Surgical treatment of clitoral phimosis caused by lichen sclerosus
Andrew T Goldstein1, Lara J Burrows
1Division of Gynecologic Specialties, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
Objective:
The purpose of this study was to examine surgical outcomes for the correction of clitoral phimosis caused by lichen sclerosus.
Study Design:
Eight women with lichen sclerosus underwent surgical repair of clitoral phimosis. They were assessed 12-36 months postoperatively by an independent research assistant. A questionnaire was used to assess the patients' perception of surgical success.
Results:
Patients reported that they were either very satisfied (88%) or satisfied (12%) with the results of their surgery. All 4 women who had decreased clitoral sensation before surgery regained clitoral sensation and their ability to achieve orgasm.
Conclusion:
This study demonstrates that surgery for clitoral phimosis caused by lichen sclerosus can be performed to restore clitoral sensation and vulvar anatomy. There were few complications and a high degree of patient satisfaction with the procedure.
