Full-thickness Martius grafts to preserve vaginal depth as an adjunct in the repair of large obstetric fistulas
Margolis, T.; Elkins, T.E.; Seffah, J.; Oparo-Addo, H.S.; Fort, D.
Obstetrics and Gynecology 84(1): 148-152
1994
ISSN/ISBN: 0029-7844 PMID: 8008312 Document Number: 430352
We performed a modified bulbocavernosus full-thickness pedicle graft procedure on four patients with large obstetric fistulas in Ghana, West Africa. The bulbocavernosus fat pad was harvested in the usual manner, and the full-thickness skin patch was taken from the medial thigh. All grafts showed 100% take by the tenth postoperative day. Adequate vaginal depth and caliber were obtained in all patients. Sexual function resumed in all patients except one, who suffered a recurrent vesicovaginal fistula. This method of vaginoplasty may be useful in patients who have massive vaginal-wall destruction of either gynecologic or obstetric origin.