[Labia minora skin flap vaginoplasty using tissue expansion].
OBJECTIVE
This is to introduce a method for vagina reconstruction using the expanded labia minora flap.


METHODS
Two tissue expanders were implanted in the labia minora bilaterally and expanded slowly over 4 weeks. In the operation, the expanded labial tissue was advanced as a bipedicle flap to line the reconstructed vagina. Five patients were treated with this method. Postoperative stent placement and dilation resulted in a vaginal canal exceeding 8 cm in depth.


RESULTS
During the follow-up of 6 months to 2 years, four of the five patients got married. The vulva exhibited almost indistinguishable appearance. The reconstructed vagina had sensory and secretary functions. Its morphology and depth well meet the physiological demand.


CONCLUSIONS
The modified method of tissue expansion vaginoplasty using the labia minora bipedicle flap is a good option for vagina surgery. The reconstructed vagina possesses the anatomical and physiological resemblance.
Wu
Jie
J
Nanjing Drum-Tower Hospital, Department of Plastic Surgery, Nanjing 21008, China.
Hong
Ying
Y
Li
Sheng-fan
SF
Hu
Zhi-qin
ZQ
D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D009929:Organ Size; D019637:Orthopedic Procedures; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D015607:Stents; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000637:transplantation*; D015626:Tissue Expansion / Q000379:methods*; D015625:Tissue Expansion Devices; D014621:Vagina / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology / Q000601:surgery*; D014844:Vulva / Q000637:transplantation*