Vulvectomy and vestibulectomy

• A vulvectomy is used to treat skin conditions of the vulva
  only when other methods, such as creams, medicines
  and laser therapy, have failed. It involves removal of the
  vulva only. The urethra and vagina are left intact.

• A vestibulectomy is used to treat pain at the entrance to
  the vagina and is carried out only when other treatments
  have failed, it involves removal of the tissue at the entrance
  to the vagina.

• A partial vestibulectomy, which involves removal of only
  some of the tissue at the entrance to the vagina, may be
  used in conjunction with corticosteroid cream to treat a
  skin condition called lichen sclerosis.

• These operations are performed under a general
  anaesthetic and take 1-2 hours.

• In both operations, a catheter may be passed up the
  urethra into the bladder to drain off the urine. A plastic tube   may also be inserted into the wound to remove any slight   bleeding. These tubes will be left in place for up to 72 hours.

• There will be some discomfort following surgery which will
  be controlled with pain killers.

• The average hospital stay is 10-14 days and normal
  activities can usually be resumed within 6-8 weeks.