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The inguinal fold as a flaps bank: the inguinal fold island flap (IFI flap)
Adriana Cordova1, Fernando Rosatti2, Francesca Toia1
1Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Department of Surgical, Oncological and Oral Sciences, University of Palermo, Via del Vespro, 129. 90127, Palermo, Italy.
The aim of this article is to describe an island flap, harvested from the inguinal fold, which can be used for vulvar reconstruction: the inguinal fold island flap (IFI flap). IFI flap is indicated for reconstruction of defects of vaginal vestibule and labia minora and it could be raised bilaterally safeguarding regional symmetry and avoiding vaginal introitus or urethral distortion. This flap has been utilized to reconstruct defects after vulvar melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma resections and in one case to restore vaginal vestibule anatomy in a revision surgery in a transgender woman. IFI flap is an example of an "aesthetic/functional" reconstruction which could be proposed to younger patients too.
The aim of this article is to describe an island flap, harvested from the inguinal fold, which can be used for vulvar reconstruction: the inguinal fold island flap (IFI flap). IFI flap is indicated for reconstruction of defects of vaginal vestibule and labia minora and it could be raised bilaterally safeguarding regional symmetry and avoiding vaginal introitus or urethral distortion. This flap has been utilized to reconstruct defects after vulvar melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma resections and in one case to restore vaginal vestibule anatomy in a revision surgery in a transgender woman. IFI flap is an example of an "aesthetic/functional" reconstruction which could be proposed to younger patients too.
