Vulvectomy: what is this operation, causes, Contraindications, how they do it, what after

Description vulvectomy

Vulvectomy performed to remove part or vulva. The vulva consists of the sex organs, which are located on the outer side of the woman's body. It clitoris, labia majora and labia minora.

Reasons for vulvectomy

Vulvectomy performed to remove cancer cells from the pudenda. It allows you to cure the cancer of the vulva. Vulvectomy may also be made to address some of the anomalies of the skin, such as Warts.

Possible complications vulvectomy

If you plan vulvectomy, you need to know about possible complications, which may include:

• Bleeding;
• Pain, numbness or soreness of the vulva;
• The wound does not heal properly;
• Infection;
• Blood clots in the legs;
• Vaginal dryness;
• Reaction to anesthesia.

Smoking can increase the risk of complications.

We need to discuss these risks with your doctor.

How is vulvectomy?

Preparation for the procedure

Before vulvectomy physician may be assigned or held as follows:

• The medical examination and the study of medical history;
• Blood tests and tests using medical imaging techniques;
• Tell your doctor about taking any medications. A week before surgery, perhaps, you need to stop taking certain drugs:
  • Aspirin or other anti-inflammatory drugs;
  • Blood thinners (eg, warfarin, clopidogrel).

Before surgery:

• We need to organize a trip for the operation and back home;
• Do not eat or drink the night before surgery.

Anesthesia

When applied vulvectomy general anesthesia, which supports a patient in the sleep state during operation.

Procedure vulvectomy

Nurse establish venous catheter in the arm, through which the drugs are administered. Pubic hair will be removed. The nurse also inserts a catheter to drain urine from the bladder.

There are several types of vulvectomy. The type of surgery will depend on the, what parts of the vulva and nearby tissue have been affected by cancer or abnormality of the skin. Methods of operation include:

• Vulvectomy with removal of the skin – removes the top layer of the skin of the vulva;
• Simple vulvectomy – removed several layers of skin and tissue;
• Partial vulvectomy – removed part of the vulva, and some surrounding tissue and lymph nodes;
• Radical vulvectomy – It erases all the vulva, including the surrounding tissue and lymph nodes

After all the affected tissue will be removed, Doctor can restore the vulva. If it was removed only a small amount of skin, the doctor can sew together the remaining skin. Sometimes you need skin grafts. To remove excess fluid from the incision area can be set temporary drainage tube.

How long will vulvectomy?

About 1-2 hours.

Vulvectomy – Will it hurt?

Anesthesia prevents pain during surgery. After the surgery, the doctor will give pain medicine.

The mean duration of hospitalization after vulvectomy

The hospital stay is dependent on the type of operation. You will be able to go home the day of surgery, or a few days after her. If the procedure had any problems, your doctor may prolong hospitalization.

Care after vulvectomy

Care in a hospital

During his stay in the hospital may be recommended:

• Start eating liquid food. Gradually, can be incorporated into solid foods diet;
• Breathing exercises, to help prevent infection chest;
• Regularly walk, to prevent blood clots.

The catheter and drainage tube can be removed within a week.

Home Care

When you return home, it is recommended to do the following:

• If there was a bandage, Follow the instructions for replacement and removal;
• When lying down, Keep your legs elevated, to prevent blood clots;
• After bowel movements, wipe from front to back anus;
• Take a sitz bath three times a day and after a bowel movement. You can buy a plastic sitz bath or use a regular bath;
• Clean the area of ​​operation with natural soap (eg, glycerol) or simply warm water;
• Keep the area dry vulva;
• Wear loose clothing and underwear made of cotton;
• Avoid wearing pantyhose or belt;
• Having sex can be resumed after doctor's permission;
• Follow your doctor's instructions.

Ask the doctor, when it is safe to shower, bathe or expose the surgical site to water.

Contact your doctor after vulvectomy

After discharge from the hospital need to see a doctor, if there was any of the following symptoms of:

• Signs of infection, including fever and chills;
• Redness, edema, strong pain, soreness, bleeding or discharge from the incision;
• Pain, redness, hot skin, or swelling in the legs;
• Burning or pain when urinating;
• The pain does not pass after taking pain medication appointed;
• Nausea or vomiting;
• Abdominal pain, chest pain or shortness of breath;
• The opening of the surgical wound.