A Novel Technique Using Ultrasonic Shears Versus Traditional Methods of Reduction of Bilateral Labia Minora Hypertrophy: A Retrospective Case-Control Study.

Abstract

Introduction: To compare the clinical outcomes of bilateral labia minora hypertrophy reduction using ultrasonic shears versus traditional methods.

Materials and methods: In this retrospective study, we evaluate the surgical outcomes of 11 women who underwent bilateral labia minora hypertrophy reduction using ultrasonic shears to 14 women who underwent the same procedure using various traditional methods between January 1, 2015 and February 29, 2020 in a single center. The primary outcomes evaluated are total operative time, estimated blood loss, and postoperative pain. Secondary outcomes include postoperative complications and total admission time. The statistical analyses used were exact Wilconxon Rank and Fisher's exact test.

Results: 25 total bilateral labiaplasty procedures were included in the analysis. 11 procedures were performed using ultrasonic shears and 14 were performed using traditional methods. The mean reduction operative time for the ultrasonic shears technique when compared with traditional methods was 43.25 minutes (22.82 minutes versus 66.07 minutes, P = .0002). A statistically significant but non-clinically significant difference in estimated blood loss was noted. No statistically significant differences existed with postoperative pain score, total admission time, or postoperative complications.

Conclusions: Ultrasonic shears significantly reduce the time needed for the reduction of bilateral labia minora hypertrophy and therefore should be considered by surgeons as a useful tool in increasing the efficiency of this procedure.