A vulvectomy is a surgical procedure involving the removal of part or all of the vulva (the external female genitalia). This operation is most commonly performed to treat vulvar cancer or high-grade pre-cancerous conditions. The total duration extends far beyond the time spent in the operating room, encompassing pre-operative preparations, the surgery itself, immediate post-operative care, and an extended recovery period at home. The overall time frame is highly individualized, depending primarily on the extent of tissue removed and whether the cancer has spread.
Understanding the Types of Vulvectomy and Their Duration
The actual duration of a vulvectomy is directly proportional to the complexity of the procedure, classified by the amount of tissue excised. A simple or partial vulvectomy, often performed for localized pre-cancerous lesions, is the shortest procedure. This surgery typically lasts between 30 minutes and two hours, involving the excision of only the outer layers of skin and a small margin of underlying tissue.
The most time-intensive procedures are radical vulvectomies, used to treat invasive cancer. These surgeries require the removal of deeper tissue layers and often take between three and six or more hours. A significant time addition comes from performing a lymphadenectomy, which is the dissection and removal of lymph nodes in the groin area. This meticulous process is frequently performed simultaneously to check for cancer spread.
The surgical duration can also be extended if immediate reconstructive surgery is necessary to close a large wound defect. The estimated time frame only reflects the time the patient is under anesthesia in the operating room. Patients should note that the time on the operating table is only one component of the full surgical day.
Preparing for the Procedure
The process begins well before the patient is wheeled into the operating room, often taking several hours in the pre-operative holding area. Patients are typically asked to arrive at the hospital two to four hours prior to their scheduled surgery time. This allows the medical team to complete necessary preparations and administrative tasks.
During this time, the patient meets with the surgical and anesthesia teams to review the plan and sign consent forms. A nurse inserts an intravenous (IV) line to administer fluids, prophylactic antibiotics, and anesthetic medications. Pre-operative testing, such as blood work or an electrocardiogram (ECG), may also be finalized. This preparation phase ensures the patient is medically ready and all staff are coordinated.
Immediate Post-Surgical Care
Immediately after surgery, the patient is transferred to the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) for close observation. Patients generally remain in the PACU for one to three hours until they are fully awake and vital signs are stable. During this time, pain management is initiated, often using patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) or a long-acting local anesthetic.
If lymph nodes were removed, the patient commonly has one or more surgical drains placed to collect fluid. A urinary catheter is also frequently placed to drain urine and prevent contamination of the surgical wound, potentially remaining for several days. The initial hospital stay varies significantly based on the operation’s extent, ranging from a same-day discharge for simple procedures to a stay of three to seven days for a radical vulvectomy with lymph node removal.
The Full Recovery Timeline
The full recovery process extends for several weeks after the patient is discharged from the hospital. The overall convalescence period for the body to heal and regain strength is typically six to eight weeks. Patients are advised to limit physical activity during the first few weeks to promote wound healing and prevent complications.
Returning to light, non-strenuous activities is often possible within two to four weeks of the procedure. The timeline for resuming work depends heavily on the physical demands of the job, with many patients requiring four to eight weeks away. Complete wound healing, necessary before resuming activities like swimming, using tampons, or engaging in sexual activity, often takes six to twelve weeks. Full recovery is a gradual process that requires adherence to the surgeon’s post-operative instructions.