Effect of Vestibulectomy for Intractable Vulvodynia

To assess the effectiveness of vestibulectomy in treating vulvodynia for patients with inadequate response to vulvar care guidelines and medical management.

Retrospective case series (Canadian Task Force classification II-2).

All patients who underwent a vestibulectomy from 2004 to 2013 for vulvodynia.

All patients in this study underwent a vestibulectomy.

In this study we analyzed 31 patients' overall reported pain scores and Q-tip test scores before and after vestibulectomy. The efficacy of vestibulectomy on reduction of pain was then analyzed after surgical management. There was no significant difference in pain scores from initial visit compared with the last visit before vestibulectomy after vulvar care guidelines and medical management were initiated (p = .48-.94). However, mean subjective pain scores before and after vestibulectomy decreased by 67% (p < .001). Q-tip testing showed reductions of pain by 63% (p < .001) and 73% (p < .001) at the right and left Bartholin gland areas, respectively. There was approximately a 60% decrease of pain scored around the bilateral periurethral areas (p < .05).

Vestibulectomy is an effective treatment for vulvodynia. For those with intractable pain, vestibulectomy is an appropriate next step after unsuccessful medical treatment. The surgery leads to a significant decrease in patients' pain scores, nearly eliminating it in most cases.