Vulva Reconstruction
With a radical vulvectomy the whole vulva is removed to obtain control of the cancer/disease.
Sometimes women describe what is known as an ‘open book’ feeling because the labia have been removed and there isn’t anything cushioning the entrance to the vagina. The degree of this feeling largely depends on the laxity of the tissues and whether any radiotherapy has been necessary.
The outer labia can be reconstructed from the skin and fat in the buttock crease, which leaves only a hidden scar in the crease and around the new labia. This type of flap has been named a Lotus flap and relies on blood supply from the perineum(the area between your vagina and anus).
This flap will not grow hair, but will close the entrance to the vagina as a normal pair of outer labia and create a natural looking introitus.
Vulval reconstruction is done under General Anaesthesia and you will stay for at least three, if not four days in hospital. You will have a small drain (thin plastic tube to drain away excess tissue fluid) which will be removed after 3-4 days. All the stitches are absorbable and you are advised to wear a pair of supportive knickers for the first 3 weeks, but you should avoid vigorous exercise and sex for at least 6-8 weeks.
The possible complications from vulval reconstruction are:
• A bleed under the flap, which necessitates you going back to theatres to have the excess blood removed
• Infection
• Wound dehiscence (a small part of the wound comes apart, usually only if you are a smoker and if the area has been given radiotherapy)
• Flap failure (exceedingly rare)
any inquiries please email: plasticsurgeryjemec@gmail.com