Novel Clitoral Reconstruction and Coverage With Sensate Labial Flaps: Potential Remedy for Female Genital Mutilation

Area of Science:

• Reconstructive surgery
• Female sexual health
• Genitourinary reconstructive surgery

Background:

• Female genital mutilation (FGM) causes complications like clitoral pain, reduced sensation, and diminished sexual function.
• Clitoral reconstruction offers a potential solution to alleviate these complications and restore genital anatomy and aesthetics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To create sensate labial flaps for neoclitoral coverage.
• To assess the functional and aesthetic outcomes of clitoral reconstruction in FGM patients.

Main Methods:

• Prospective study of 40 FGM patients undergoing clitoral reconstruction with sensate labial flaps.
• Pre- and post-operative assessment of clitoral sensation and sexual function using a 6-point scale and the Female Sexual Functional Index (FSFI).
• Flap design based on arterial anatomy and innervation of the labia minora.

Main Results:

• Significant improvement in mean FSFI scores from 11.64 preoperatively to 29.14 postoperatively.
• Significant increase in clitoral sensation from 2.35 preoperatively to 4.9 postoperatively.
• Overall, 95% of patients reported beneficial outcomes from the surgery.

Conclusions:

• Clitoral reconstruction with sensate labial flaps leads to significant improvements in sexual function and clitoral sensation.
• The procedure positively impacts genital aesthetics and patient self-esteem.
• This reconstructive approach is effective in managing FGM-related complications.