Radboudumc doctors develop new clitoris reconstruction technique

Doctors at Radboudumc have developed a new surgical technique to reconstruct the clitoris following vulvar cancer treatment. The procedure involves separating and repositioning nerve bundles to create a new clitoral tip, which is then covered with a piece of cheek mucosa to maintain sensitivity.

In a study of the first 23 women treated with this method, 90 percent were able to achieve clitoral orgasms three to six months after surgery. Gynecological oncologist Mieke ten Eikelder and plastic surgeon Tim Nijhuis noted that the reconstruction adds only about 15 minutes to the initial tumor removal surgery, eliminating the need for a separate procedure.

The medical team aims to increase awareness regarding vulvar health and work to make this technique available beyond Radboudumc, supported by funding from the KWF (Dutch Cancer Society).