Vulvar cancer treatment with total vulva removal and reconstruction

Surgery to remove vulvar cancer is called a vulvectomy. Total removal means the removal of the labia majora and minora, clitoris, and tissues beneath them. In addition, with the extensive cancer spread, lymph nodes in the groin and thighs can be removed. Therefore, many patients have extensive tissue removal requiring substitution and further reconstruction. That helps preserve function and cosmetic appearance. The surgery is carried out in the following way. First, when you're comfortably placed on the table, the anesthesiologist injects an intravenous drip, and you'll fall asleep. You will also be injected fluids during and after surgery through the drop. Next, the doctor makes several incisions and removes the vulva, the cancer-affected lymph nodes, and, if necessary, adjacent genital organs. Then reconstruction of the vulva is performed. For plastic surgery, a skin fragment with underlying fatty tissue is usually taken from the thigh or buttocks. In addition to patients' tissues, the vulva may be formed with synthetic materials. In the end, drainage is installed, and the wound is sutured. The operation lasts from one and a half to two hours. The patient usually stays in the hospital for several days; if there are no complications, she is discharged. The recovery period after vulvectomy lasts several months, during which restrictions on the physical and sexual activity should be observed.