Labioplasty for hypertrophic labia minora contributing to recurrent urinary tract infections.

INTRODUCTION

Reduction labioplasty for hypertrophic labia minora is often performed for aesthetic reasons by cosmetic vaginal surgeons. However, hypertrophy of the labia minora can also result in significant morbidity because it causes physical discomfort during activity and interferes with the ability to maintain local hygiene and perform intermittent self-catheterization in certain patients.

OBJECTIVES

We describe a case in which a commonly used technique for reduction labioplasty was performed on a patient who had difficulty performing intermittent catheterization and report on the aesthetic and functional outcomes.

METHODS

A linear resection labioplasty was performed in a 13-year-old girl who was having increasing difficulty performing intermittent self-catheterization because of redundant labial tissue. She was also developing frequent recurrent urinary tract infections thought to be secondary to difficulty maintaining local hygiene and reduced compliance with her intermittent catheterization regimen.

RESULTS

An excellent cosmetic and functional result was achieved with the procedure. Comparison of preoperative and postoperative photographs demonstrates the extent of the reduction labioplasty. The patient has not had any more difficulty with catheterization or recurrent urinary tract infections in 30 months of follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Reduction labioplasty is indicated for hypertrophic labia minora for more than aesthetic reasons. We describe a case in which the procedure allowed the patient to more easily perform intermittent catheterization and helped eliminate her recurrent urinary tract infections.