriptive and univariate statistics were performed. Adjusted odds ratios and confidence intervals were calculated using a logistic regression model to control for potential confounders. Two-sided α with P < 0.05 was designated as significant. A total of 2698 patients were identified; 78 (2.9%) underwent reconstruction. There were no differences in age, race, body mass index, diabetes, hypertension, tobacco use, heart failure, renal failure, or functional status between the 2 groups. American Society of Anesthesiologists class 3 and 4 patients and those with disseminated cancer were more likely to undergo reconstruction (both P < 0.001). On univariate analysis, reconstruction was associated with increased risk of readmission, surgical site infection, pulmonary complications, urinary tract infection, transfusion, deep venous thrombosis, sepsis, septic shock, unplanned reoperation, longer hospital stay, need for skilled nursing or subacute rehab on discharge, and death within 30 days. On logistic regression analysis, disseminated cancer, American Society of Anesthesiologists classes 3 and 4 and reconstruction remained significant risk factors for readmission and any postoperative complication. Patients undergoing vulvar excision with reconstruction are at increased risk for readmission and postoperative complications compared with those undergoing excision alone. Careful patient selection and efforts to optimize surgical readiness are needed to improve outcomes. Long-term data could help determine if these 30-day outcomes are a reliable measure of surgical quality in vulvar surgery.