The propeller flap concept used in vaginal wall reconstruction

Abstract

Most posterior vaginal wall defects are due to abdominoperineal resection for colorectal carcinoma involving the posterior vaginal wall or resection of local malignancies. The rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap, the modified Singapore flap and the gracilis myocutaneous flap remain workhorse solutions for this type of vaginal reconstruction. The introduction of the perforator concept has introduced new therapeutic options using the gluteal donor site region. Recently, perforator-based gluteal flaps have been described as a reliable solution for reconstruction of posterior vaginal wall defects, with low donor site morbidity. Here, we present a new technique to optimise results and minimise morbidity to the patient.