Postsurgical Pyoderma Gangrenosum After Penile Inversion Vaginoplasty: Case With Review of Diagnostic and Management...

Postsurgical pyoderma gangrenosum (PSPG) is a highly uncommon and unpredictable wound healing complication. Rapid progression of ulcers at incisions can cause unfettered dehiscence. Most commonly, PSPG involves breast procedures; however, in this work, we detail a case of a patient who developed PSPG 10 days postoperatively after penile inversion vaginoplasty.

The patient in this case underwent a penile inversion vaginoplasty with orchiectomy in the standard fashion. She had no risk factors for PSPG. Following an uncomplicated hospital stay, the patient developed difficulty with pain control and increasing serous drainage on the 10th postoperative day. On readmission, the patient was found to have developed large, mildly purulent ulcers throughout the perineal wound edges. On exam under anesthesia, the neovaginal canal was found to be patent and intact. The dehisced portions of the incisions were left open and redressed with occlusive bismuth-petrolatum dressing. Dermatology was promptly consulted with suspicion for PSPG. The patient was started on an 18-day prednisone taper with cyclosporine, along with doxycycline and ciprofloxacin.

After 5 days of immunosuppressive treatment, the ulcers visibly converted to healthy granulation tissue and were no longer actively purulent. Following another washout, the dehisced wound edges were reapproximated. At follow-up, the patient had no evidence of PSPG recurrence and continued dilating on schedule. Our patient recovered from PSPG without further complications and a satisfactory aesthetic result.

This unique case highlights the importance of prompt dermatological consultation, immunosuppression, and avoidance of further pathergy in the setting of suspicion for PSPG.