From the Research
The proper procedure for surgical removal of a cyst near the clitoris typically involves local anesthesia and careful dissection, as supported by the most recent and highest quality study available 1.
Key Considerations
- The procedure begins with proper patient preparation, including hair removal and antiseptic cleansing of the vulvar area.
- The surgeon administers local anesthesia, usually 1-2% lidocaine with epinephrine, injected around the cyst.
- After ensuring adequate anesthesia, a small incision is made directly over the cyst, taking care to avoid damage to the clitoral tissue.
- The cyst is then carefully dissected from surrounding tissue using fine surgical instruments.
- Complete removal of the cyst wall is important to prevent recurrence, as highlighted in a systematic review of epidermal clitoral cysts 1.
Postoperative Care
- Hemostasis is achieved using electrocautery or absorbable sutures.
- The wound may be closed with fine absorbable sutures such as 4-0 or 5-0 Vicryl, or in some cases, left open to heal by secondary intention.
- Postoperatively, patients should keep the area clean and dry, use sitz baths 2-3 times daily, and may require mild analgesics like acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain management.
- Patients should abstain from sexual activity for 2-4 weeks to allow complete healing.
Importance of Expertise
- This delicate procedure requires expertise in vulvar anatomy to preserve sexual function and minimize scarring, and should be performed by a gynecologist or surgeon experienced in vulvar procedures, as emphasized in a study on primary epidermoid cyst of the clitoris in adult female population 2.
- The use of preoperative sensory mapping techniques, such as those described in a study on clitoral epidermal inclusion cyst resection 3, can aid in minimizing damage to the dorsal clitoral nerve and preserving sexual function.