‘Vulval oedema’: a conundrum!

Abstract

Massive oedema of the vulva appears to be a sequel of an underlying systemic disease in pregnant women. Isolated vulval oedema in pregnancy is rare. Vulval oedema has been treated, depending on pathophysiology, with steroids, furosemide, albumin and continuous epidural analgaesia. We present a case of vulval oedema, where the oedema was confined to the labia minora in a healthy young pregnant woman. The patient was in pain and extreme discomfort due to the labial swelling, and caesarean section was being considered for delivery as the massive oedema would obstruct the birth canal. The swelling, however, resolved successfully by simple drainage. In the literature, there have been cases delivered by caesarean section as vulval swelling was causing an obstruction.