Vulvar reconstruction with a lotus petal flap in recurrent vulvar carcinoma: a case report

Birendra Bhagat; Swati Jaiswal; Sabina K. C.; Sumedha Gupta

doi:10.18203/2320-6012.ijrms20260648

Authors

Birendra Bhagat Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, National Medical College, Birgunj, Nepal
Swati Jaiswal Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Dhanusha Hospital, Nepal
Sabina K. C. Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, National Medical College, Birgunj, Nepal
Sumedha Gupta Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medanta Hospital, Gurugram, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2320-6012.ijrms20260648

Keywords:

Vulvar cancer, Recurrent vulvar carcinoma, Vulvar reconstruction, Lotus petal flap, Squamous cell carcinoma

Abstract

Vulvar cancer is an uncommon gynecologic malignancy with a significant risk of local recurrence following surgical treatment. Management of recurrent disease often requires wide local excision, resulting in extensive soft-tissue defects that pose reconstructive challenges. We report the case of a 61-year-old woman with recurrent vulvar squamous cell carcinoma who underwent wide local excision followed by immediate vulvar reconstruction using a lotus petal musculocutaneous flap. The postoperative course was complicated by partial flap necrosis, which was managed conservatively with satisfactory healing. Histopathology confirmed tumor-free margins, and adjuvant radiotherapy was planned due to close margins and recurrent disease. This case highlights the reliability, versatility, and functional benefits of the lotus petal flap in reconstructing complex vulvar defects after radical excision in recurrent vulvar carcinoma.

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