Vaginal reconstruction using a full-thickness skin graft harvested from the abdomen

Objective: To describe a technique using a full-thickness abdominal skin graft to create a functional neovagina. Methods: For three patients undergoing radical vaginectomy or exenteration, a neovagina was constructed using a full-thickness skin graft harvested from the edge of the abdominal incision. The graft was first sewn around a condom mold and then sutured to the introitus. An omental J flap was used for the blood supply. Results: From 1 to 4 months after this operation, all of the patients' neovaginas were well healed and functional. The abdominal incision/donor site was also well healed. Conclusion: Creation of a neovagina from a full-thickness abdominal skin graft taken from the edge of an abdominal incision seems to be an excellent alternative for creating a functional neovagina. This technique is advantageous in that it avoids the significant donor site morbidity associated with conventional split-thickness skin grafting techniques while providing the benefits of increased elasticity and less contracture associated with full-thickness skin grafts.