Gracilis myocutaneous flap in reconstruction of the vulva and female perineum

For the past 2 decades there has been a definite trend among pelvic surgeons to immediately reconstruct the large defects created by deforming radical cancer surgery in the female pelvis and perineum. Extensive en bloc removal of more tissue has enhanced the probabilities of increased 5-year survival. At the same time, however, the quality of life following radical surgery has been of great concern to both patient and surgeon. Recent advances have been made in techniques for reconstruction. It is the purpose of this paper to present our experience using the gracilis myocutaneous flap for reconstruction of the vulva after radical excision of perineal tissue. The technique of the procedure is presented with the clinical results in 5 cases, and the complications noted therein.