Medical and Surgical Gynecology in Florida

Reconstructive Surgery in Gynecology

Reconstructive surgery has come a long way in the last decade as technology improved and physicians became more specialized. This is especially true in gynecology, where more and more emphasis is placed on restoring normal anatomy and function after surgery.

Surgical reconstructive procedures may be required unexpectedly after a routine gynecological operation or as part of extensive treatment for advanced cancer. In either case, reconstructive surgery has been shown to reduce potential problems and side effects from surgery and improve patients' quality of life.

Complex reconstructive surgery requires extensive specialized training, proficiency at using special reconstructive surgical techniques and a dedication to working with women to understand their needs, expectations and goals. At Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Fla., a gynecologic oncologist and a plastic surgeon work as a team to produce cosmetic results that restore as much anatomy and function as possible. This teamwork is especially important in radical cancer surgery, where surgical reconstruction is an integral part of the overall treatment plan.

Surgeons in the Department of Gynecology and the Section of Plastic Surgery provide a full range of reconstructive surgery procedures. These include:

• Minor reconstruction of the vulva.
• Creating a new vagina to correct congenital abnormalities using split-thickness skin grafts and a temporary vaginal mold.
• Rebuilding the vagina after radical cancer treatment.
• Using skin grafts to cover large defects after radiation therapy or radical surgery for recurrent cancer in the vulva and groin.
• Rebuilding vital organs, such as a urinary bladder, vagina or pelvic floor, that were removed to treat advanced cancer or were badly damaged after radiation therapy. In the case of bladder reconstruction, for example, it is often possible to create a pouch that holds the urine internally, eliminating the need for an external collection bag.
• Reconstruction of the pelvic floor to correct pelvic prolapse and urinary or rectal incontinence.

Physicians and staff members feel it is important to spend time with patients to discuss their concerns and expectations as well as to review the options for treatment and reconstruction. Today's reconstructive surgery techniques can produce cosmetically pleasing and functional results that improve a woman's quality of life. Therefore, they are an important part of treatment planning at Mayo Clinic.