Clitoris reconstruction surgery successful at Radboudumc

Doctors at Radboudumc have successfully completed clitoral reconstruction surgeries in women who lost part of the sex organ to vulvar cancer, including restoring their ability to orgasm.

In a statement, the hospital in Nijmegen said that of 23 women who underwent the procedure, 90% were able to experience a clitoral orgasm again.

In the Netherlands, approximately 450 women are diagnosed with vulvar cancer every year. In around 25% of those cases, the clitoris or the surrounding area is affected.

In patients whose tumour is located on or near the clitoris, part of the organ may need to be removed.

“Until now, the wound was closed afterwards and the clitoris disappeared under a layer of skin, without regard for quality of life or the question of whether an orgasm is still possible,” gynecological oncologist Mieke ten Eikelder said.

This advancement has happened almost 40 years after similar surgery for the penis. The first reconstructive surgery for the penis after cancer dates back to 1987.

Clitoral reconstruction is now being rolled out nationwide as part of scientific research.