Unilateral Labial Hypertrophy in Adolescents: when should we Interfere? Two Case Reports

Synopsis: Adolescent and pre-menarchal patients with symptomatic unilateral labial hypertrophy should be counselled extensively prior to surgical management regarding risks of recurrence or contralateral occurrence. Purpose: Present the management of two unique cases of adolescent girls with unilateral labial hypertrophy. Case 1: 9 year-old pre-menarchal patient with a five-month history of unilateral labial hypertrophy causing discomfort that limited daily activities. External pelvic examination revealed grossly asymmetric labia minora. The left labia minora measured 5 cm in length. After counseling, the patient underwent unilateral labioplasty with resolution of symptoms. Patient returned after two years complaining of contralateral labial hypertrophy.The patient again underwent surgical management due to discomfort and interference with normal daily activities. Case 2: 12 year-old post-menarchal patient with a history of unilateral labial hypertrophy causing irritation and discomfort starting prior to menarche. External pelvic exam revealed grossly asymmetric labia minora. The right labia minora measured 4.5cm in length. The patient underwent unilateral labioplasty with resolution of her symptoms. After 2 years of follow up, patient remained asymptomatic. Conclusion: Adolescence unilateral labial hypertrophy may represent a normal variant and surgery should be delayed until achieving full puberty. However, when it causes significant discomfort or interferes with normal daily activities, surgical management should be considered after counseling regarding recurrence or contralateral occurrence.