Vulval lesions
Vulval lesions are growths or abnormalities in your vulva (opening of your vagina).
There are many causes of vulval lesions. If your lesions bother you, see your GP. After an initial examination you may be referred to a gynacologist.
To confirm what is causing your lesion your consultant may need to remove part or all of it for examination in a laboratory.
What happens during removal of vulval lesions?
The operation takes about 20 minutes and may be performed under general or local anaesthetic. Depending on its size your consultant will remove all or part of the lesion. They will use stitches to close the wound if necessary. You may need to wear a sanitary pad for a few days.
Going home after vulval lesion removal
Depending on the size and length of your procedure you may be able to go home on the same day. However patients who are very uncomfortable or who have not fully recovered from the anaesthetic may need to stay overnight. You will need to pass urine before leaving the hospital.
Your consultant may recommend taking baths three times per day to keep the area clean and aid healing. If you need pain relief take over the counter mediation such as paracetamol.
You will need to return for a followup appointment to check on the healing and receive the results of the laboratory analysis about six weeks after your procedure.
Be sure and discuss and return to work with your surgeon.
With any surgical procedure there can be complications:
- Pain
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Vaginal discharge