Definition

Noun: A surgical procedure to remove part or all of the vulva (the external female genitalia).

Usage

This is a highly specific medical term. It is used in clinical, surgical, and oncological contexts to describe a treatment for conditions such as vulvar cancer, severe pre-cancerous changes, or other diseases affecting the vulvar tissue.

Examples

• The patient underwent a vulvectomy to treat her early-stage vulvar carcinoma.
• A partial vulvectomy removes only the diseased tissue, while a radical vulvectomy removes a larger area.
• The surgeon discussed the risks and benefits of the vulvectomy with the care team.

Advanced Usage

• Simple Vulvectomy: Removal of the vulva's skin and superficial tissues.
• Radical Vulvectomy: Extensive removal of the vulva and often the underlying lymph nodes in the groin.
• Partial/Modified Vulvectomy: Removal of a specific, limited portion of the vulva.

Variants and Related Words

• Vulvectomies (plural noun): The plural form.
• Vulvar (adjective): Pertaining to the vulva (e.g., vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia).
• Vulvectomy is a compound noun formed from "vulva" + "-ectomy" (a suffix meaning "surgical removal of").

Synonyms

• Excision of the vulva: A more descriptive, non-technical synonym.
• Vulvar surgery: A broader, less specific term that could encompass a vulvectomy.

Notes on Meaning

This term refers exclusively to a surgical procedure. It does not describe a disease, symptom, or anatomical part itself.

Noun

1. surgical removal of part or all of the vulva