Objective: Vulvar cancer is a relatively rare tumour accounting for just 5% of all gynaecological malignancies. Radical excision can sometimes involve the distal one-third to one-half of the urethra leading to postoperative problems with micturition, asymmetries and psychosexual distress. Although this topic has been largely addressed, no specific method for distal urethra reconstruction has been described. The aim of this paper is to assess the safety and reliability of our reconstructive technique.
Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of 47 consecutive patients who underwent neourethral meatus reconstruction with vaginal mucosa flap. The surgical technique is described step-by-step. We reviewed the patients' demographics, operative characteristics, as well as immediate complications and long-term outcomes.
Results: Neo-meatal reconstruction was combined to direct vulvar closure in 2 patients, rhomboid flaps in 3 cases, 1 bilateral lotus flap and 36 V-Y fasciocutaneous flaps, 4 rectus abdominis and 1 gracilis flap. Wound dehiscence at the site of the neourethral reconstruction occurred in only 4.3%, partial necrosis of the vaginal mucosa flap in 2.1%. Totally post-operative early complication rate including the whole procedures was 29.8% with a re-operation rate of 4.3%. Long-term outcomes were evaluated in 68.1% patients, including 18.7% of urinary incontinence, no urethral stenosis and 25% of narrowed vaginal introitus.
Conclusion: Neourethral meatus reconstruction using the vaginal mucosa flap is a simple, safe and reliable technique with a very low early complication rate. We suggest that this flap could be a good option to preserve and restore urinary function in case of distal urethral amputation.
Keywords: Flap; Neo-meatal reconstruction; Reconstruction; Vulvar cancer.
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