Before your vulval cancer surgery

Tests before your operation

You have tests before your operation to check:

• you are well enough to have an operation and anaesthetic

• that you’ll make a good recovery from surgery

The tests you have depend on what operation you are having and any other health conditions you have. You might have some or all of the following tests:

• blood tests to check the level of ​blood cells​ and how well your kidneys are working

• a swab test to rule out some infections

• an ​ECG​ (electrocardiogram) or ​echo​ (echocardiogram) to check that your heart is healthy - some people might have both

• breathing tests (called lung function tests)

• a chest x-ray to check that your lungs are healthy

• a ​cardiopulmonary exercise test​ 

The pre operative assessment team will explain what these tests are for and how to prepare for them. You might have these tests as part of your pre operative assessment appointment. Sometimes you have them at a separate appointment.

Pre assessment clinic

Your pre assessment appointment prepares you for your operation. You usually have it 1 to 2 weeks before your surgery. You meet members of your treatment team at this appointment. You might sign the consent form to agree to the operation, or you might do this when you go into hospital for your surgery. 

Ask lots of questions. It helps to write down all your questions beforehand to take with you. The more you know about what is going to happen, the less frightening it will seem.

You can ask more questions when you go into hospital so don’t worry if you forget to ask some.  At the hospital you might meet:

The surgeon

A member of the surgical team will tell you about:

• the operation you are going to have

• the benefits of having surgery

• the possible risks

• what to expect afterwards

The anaesthetist

The anaesthetist gives you the anaesthetic and looks after you during the operation. They make sure you’re fit enough for the surgery.

The clinic nurse 

The nurse checks your:

• general health

• weight

• blood pressure

• pulse

• temperature

They also check what help and support you have to see what you will need when you go home.

Your clinical nurse specialist (CNS)

Your CNS might be called a gynaecology clinical nurse specialist. They are usually your main point of contact and support throughout your treatment. They can help to explain your diagnosis and treatment and to check whether you have any questions. 

The dietitian

The dietitian gives you help and advice about managing your diet. They:

• help you get as well as possible before your operation

• give useful tips on how to increase your nutrients and calories

• might give you nutritional supplement drinks to have before surgery

The physiotherapist

The physiotherapist (physio) assesses how well you can move around. They let the doctors know if there is anything that could affect your recovery.

The physios also teach you leg and breathing exercises to do after your operation to help with recovery. Learning how to do the exercises beforehand makes it easier afterwards.

Learning breathing and leg exercises

Breathing exercises help to stop you from getting a chest infection after surgery. If you smoke, it helps if you can stop at least a few weeks before your operation.

Leg exercises help to stop blood clots forming in your legs. You might also have medicines to stop the blood from clotting. You have them as small injections under the skin.

You start the injections after your operation. You might also wear anti embolism stockings or have pumps on your calves to help the circulation.

Your nurse and physiotherapist will get you up out of bed quite quickly after your surgery. This is to help prevent chest infections and blood clots forming.

This 3-minute video shows you how to do the breathing and leg exercises.

Eating and drinking

You can usually drink clear fluids until 2 hours or so before the surgery. This includes water and tea. 

You usually have to stop eating at least 6 hours before your operation. They may even tell you to not eat anything from the night before your operation.

Follow the instructions given to you by your team on when to stop eating and drinking.

Before you go into hospital

It’s worth sorting out a few things before you go into hospital. These might include:

• taking time off work

• care for children or other loved ones

• care for your pets

• care for your house

• cancelling your milk, newspapers or food deliveries

What to take with you

Take in:

• nightgowns or pyjamas

• underwear

• dressing gown

• slippers

• contact lenses, solution, glasses and a case

• wash bag with soap, a flannel or sponge, toothbrush and toothpaste etc

• sanitary wear or tampons

• towel

• small amount of money

• medicines you normally take

• magazines, books, playing cards

• headphones and music to listen to

• a tablet or smartphone for web browsing, entertainment and phone calls

• chargers for electronic devices

• a copy of your last clinic letter (if you have one)

Family and friends

Before you go into hospital, it might be worth checking:

• whether the ward is allowing visitors

• if they have set visiting times

• the best number for friends and family to phone, to find out how you are

The letter you receive before your operation may contain this information. But if not, you can phone the ward or hospital reception to find out.

You can use your mobile phone in hospital. But there may be some time before and after your operation when you won’t have your mobile nearby. And you may not feel like talking.

Find out what happens on the day of your vulval cancer surgery