Gluteal Fold V-Y Advancement Flap for Genital Reconstruction following Radical Vulvectomy with Bilateral Inguinofemoral Lymphadenectomy in Vulvar Cancer: A Case Report

Abstract

Background: Vulvar cancer is a rare malignancy representing about 4% of all genital cancers in women. Historically, the gold standard for treatment of squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva was en bloc radical vulvectomy with bilateral inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy. For the reconstruction the options are primary closure, skin grafts, or local and distant flaps. In this case we used the gluteal fold fasciocutaneous V-Y advancement flap that is sensate and thin with a reliable blood supply, can be advanced easily, and can be performed in a single-stage procedure.

Care Report: We present a clinical case of an 82- year old female patient who had an exophytic vulvar lesion, which grew progressively with the histopathologic diagnosis of invasive vulvar squamous cell carcinoma. It was decided to perform radical vulvectomy with right unilateral lymphadenectomy and reconstruction with Gluteal Fold V-Y Advancement Flap. During the post-surgical period it recurred with wound dehiscence and finally skin necrosis developed in the area of the left thigh. Surgical debridement, escharectomy, harvesting and application of skin graft, and closure of the femoral hernia with omentum patch were performed with no associated complications. Follow-up was carried out during the next 3 months after surgery. She presented adequate evolution of the flap and left thigh area.

Conclusions: The Gluteal Fold V-Y Advancement Flap is an excellent option for the reconstruction of the vulvovaginoperineal area after a radical vulvectomy. It provides us with a good prognosis and quality of life for the patient.