Flap repair: an effective strategy for minimising sexual morbidity associated with the surgical management of vulval intra epithelial neoplasia

J R Coll Surg Edinb. 2000 Apr;45(2):81-4.

Abstract

Objective: To assess the sexual function after local excision and flap repair for symptomatic vulval intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN).

Study design: A retrospective analysis of five sexually active women who had persistent, symptomatic VIN diagnosed in a dedicated tertiary referral vulval clinic and treated with local excision and flap repair. Sexual function was assessed using a modified version of the Sabbatsberg Sexual Self-Rating Scoring (SRS) system.

Results: The mean age of the cohort was 32 years (range 30 to 51). Four patients had previously been unsuccessfully treated with local excision. Follow up ranged from 5 to 33 months. The SRS scores were 90, 90, 81, 72 and 25. Endogenous depression may explain this last score. There has been no recurrence of VIN.

Conclusion: In sexually active women with symptomatic VIN III, a flap reconstruction should be considered in addition to local excision as the treatment of choice.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Body Image
  • Carcinoma in Situ / psychology*
  • Carcinoma in Situ / surgery*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Sexual Behavior / psychology*
  • Surgical Flaps*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Vulvar Neoplasms / psychology*
  • Vulvar Neoplasms / surgery*