Female patients with severe cases of vulvar dysplasia, genital warts or cancer, may be referred for a vulvectomy when a gynecologist deems it the only remaining course of action. The procedure involves the partial or complete removal of the vulva from the external genital organ region.

The procedure has a number of variants, those being a partial vulvectomy, a simple vulvectomy and a radical vulvectomy. A partial vulvectomy is the removal of only the affected tissue, a simple vulvectomy involves the removal of all external tissue and a radical vulvectomy removes all tissue, lymph nodes, clitoris and some surrounding tissue. There is also a procedure known as skinning vulvectomy in which the top layer of the vulvar skin is partially or completely removed.

Procedure information
Patients are required to undergo essential anatomical tests prior to the procedure including a chest X-ray, an electrocardiogram (if over 50 years of age) and the laboratory analysis of blood and urine samples. In the operating theatre, all procedures are performed under a general anesthetic. The specifics of the operation depend on the variant of the procedure that is necessary.

Some procedures take longer than others with a radical vulvectomy being the most time consuming. Patients opting for reconstructive surgery are also likely to be in theatre considerably longer than those who do not.

Recovery time
The period necessary for complete recovery from a vulvectomy depends on the level of severity of the procedure performed. Most patients are required to stay in bed for the first few days following the operation, however some movement of the legs is recommended to avoid the formation of blood clots. Gentle walking is encouraged as early as possible to aid circulation, energy levels, muscle strength and movement of the bowels.

The degree of post-operative care required in the initial period following the procedure is considerable; some the responsibility of the patient at home and others of doctors and medical staff in subsequent outpatient visits. Sexual intercourse may be resumed in six to eight weeks after the operation unless specified otherwise by the surgeon. Total recovery can take anywhere from one to three months and in some cases longer.