Flap reconstruction following gynaecological tumour resection for advanced and recurrent disease--a 12 year experience.

We have reviewed all the cases of flap reconstruction following resection of a gynaecological malignancy at the Royal Marsden Hospital over 12 years from 1993 until 2005. Forty-six patients were identified who required 53 flaps. The predominant site of the primary tumour was vulva, accounting for 83% of the cases, with cervix, ovary, vagina and endometrium making up the remainder. Squamous cell carcinoma was the most common histological type, accounting for 71% of cases, with adenocarcinoma, Paget disease, leiomyosarcoma, melanoma and basosquamous carcinoma making up the remainder. Most patients (73%) had recurrent disease at the time of reconstruction and most patients (80%) had been treated with radiotherapy either before and/or after surgery. Local flaps accounted for 49% of the reconstructions performed, with 16 rhomboid flaps, five lotus petal flaps and five advancement flaps. Of the pedicled myocutaneous flaps, there were 21 rectus abdominis flaps, four gracilis flaps and one tensor fascia lata flap. There was one free flap. The complication rate was 53%, with wound breakdown predominating. The 5 year survival was 14%, with 67% of patients surviving 1 year. This group of patients often have advanced disease and a limited life span. The complications associated with performing a major reconstructive procedure need to be balanced against the potential wound problems associated with leaving these advanced tumours untreated surgically.