Applied anatomy and clinical evaluation of vaginal reconstru ction using the pudendal-thigh island flaps / 中华医学美学美容杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To introduce the anatomic basis and evaluat ion of clinical application of the pudendal-thigh island flaps us ing for vaginal reconstruction. Methods The blood supply and innervation to the skin and fascia of the pudendal-thigh region were studied in 5 female cadavers (with 10 sides). 20 patients who underwent vaginal reconstruction with pudendal-thigh island flaps were followed-up, and all the women were married for more than 3 years. Results There were multiple blood supply in the pudendal-thigh area. The cuta neous arterial vessels come from the posterior labial artery, the external pudendal artery and the anterior cutaneous branches of obturator artery. The posterior labial artery was one of the internal pudendal artery branches, a nd the diameter of it was 0.9～1.7 mm (1.3mm in average) in its original site, w hich was 22～35 mm (26mm in average) from the perineal midline. It gave off 4 ～7 branches to the major labia and the pudendal-thigh area while running alon g the lateral site of the major labia accompanying vein and nerve. 20 patients w ho were followed-up satisfied with their perineal appearance and with 10. 2 cm depth of neovagina in average. Twenty neovagina remained supple, and sexually active without difficulty. Conclusions The pedicle of the pudendal-thigh island flaps using for vaginal reconstruction is the post erior labial neurovascular bundle. The flap has reliable blood supply, survive s easily, transfers with partial sensation and few complications. This tech nique introduces a modified approch of vaginal reconstruction using bilateral pudendal- thigh island flaps with satisfactory cosmetic and functional resu lts.