PROCEDURE:
- This refers to the removal of excess tissue from the labia minora and often the clitoral hood associated with excessive tissue resulting in physical discomfort or social embarrassment.
- This procedure is performed in theatre under general anaesthesia for patient comfort although it is possible to perform in the consultation room.
PRE-OPERATIVE:
- Please stop any over-the-counter herbs, vitamins, or drugs 2 weeks prior to your scheduled surgery.
- Disprin, NSAIDS and blood thinners should be stopped 7 days prior to surgery unless specified or instructed differently by Dr F. Spruyt. This is done to prevent excessive bleeding.
- NO SMOKING is allowed within 4 weeks of your surgery up to and including 4 weeks after surgery.
- You should be fasted for 8 hours prior to your scheduled surgery.
- If possible, please bath or shower with Hibiscrub soap 2 hours prior to admission. This assists in reducing the chance of infection post operatively.
- Wear loose-fitting clothing, that will be easy to change into after your surgery.
- Please be at the hospital 2 hours prior to your surgery to allow for admission and preparation.
- You will be counselled on the risks, complications, and healing process prior to your surgery. If you have any questions, please write them down and bring them with you so that they may be discussed prior to surgery.
- Your skin will be marked before you are taken into theatre.
PROCEDURE:
- The procedure takes approximately 60-90 minutes.
- Surgery is performed under general anaesthesia in a day hospital, however local anaesthetic is infiltrated to limit bleeding and post-operative pain.
POST-OPERATIVE:
- You will be monitored in the ward after surgery. If you are eating and drinking and your vitals are normal and pain is controlled, you will be discharged.
- Do not sit immediately after the surgery and avoid sitting for the first 48 hours.
- Place an icepack over a sanitary pad every 4 to 6 hours for the first 24 hours to reduce swelling.
- Please take your medication as prescribed.
- It is important to keep the area clean and dry. Wash and apply ointment after every bowel movement or urination.
- Bloody discharge and swelling after the surgery is normal and to be expected.
- Swelling will start to reduce after 3 days but can persist for up to 6 weeks.
- Wounds are usually protected/covered by means of a sanitary pad. Change it regularly as required.
- Use a spray bottle filled with saline/salt-water to clean the area and pat dry with a clean towel before applying the ointment.
- Please phone the rooms for a follow up appointment if one has not been provided.
- Any signs of wound infection (excessive pain, heat, swelling or drainage of puss) must be reported to the practice immediately.
RISKS AND COMPLICATIONS:
- Bleeding and hematoma (blood collection) will present as unilateral pain
- Infection (red, warm, fever and severe pain)
- Wound breakdown
- Initial discomfort with intercourse