Labiaplasty

Anesthesia Implications

Position: Lithotomy, arms extended
Time: 1-2 hours (average)
Blood Loss: Very Low (5-10 ml)
Post-op Pain: Minimal (1-3)
Maintenance Paralytic: No

Anesthetic Approaches

  • GLMA, Local Anesthetic
  • GETT, Local Anesthetic
  • MAC, Local Anesthetic
The Anesthesia

Approach – LMA or ETT (rare). Spinal anesthesia can also be employed, but is also rare. MAC sedation can be used if sedation is deep, but not typically indicated due to the length of the procedure.

Lines – There’s typically minimal bleeding risk, so a 20g IV x 1 works well.

Local Anesthetic – Local anesthetic will be injected by the surgeon at the beginning of the case. This will be the most stimulating part of the procedure. Prior to injection, make sure to give a little extra sedation and/or pain medications.

The Pathophysiology

Labiaplasty is typically indicated for labia minora hypertrophy that is causing urinary problems, hygiene issues, or pain while playing sports. Other indications for labiaplasty include labial trauma from an accident or child birth, congenital defects, or intersex conditions.

The Surgery

The surgery is the removal of all or part of the offending labia minora.