Care of the vulva following laser treatment

Transcription

1 Saint Mary s Hospital Gynaecology Service Care of the vulva following laser treatment Information For Patients

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3 The vulva is the term used to describe the visible part of the female genitalia. The laser is a powerful light that burns the skin and helps remove the abnormal area. This light leaves an area on your vulva that is like a burn and needs to heal. Laser surgery aims to remove the abnormal cells on the vulva. It is important that you come back for all your appointments to monitor the health of the vulva and to ensure that the abnormality has not recurred. What to expect on the day of treatment The treatment takes between 10 and 20 minutes but you should allow approximately half an hour for the whole visit. You are welcome to bring a friend, partner or relative with you and they can stay with you throughout the procedure if you wish. You will be asked to undress from the waist down in a private cubicle. You will be given special protective glasses to wear to protect your eyes from the laser beam. The treatment is performed under local anaesthetic, which can be uncomfortable, but will numb the area quickly for the treatment. What to expect after your treatment Whilst you are healing, it is common to have some pain and swelling at the place where the treatment was performed. The pain usually does not last longer than 2 weeks. Cool packs covered and applied gently may give some relief from these symptoms. You may find it useful to take pain relief and antiinflammatory tablets during this time, such as Ibuprofen or Paracetamol. You do not need a prescription to buy these medicines. It is important to take them as directed by your pharmacist. You can experience some bloodstained watery discharge following your treatment and you should wear a sanitary pad during this time. 3

4 How should I take care of myself after the laser surgery? To avoid infection whilst you are healing, wash your hands with soap and water before and after you touch your vulva. Wash your vulva gently each day during your bath or shower, do not use any perfumed products which may irritate the skin. Gently pat the area dry with a clean towel. Do not have sex until the area heals. This could take a few weeks. You will be most comfortable in cotton underpants and loose fitting clothes after this kind of surgery. When to seek advice If you experience any of the following: Offensive smelling discharge or heavy bleeding. If you feel unwell with a fever. If your pain is not controlled with over the counter pain relief. If your vulva is not healing after 4 weeks. Please contact us on the numbers below. Colposcopy Department (0161) (Monday to Friday between 9.00 am and 5.00 pm) Emergency Gynaecology Unit (0161) (Monday to Friday between 9.00 am and 5.00 pm) Gynaecology Ward (0161) or (Out of hours or at the weekend) 4

5 Violence, Aggression and Harassment Control Policy We are committed to the well-being and safety of our patients and of our staff. Please treat other patients and staff with the courtesy and respect that you expect to receive. Verbal abuse, harassment and physical violence are unacceptable and will lead to prosecutions. Suggestions, Concerns and Complaints If you would like to provide feedback you can: Ask to speak to the ward or department manager. Write to us: Patient Advice and Liaison Services, 1st Floor, Cobbett House, Manchester Royal Infirmary, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9WL Log onto the NHS Choices website - click on Comments. If you would like to discuss a concern or make a complaint: Ask to speak to the ward or department manager they may be able to help straight away. Contact our Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) Tel: pals@cmft.nhs.uk. Ask for our information leaflet. We welcome your feedback so we can continue to improve our services. 5

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8 No Smoking Policy The NHS has a responsibility for the nation s health. Protect yourself, patients, visitors and staff by adhering to our no smoking policy. Smoking is not permitted within any of our hospital buildings or grounds. The Manchester Stop Smoking Service can be contacted on Tel: (0161) ( Translation and Interpretation Service These translations say "If you require an interpreter, or translation, please ask a member of our staff to arrange it for you." The languages translated, in order, are: Arabic, Urdu, Bengali, Polish, Somali and simplified Follow us on Facebook Copyright to Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust TIG 03/13 Produced December 2012 Review Date December 2014 (SF Taylor CM14403)