Novel modification of the vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap for neovagina creation.
OBJECTIVE
We describe a modification of the traditional vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap for neovagina creation and our experience to date.


METHODS
Our modified vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap uses a smaller flap size with a full-thickness skin graft posteriorly to decrease the size of the abdominal wall defect. We have used the modified vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap in 18 patients between March 1998 and March 2004 to create a neovagina after exenterative surgery.


RESULTS
The mean age of the patients was 54 years, and the mean body mass index was 27 (range 18-44). Twelve patients underwent a total pelvic, 5 anterior, and 1 posterior exenteration. Among the 13 patients requiring a colostomy, the vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap was taken from the contralateral side. In these patients, the urostomy was brought out on the vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap donor side. There has been only 1 partial flap loss, which eventually resulted in a fully epithelialized neovagina. Eight patients at last follow-up were sexually active. Two other patients have died from recurrent disease, and 2 are alive with recurrence. The other 6 patients have no evidence of recurrent disease and, although not sexually active at the time of this report, have a viable and adequate neovagina. All patients had a successful primary closure of the abdominal wound in a vertical fashion. Three patients had superficial abdominal wound breakdown, which healed by secondary intention.


CONCLUSIONS
The modified vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap allows for creation of an adequate neovagina with a smaller abdominal wall defect.
Sood
Anil K
AK
Department of Gynecologic Oncology, University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA. asood@mdanderson.org
Cooper
Brian C
BC
Sorosky
Joel I
JI
Ramirez
Pedro T
PT
Levenback
Charles
C
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005833:Genital Neoplasms, Female / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010385:Pelvic Exenteration / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D017568:Rectus Abdominis; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D014621:Vagina / Q000601:surgery*