Perineal and posterior vaginal wall reconstruction with a superior gluteal artery dual perforator-pedicled propeller flap.
Gluteal artery perforator flaps are a good option to reconstruct perineal and posterior vaginal wall defects after abdominoperineal resection. The bulkiness of the folded flap may compromise the results by obliterating the introitus and vaginal cavity. In this report, we present a case of the use of a superior gluteal artery dual perforator-pedicled propeller flap to reconstruct the posterior vaginal wall and perineum in a 60-year-old female who had an abdominoperineal resection of a locally progressive anal squamous cell carcinoma. Two perforators were completely skeletonized through gluteus maximus muscle fibers. The vascularization of the skin flap was based on the first perforator, whereas the aponeurotic flap was vascularized by the second perforator. The vaginal defect was reconstructed with a gluteus maximus aponeurotic flap, and the perineal reconstruction was based on a superior gluteal artery perforator skin flap. No postoperative infection or necrosis occurred. Skin healing was completed in 3 weeks. Vaginal opening was controlled using lubricant and graduated vaginal dilators during 6 weeks. The patient began sexual intercourse 2 months postoperatively. No revision was needed. Perineal and posterior vaginal wall defects may be reconstructed with a gluteal artery perforator flap. The thickness of the flap allows a complete filling of the full perineal cavity. The gluteus maximus aponeurosis may be suitable for the reconstruction of the posterior vaginal wall.
Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Sud Francilien Hospital, University Paris Sud XI, 91000, Evry, France.
Benoit
B
Ayestaray
Yann Martin
YM
Proske
D001005:Anus Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D002081:Buttocks / Q000098:blood supply*; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000601:surgery*; D059248:Chemoradiotherapy; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008866:Microsurgery / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged; D061525:Perforator Flap / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000601:surgery*; D010502:Perineum / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000601:surgery*; D011182:Postoperative Care / Q000379:methods; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000601:surgery*; D014621:Vagina / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000601:surgery*; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000502:physiology