Department of Urology
Martius Flap
What is a Martius Flap?
This is a surgical transfer of fatty tissue normally found in the labia majora through a tunnel, placing it around the female urethra. It is performed in complex urethral and/or vaginal surgery to optimise wound healing.
Why is it used?
It is performed as part of a larger operation, such as:
• Urethroplasty: surgery to repair or rebuild the urethra
• Surgical excision of urethral diverticulum: removing a pouch or sac that has formed beside the urethra
• Surgical removal of urethral/paraurethral masses: removing lumps, cysts, or growths in or next to the urethra
• Repair of a vesicovaginal or urethrovaginal fistula: closing an abnormal hole between the bladder/vagina or urethra/vagina that causes leakage
• Management of mesh-related complications: treating problems caused by previously inserted surgical mesh
How is the procedure performed?
• It is performed under General Anaesthesia
• A incision is made at the labia majora or within the vagina, and the fatty tissue is tunnelled through the vagina to the operative site
• A small drain may be placed to prevent development of blood clots
• Dissolvable stitches are used, which disappear in the majority of patients after a few weeks
• A small pack will be placed inside your vagina and this is usually removed the next day
Source: VanBuren, W. M., Lightner, A. L., Kim, S. T., Sheedy, S. P., Woolever, M. C., Menias, C. O., & Fletcher, J. G. (2018). Imaging and Surgical Management of Anorectal Vaginal Fistulas. Radiographics:areviewpublicationoftheRadiologicalSocietyofNorthAmerica, Inc, 38(5), 1385–1401.