Vulvovaginal surgery
Fenton's procedure
A short reconstructive operation to relieve discomfort at the entrance of the vagina caused by tight or scarred tissue.
- At hospital
- 20–40 minutes
- General anaesthetic (or local in selected cases)
Overview
About this procedure.
Fenton’s procedure widens a narrow or scarred vaginal opening. It is particularly helpful when discomfort follows a childbirth tear, an episiotomy, or where the perineum splits repeatedly during intercourse.
Mr Orabi will discuss whether Fenton’s is the right operation for you, or whether a different approach (including alternatives such as physiotherapy or local oestrogen) would be better as a first step.
Setting
At hospital
Duration
20–40 minutes
Anaesthetic
General anaesthetic (or local in selected cases)
Indications
What it's for.
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Painful intercourse caused by a narrow vaginal opening
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Tightness or splitting after childbirth (perineal scarring)
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Difficulty with smear tests, tampons or examinations because of narrowing
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Recurrent splitting of the perineum
On the day
How it's done.
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Procedure done under general anaesthetic (sometimes local)
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A small incision is made in the perineum and the area is gently widened
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The opening is then repaired with dissolvable stitches
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Operation usually takes 20–40 minutes
Recovery
After your procedure.
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Most patients go home the same day
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Soreness and bruising for a week to ten days
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Salt baths and good hygiene help healing
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Avoid intercourse and tampons for six weeks
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Stitches dissolve on their own
Benefits
Why this approach.
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Reliable relief of pain at the vaginal entrance
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Quick return to normal activity
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Outpatient or day-case procedure for most patients
Risks
What to be aware of.
- Bruising, swelling and discomfort in the first week
- Bleeding (uncommon)
- Infection of the wound
- Recurrence of scarring or tightness