Open AccessThe Pedicled Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator (DIEP) Flap for Vulva Reconstruction
Author(s) -
Kathrin Bachleitner,
M Ndhlovu,
Thomas Schoeller,
Amr Abdin,
Laurenz Weitgasser
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
austin journal of clinical case reports
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2381-912X
DOI - 10.26420/austinjclincaserep.2021.1196
Subject(s) - labia majora , vulva , medicine , diep flap , surgery , breast reconstruction , anatomy , cancer , breast cancer
Pain, scar contracture and soft tissue defects are common late sequel of acne inversa and Fournier’s gangrene. Aesthetical as well as functional reconstruction of the external vulva and labia majora can be very challenging. We present two cases where a pedicled Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator (DIEP) flap for vulva reconstruction was implemented. In order to reconstruct both labia majora, we partially split the flap and raised a bilaterally pedicled DIEP flap. Many local flap techniques have been published on vulvar reconstruction. The aim of this paper is a discussion of the present literature and a review of current strategies for soft tissue restoration with the DIEP flap for vulva reconstruction. Wepresent and discuss two cases which were successfully reconstructed using the described surgical technique