Cases of Vaginoplsty Using Pudendal -thigh Flaps

Abstract

We performed 3 cases of pudendal-thigh flaps in patients with congenital absence of the vagina from June, 1996 through February, 1999. Pudendal-thigh flaps are posterior labial artery axial flaps based on the terminal vessels of the internal pudendal artery. The flaps are raised bilaterally in the groin crease just lateral to the labia majora and are then transposed toward the midline and sutured together to form a neovagina. With adequate flap dissection, reliable blood supply is maintained. Thus, complications such as flap necrosis do not occur and early wound healing is possible. It is s relatively simple technique which can be completed with little blood loss. This method can be completed in one stage, and the prolonged use of stents of dilators is not necessary, since the reconstructed vagina is stable. The linear scars of the donor sites are well hidden in the groin crease and perineum. Normal function is maintained postoperatively without change in sensation. The authors report these methods with a review of the literature.