title: Vulvar reconstruction by a "supra-fascial" lotus petal flap after surgery for malignancies.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study is to report on our experience with the supra-fascial lotus petal flap following the resection of vulvar cancer.
  
  
  METHODS
  The original lotus petal flap or gluteal-fold flap technique was initially described with fascial elevation. However, flap harvesting in a supra-fascial plane is feasible. Between 2008 and 2011, we performed and evaluated this modified flap technique for labia majora reconstruction on five elderly females (mean age: 72 years).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Resection and reconstruction were performed in the same operative time with a median time procedure of 118 min. We observed neither flap failure nor partial necrosis. Functional evaluation beyond six months showed low donor site morbidity and good aesthetic results.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Immediate vulvar reconstruction with supra-fascial lotus petal flap is a fast, easy and reliable procedure. It enables wide resection and safety margin following tumor removal with free tension suture, good aesthetic results and a favourable functional outcome.
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic Surgery, Strasbourg Academic Hospital, Strasbourg, France. frederic.bodin@chru-strasbourg.fr
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Bodin
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Weitbruch
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Seigle-Murandi
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Volkmar
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Bruant-Rodier
authors.forename: J F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Rodier
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D013509:Gynecologic Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D011788:Quality of Life; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D014846:Vulvar Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*