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A vulvectomy is surgery to remove part or all of the vulva, the external genital tissue around the vaginal opening. It may be used to treat vulvar cancer or selected precancerous or other lesions. The amount of tissue removed depends on the diagnosis and the location and extent of the lesion. Groin lymph nodes may also be assessed or removed as part of some cancer operations.
read more about vulvectomy ...A clinician may recommend vulvectomy when a vulvar lesion needs surgical removal. For cancer, the operation aims to remove the tumor with an appropriate margin of surrounding tissue. Selected precancerous lesions may be treated with a less extensive procedure. The surgical plan considers test results, lesion location, and the need to preserve function where possible.
The surgeon removes the affected vulvar tissue under anesthesia. A partial procedure removes a limited area, while a more extensive operation removes more of the vulva. Depending on the cancer diagnosis, the surgeon may also assess or remove lymph nodes in the groin. Some patients need reconstructive surgery to close or reshape the area.
Recovery depends on how much tissue was removed and whether lymph node or reconstructive surgery was performed. Patients receive instructions for cleaning the area, caring for the wound, and limiting activity while it heals. Sitting, urination, or movement may be uncomfortable at first. Follow-up visits check healing and, when relevant, review the tissue examination results.
Possible complications include bleeding, infection, and delayed wound healing. Surgery may change vulvar sensation or appearance and can affect sexual comfort. Removing groin lymph nodes can increase the risk of swelling in the leg or genital area, called lymphedema. The care team should explain which effects are relevant to the planned operation.
No. A vulvectomy may remove part or all of the vulva, depending on the condition being treated.
No. Groin lymph node assessment or removal depends on the cancer diagnosis and surgical plan.
Vulvectomy removes external genital tissue, not the uterus or ovaries. Menstrual periods can continue if those organs remain and the person has not reached menopause.
Yes. Changes in sensation, scarring, or discomfort may affect sexual activity, particularly after more extensive surgery.
My Surgery: Vulvectomy Surgery Guide. University Health Network. https://www.uhn.ca/Surgery/Gynecology_Surgery/Vulvectomy_Surgery_Guide. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.
Surgery for Vulvar Cancer. American Cancer Society. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/vulvar-cancer/treating/surgery.html. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.
Understanding Vulvectomy. MyHealth.Alberta.ca (Alberta Health Services). https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/aftercareinformation/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=acv6137. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.
Vulvectomy. Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. https://www.gloshospitals.nhs.uk/your-visit/patient-information-leaflets/vulvectomy-ghpi1565/. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.
What is a vulvectomy? Purpose, procedure and recovery. MD Anderson Cancer Center. https://www.mdanderson.org/cancerwise/what-is-a-vulvectomy--purpose--procedure-and-recovery.h00-159777234.html. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.