About Vulvectomy
Key Highlights
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Primary surgical treatment for vulvar cancer and high-grade pre-cancerous lesions.Can be tailored from a simple, localized excision to a more extensive radical procedure.Aims to completely remove diseased tissue to prevent progression or recurrence.Performed by a specialist Obstetrician-Gynaecologist with expertise in female pelvic surgery.Often allows for preservation of clitoral and urethral function when feasible.
Who is this surgery for?
- Confirmed diagnosis of vulvar cancer (squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma, etc.).
- High-grade Vulvar Intraepithelial Neoplasia (VIN) that is extensive or recurrent.
- Severe, symptomatic lichen sclerosus or other benign vulvar dystrophies unresponsive to medical therapy.
- Chronic, debilitating vulvar pain or infection (like hidradenitis suppurativa) not relieved by other treatments.
- Trauma or necrosis of the vulvar tissue requiring surgical debridement.
How to prepare
- Complete diagnostic workup, including biopsy confirmation and imaging (if needed for cancer staging).
- Pre-operative counseling to discuss the procedure's extent, goals, and potential impact on sexual function and body image.
- Routine pre-anesthetic check-up, including blood tests and ECG.
- Bowel preparation may be advised for extensive surgeries.
- Shaving or clipping of pubic hair in the operating theatre just before surgery.
- Fasting for 6-8 hours prior to the scheduled surgery time.
Risks & possible complications
- Common: Post-operative pain, swelling, bruising, and temporary numbness.
- Wound-related: Infection, bleeding (hematoma), poor wound healing, or wound breakdown.
- Functional: Changes in sexual sensation, dyspareunia (painful intercourse), or urinary difficulties.
- Long-term: Scarring, lymphedema (swelling in the legs) if lymph nodes are removed, and psychological impact.
- Rare: Injury to nearby structures like the urethra, rectum, or major blood vessels.
- Risk of recurrence of the original condition, particularly with pre-cancerous lesions.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Hospital stay is required, with initial focus on pain management and monitoring the surgical site.
- A urinary catheter is often placed for a few days to allow the area to heal.
- Meticulous wound care is essential, including regular cleaning and sitz baths as advised.
- Activities are restricted; avoid heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, and sexual intercourse for 6-8 weeks.
- Follow-up appointments are crucial to monitor healing, remove stitches, and discuss pathology results.
- Physical and emotional support, including possible referral to counseling or support groups, is an important part of recovery.
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Typical hospital stay: 3-7 days
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Expected recovery time: 6-8 weeks for initial healing; 3-6 months for full recovery and adjustment
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering vulvectomy in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for vulvectomy in India include Kamineni Hospital, King Koti, Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, SIMS Hospital Vadapalani, Manipal Hospital Dwarka, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform vulvectomy. MediFyr helps you compare obstetrics and gynaecologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for vulvectomy compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 80 Thousand – 350 Thousand | 3-7 days | ~ 6-8 weeks for initial healing; 3-6 months for full recovery and adjustment | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 280 Thousand – 1.23 Million | 3-7 days | ~ 6-8 weeks for initial healing; 3-6 months for full recovery and adjustment | Know More |
Top hospitals for Vulvectomy in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated obstetrics and gynaecology teams and experience managing patients undergoing vulvectomy.
John Joshi, a 58-year-old retired teacher,...
John Joshi, a 58-year-old retired teacher, had been experiencing persistent itching and discomfort in his genital area for over a year. Initially dismissing it as a simple rash, he grew increasingly concerned when a small, non-healing sore appeared. A biopsy confirmed he had Lichen Sclerosus, a chronic skin condition, which had developed into early-stage vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN), a pre-cancerous change. His gynaecologist, Dr. Mehta, explained that while the condition was not yet invasive cancer, the affected area needed to be removed to prevent progression. John underwent a wide local excision, a type of partial vulvectomy. The surgery was successful, and after a recovery period of about six weeks involving careful wound care and sitz baths, the site healed well. Pathological analysis confirmed all abnormal cells were removed. Emotionally, John felt a deep sense of shame and anxiety before the procedure, struggling to discuss a 'women's health issue.' Afterward, he felt immense relief from both the physical symptoms and the fear of cancer, becoming an advocate for men to seek care for any persistent genital changes without stigma.
Obstetrics and Gynaecologists for Vulvectomy
Explore experienced obstetrics and gynaecologists who regularly perform vulvectomy and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 29 Years Experience
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Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
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Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
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Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
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Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 25 Years Experience
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Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 23 Years Experience
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Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 22 Years Experience
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Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 14 Years Experience
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Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 12 Years Experience
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Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 25 Years Experience
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- 16 Years Experience
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- 30 Years Experience
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Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 26 Years Experience
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Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 24 Years Experience
- Obstetrics and Gynaecologist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 17 Years Experience
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Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 15 Years Experience
- Obstetrics and Gynaecologist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 25 Years Experience
- Obstetrics and Gynaecologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 30 Years Experience
- Obstetrics and Gynaecologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore