Vaginal reconstruction with an island flap of the inferior epigastric vascular pedicle.
This paper presents a new method of vaginal reconstruction. On the basis of anatomic study, we designed an island flap obtained from the upper abdomen to carry the deep inferior epigastric vasculature. At operation, the flap was transferred to the artificial cavity created between the urinary bladder and rectum for vaginal reconstruction. Eight patients received the operation. Complete survival of the flap occurred in seven patients, and one flap failed because of a twist in the flap vascular pedicle. During a follow-up of 6 months to 2 years, it was found that the reconstructed vaginal wall was not only soft but also elastic, and the patients were able to have a satisfying sexual life after marriage.
Xiong
S
S
Department of Plastic Surgery, Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Anhui, People's Republic of China.
Zhan
W
W
Cheng
X
X
Li
G
G
Zhao
T
T
Yu
G
G
Miao
H
H
D000328:Adult; D002102:Cadaver; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000379:methods* / Q000502:physiology; D013997:Time Factors; D014022:Tissue Survival / Q000502:physiology; D014621:Vagina / Q000601:surgery*