Total vaginal reconstruction with combined 'Split Labia Minora Flaps' and full-thickness skin grafts.
OBJECTIVE
Vaginal reconstruction with split-thickness skin grafts is the most common method for total vaginal reconstruction. Although it has disadvantages like contraction of the graft, foreshortening, donor site morbidity and long-lasting periods of vaginal standing; its easy surgical technique makes it popular. A new method using split labia minora (LM) flaps and full-thickness skin graft is discussed in this study.


METHODS
A 19-year-old female was presented with amenorrhea. A total absence of vagina was present and the patient underwent a total vaginal reconstruction for possible sexual intercourse.


RESULTS
We observed no contraction and no foreshortening with a patent vaginal cavity up to 11 cm and 4.5 cm width. The need for continuous standing period was as short as 4 weeks and for intermittent standing up to 4 months. Sexual intercourse was encouraged after 4 weeks. During sexual intercourse no external lubrication was reported to be needed. There was no need for further reconstructive intervention.


CONCLUSIONS
Vaginal reconstruction in congenital vaginal agenesis with split LM flaps and full-thickness skin grafts is a simple and effective method, which shortens the standing period and decreases the contraction in neovagina. Total vaginal reconstruction with split LM flaps could also be possible; to achieve this goal, expansion of LM flaps could be a further alternative.
Baytekin
Caghan
C
Kocaeli Acibadem Hospital, Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Izmit, Turkey. drbaytekin@gmail.com
Menderes
Adnan
A
Mola
Fahri
F
Balik
Ozan
O
Tayfur
Volkan
V
Vayvada
Haluk
H
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D016038:Skin Transplantation / Q000379:methods*; D014621:Vagina / Q000601:surgery*