Immediate vaginal reconstruction following pelvic exenteration using the pedicled vertical Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator (DIEP) flap: A technical note.

Immediate vaginal reconstruction is usually offered following pelvic exenteration for recurrent cervical cancer in women previously treated with radiotherapy or with severe radiation-induced fistulae. Introduction of muscle-sparing flaps, such as the pedicled vertical deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap, provides viable tissues for vaginal reconstruction and is associated with reduced donor-site morbidity. This report describes the surgical technique, which is one of the procedures of choice for vaginal reconstruction. It is safe and beneficial, especially for women with gynecologic cancer who have undergone pelvic exenteration after failed radiation therapy.