[Secondary vulvectomy treatment results in local recurrence of a vulvar carcinoma following electron irradiation].

Between 1965 and 1979 vulvectomy was performed in 41 patients because of histologically demonstrated local recurrence of a vulval carcinoma after electron beam therapy. Of the patients thus treated, 36.6% survived more than 3 years and 19.5% more than 5 years. An analysis of this group of patients shows that only recurrences less than 3 cm in size have a good prognosis with secondary vulvectomy. However, even with a more severe local condition, a secondary vulvectomy is justified as a palliative. Previous electron beam therapy does not represent an absolute contraindication to surgery, even though there may only be secondary healing in almost all cases.