Female Genital Mutilation Reconstruction: Surgical Technique

Area of Science:

• Reconstructive Plastic Surgery
• Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) Surgical Rehabilitation
• Urogynecology

Background:

• Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) significantly impacts survivors' physical and sexual health.
• There is a growing demand for FGM reconstructive surgery, yet access remains limited.
• Plastic surgeons possess the expertise to provide functional and aesthetic rehabilitation for FGM survivors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate a surgical technique for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) reconstruction.
• To evaluate the functional and aesthetic outcomes of this reconstructive procedure.
• To highlight the role of plastic surgery in addressing the needs of FGM survivors.

Main Methods:

• Adjacent tissue rearrangement of the bilateral vulva utilizing buccal mucosal grafting.
• Structural fat grafting to the labia majora and mons region for protection and sensory regeneration.
• Inverted Y incision for de novo labia minora creation and clitoral remnant dissection; vaginal sulci recreated with labia majora imbrication.

Main Results:

• The technique yields excellent improvements in contour, scar tissue release, and labia minora reconstruction.
• Low complication rates were observed post-operatively.
• Patients reported a return of natural pigmentation and clitoral sensation.

Conclusions:

• FGM reconstruction is a safe procedure that improves physical and sexual health.
• This reconstructive approach offers significant functional and aesthetic benefits for FGM survivors.
• The described technique is a straightforward and effective method for FGM rehabilitation.