What is a radical vulvectomy?

Listen to pronunciation. (RA-dih-kul vul-VEK-toh-mee) Surgery to remove the entire vulva (the external female genital organs, including the clitoris, vaginal lips, and the opening to the vagina) and nearby lymph nodes.

What to expect after a radical vulvectomy?

Most women recover and are back to most activities in 2-3 weeks. You may need a family member or a friend to help with your day to day activities for a few days after surgery.

What is the most common complication of a radical vulvectomy?

The most common early and late complications are wound breakdown, infection, lymphocyst formation, and lower limb lymphedema [5].

How long does it take to recover from vulvar surgery?

Wear loose-fitting clothing and avoid underwear so your wound can air. Do not put anything into your vagina after surgery until your doctor says the area is healed (usually 6–8 weeks).

What is the difference between a radical and simple vulvectomy?

In a simple vulvectomy, the entire vulva is removed (the inner and outer labia; sometimes the clitoris, too) as well as tissue just under the skin. A partial or modified radical vulvectomy removes part of the vulva, including the deep tissue.

Why would someone get a vulvectomy?

Vulvectomy is surgery to remove some or all of your outer genitals. The surgery is done to remove diseased areas such as cancer, precancer, or skin disorders such as lichen sclerosus. The vulva area has many parts. These include the inner and outer labia and the clitoris.

What is removed in a vulvectomy?

What is radical excision?

Listen to pronunciation. (RA-dih-kul LOH-kul ek-SIH-zhun) Surgery to remove a tumor and a large amount of normal tissue surrounding it. Nearby lymph nodes may also be removed.

What is a vulvectomy surgery?

What does a vulvectomy involve?

Vulvectomy is a surgery to remove some or all of your outer genitals. The surgery is done to remove diseased areas such as cancer, precancer, or lichen sclerosus. The vulva area has several parts. These include the inner and outer labia, and the clitoris.

What is a total vulvectomy?

A partial or modified radical vulvectomy removes part of the vulva, including the deep tissue. In a complete radical vulvectomy, the entire vulva and deep tissues, including the clitoris, are removed.

How is vulvectomy surgery performed?

During surgery 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.