[Complex vulvar reconstruction following female genital mutilation/cutting].

BACKGROUND

Female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) is a worldwide problem affecting millions of women and is especially common in Africa and Arabia. Women suffer from serious physical and psychological problems. Anatomic reconstruction, therefore, is an important and life-changing option for many affected women.

OBJECTIVES

This work gives a short overview of specialized techniques invented by the author for functional and aesthetic vulvar reconstruction following FGM/C. This work does not intend to provide anatomic or surgical details.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

The anterior obturator artery perforator flap (aOAP flap), the omega domed flap (OD flap), and a microsurgical procedure called neurotizing and molding of the clitoral stump (NMCS procedure) are described.

RESULTS

The aOAP-flap for vulvar reconstruction, the OD-flap for clitoral prepuce reconstruction, and the NMCS-procedure for reconstruction of the clitoral tip provided natural, reliable, and long-lasting results, all of which normalize the anatomy of the mutilated outer female genitalia.

CONCLUSIONS

The reconstructive options presented contribute to re-establish normal anatomy and, thus, support women's health and relieve the burden forced upon them by FGM/C.