What is a Fenton’s procedure?
A Fenton’s procedure is an operation to remove scar tissue or an area of constriction around the entrance to the perineum (the skin between the anus and the vagina) and entrance to the vagina.
Why should I have a Fenton’s procedure?
Mr Chattopadhyay may recommend this procedure to help relieve pain during intercourse if it is caused by scar tissue.
What are the risks?
As with all procedures there are associated risks. If the procedure does not work it may cause more scar tissue to develop if you are prone to scarring. There are risks associated with having a general anaesthetic. There are also minor risks of bruising, bleeding, infection and pain. These would be short-term and some can be treated with medications if appropriate, for example antibiotics if there is an infection. Postoperative pain can be treated by taking over-the-counter pain killers that you would normally take at home.
Are there any alternatives?
Alternatives to the procedure include: doing nothing, using local anaesthetic creams to help with pain, or perineal massage.
What happens during a Fenton’s procedure?
The area of scar tissue or constriction will be trimmed and stitched.
Will I feel any pain?
You will not feel any pain during the procedure as you will be under a general anaesthetic. When you wake up you may experience some pain which can be treated with pain killers as you would usually take at home.
What happens after a Fenton’s procedure?
You will normally go home the same day if there are no complications. If you do leave the same day after having a general anaesthetic, regional anaesthetic or a local anaesthetic with sedation, you will need to have a responsible person who can escort you home and ensure that you are safe overnight. You will also need to arrange childcare for your children.
What do I need to do after I go home?
You may be sore for the first few days but this will get better. You can take over the counter painkillers as you usually would at home. You may experience some bleeding. If so, please use sanitary towels or panty-liners rather than tampons to minimise the risk of infection.
It is normal for the operation site to feel sensitive and for there to be a small amount of bruising. You will have stitches which are dissolvable. They usually take around two weeks to dissolve.
You can have a bath or shower 24 hours after the procedure. You may find it soothing to have a shower once or twice a day – this will also keep the wound clean.
Please abstain from sexual intercourse for two weeks at least, until the area is healed and you feel comfortable. When you resume it may be useful to use a lubricant.
Will I have a follow-up appointment?
You may have a follow up appointment; if so, Mr Chattopadhyay will discuss this with you and a letter will be sent to you in the post.
