Abstract:

Objective　To study the method and effect of using the deep inferior epigastric perforator flap (DIEP) to repair the wound after radical vulvectomy.    Method　From May 2010 to March 2011, 5 cases of patients with carcinoma of vulva were treated by radical vulvectomy. Then DIEP was harvested from the abdominal wall and transplanted to repair the wound through subcutaneous tunnel under skin of mons pubis, using the deep inferior epigastric artery and vein on one side as vascular pedicle. The urethral orifice and vaginal orifice were also reconstructed in the same stage of operation.   Results    All DIEP （6~10 cm×12~17 cm）survived well after operation with satisfactory appearance of the urethral orifice and vaginal orifice.  Conclusion    Application of DIEP is one of the best methods to repair the wounds after radical vulvectomy for the advantages like: safety, convenience, minor injury of donor site and satisfactory appearance.

Key words:  Deep inferior epigastric artery;　Perforator flap; , Carcinoma of vulva; , Radical vulvectomy