Use of the genito-crural island perforator flap in vulvar reconstruction: a single-center experience
Vulvar cancer represents 5% of all gynecological malignancies, but its incidence has increased. Management of early stages requires radical local excision, with simultaneous reconstruction when direct suturing is not indicated. The genito-crural island perforator flap is a reliable option that can be considered in most vulvar reconstruction cases, combining limited morbidity and preservation of aesthetic and functional vulvar concerns. This monocentric, retrospective single-arm study includes patients treated between 2021 and 2025, who underwent vulvar cancer surgical resection with genito-crural island perforator flap reconstruction. The study aims to highlight the feasibility and surgical results of this flap in terms of wound healing, hospitalization duration, and post-operative outcomes. Of the 27 patients included, 19 had bilateral genito-crural island perforator flap reconstruction, resulting in a total of 46 flaps. A total of 59.3% of patients had no risk factors for impaired healing, despite an occasionally advanced age (median 61 years, range; 35-81) and patients often being overweight (median 27.7kg/m Genito-crural island perforator flap is a simple and reliable procedure, enabling rapid healing with short post-operative recovery, low morbidity, and satisfactory functional and morphological outcome. In our practice as a tertiary cancer center, we routinely use this flap.
