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Mar 7, 2024 · Historically, the standard operation for the treatment of even a small invasive carcinoma of the vulva was radical vulvectomy with removal of the primary tumor, including a wide area of skin extending onto the medial thigh, groins, and lower abdomen, together with an en bloc resection of the inguinal and often pelvic lymph nodes .
Learn about the different types of surgery for vulvar cancer, from laser surgery to pelvic exenteration. A radical vulvectomy removes part of the vulva and deep tissues, but is rarely needed.
- Overview
- What should a person expect from a vulvectomy?
- Types of vulvectomy
- Before surgery
- During surgery
- After surgery
- Complications
- Outlook
- Summary
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A vulvectomy is a procedure where a surgeon removes all or part of the vulva. The vulva includes the inner and outer labia. In some instances, a surgeon will also remove the clitoris.
The purpose of the procedure is to remove cancerous, precancerous, or other unhealthy tissue.
When a surgeon performs a vulvectomy they partially or fully remove the vulva, which is the outer portion of a female’s genitals.
The vulva includes:
•labia minora
•urethral meatus
•labia majora
•certain glands and ducts
The term vulvectomy covers several different surgical procedures. They include:
•Skinning vulvectomy: A surgeon removes the top layer of skin, leaving most of the structure and other tissue intact.
•Simple vulvectomy. A surgeon removes the entire vulva, except for the clitoris (in most cases).
•Modified radical vulvectomy. A surgeon removes most but not all of the vulva, some of the lymph nodes, and surrounding tissue.
•Radical vulvectomy. A surgeon removes the entire vulva, surrounding tissue, and lymph nodes.
The type of surgery a person needs depends on the severity of their cancer or other underlying health condition.
The Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center recommends people stop smoking and drinking once they know their surgery date.
Prior to surgery, a person should also speak with their doctor about the following:
•use of recreational drugs
•presence of sleep apnea
•use of herbal or natural supplements
•use of a pacemaker or other internal devices
The surgeon makes one or more incisions on the vulva before removing the tumor or area of concern and surrounding tissue. Depending on the severity of cancer, they may also remove some or all of the lymph nodes in the groin. Reconstruction of the vulva may happen directly after vulvectomy.
After the procedure, doctors and nurses will monitor a person’s progress in the recovery room. Some people may need to stay in hospital for a few days to recover. Before a person goes home, a healthcare team will discuss aftercare with them.
When recovering at home, a person may find the following items useful:
•clean, soft towels to pat dry the area
•squirt bottles and supplies for a sitz bath to help clean the area
•hair dryer with a cool setting to dry the area
•cotton underwear
Complications and risks of a vulvectomy include:
•urinary tract infection
•infection at the incision
•swelling in the legs or groin
•blood blister
•excessive bleeding
It can take several weeks for a person to fully recover from a vulvectomy. A person should keep all follow-up appointments with their doctor and follow all home care advice to aid recovery.
When a surgeon removes part or all of the vulva, the procedure is known as a vulvectomy. The aim of the surgery is to remove cancerous or unhealthy tissue in the vulva area.
Recovery time varies between individuals and may take several weeks. If the stitches are taking longer to heal than expected a person should contact their doctor or aftercare team. A person should also contact their doctor if there are any signs of infection or any new or worsening symptoms.
A vulvectomy is a surgery to remove part or all of the vulva, which is the outer part of a female's genitals. A radical vulvectomy is one type of vulvectomy that removes the entire vulva, surrounding tissue, and lymph nodes.
Jan 17, 2022 · A vulvectomy is a surgery that removes part or all of the vulva, sometimes with nearby lymph nodes. Learn about the different types of vulvectomy, why they are performed and what to expect before and after the procedure.
Jun 3, 2024 · A surgery to remove all or part of your vulva is called a vulvectomy (vul-VEK-toh-mee). There are several kinds of vulvectomies. The type of vulvectomy that you have will depend on how large your tumor is and whether it has spread to nearby lymph nodes.
Jun 4, 2016 · Learn how to perform radical vulvectomy for invasive vulvar cancer, with or without groin lymphadenectomy. Find out the preoperative considerations, surgical steps, and postoperative care for this procedure.
Dec 6, 2021 · Radical vulvectomy is the surgical treatment of choice in gross tumors expanding over the vulvar skin. After this type of excision, reconstruction is critically important because it is not always feasible to suture the vulvar defect in a primary manner.
