Polypropylene mesh implantation in combination with vacuum-assisted closure in the management of metastatic or locally recurrent vulvar cancer: case report and review of literature.
BACKGROUND
Mesh reconstruction, especially in combination with vacuum-assisted closure, might improve healing and reduce the surgical morbidity of extensive inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy or extensive local resection in progressive cancer of the vulva.


METHODS
Radical vulvectomy combined with inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy was performed in 2 patients (P1, P2). The inguinofemoral wound bed was stabilized by polypropylene mesh implantation and sealed with vacuum closure system. In 1 patient with local recurrence of vulvar cancer (P3), local excision and stabilization of the wound were performed by mesh implantation.


CONCLUSIONS
Mesh implantation fulfills 2 purposes: (1) it protects exposed vessels and the wound can be vacuum sealed; and (2) it stabilizes the surgical bed, permitting the required radical excision locally and inside the vascular compartment.
Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Ernst-Moritz-Arndt University Greifswald, Greifswald 17475, Wollweberstrasse 1-3, Germany. erik.riebe@uni-greifswald.de
Erik
E
Riebe
Ralf
R
Ohlinger
Franziska
F
Thele
Günter
G
Köhler
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002277:Carcinoma / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D054843:Negative-Pressure Wound Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000601:surgery*; D011126:Polypropylenes / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013526:Surgical Mesh; D014846:Vulvar Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*
D011126:Polypropylenes