Vaginal Repair Operation
What is a vaginal repair operation?
The muscles and ligaments that support your vagina and womb can become overstretched and weakened if you’re obese, or after childbirth or the menopause.
This can cause your vagina and womb to drop down. Your bladder and bowel can also bulge into your vagina. The bulge of the womb, bladder or bowel into your vagina is known as a prolapse.
If your prolapse is mild and isn't causing you any distress or symptoms, there isn't always a need to have surgery. There are alternative treatments such Pelvic floor muscles exercises or a pessary to help you control your symptoms.
A Vaginal repair surgery (Colporrhaphy) is an operation that can help to lift and tighten the walls of your vagina to restore its normal support.
The operation usually takes an hour, but this will depend on the type of operation you have and the severity of your prolapse.
Possible Side Effects and Aftercare
Following the operation, you will need to rest until the anaesthetic have passed.
- You may also need pain relief to help with any discomfort as the anaesthetic wears off.
- You may have a catheter to drain urine from your bladder into a bag.
- You may have a gauze dressing in your vagina to reduce bleeding. Both of these will usually be removed after a day or two.
- You may be constipated after the operation and require treatment (such as a laxative).
- You may need to see a physiotherapist who will give you exercises to do that are designed to speed up your recovery.
You will need to arrange for someone to drive you home following the operation as you are advised not to drive. Try and have a friend or relative stay with you for the first 24 hours after your operation if you’re discharged on the day of your surgery.
As with every procedure, there are some risks associated with vaginal repair surgery.
Possible complications can include:
- An infection
- Damage to your womb, vagina or cervix, and/or part of your bladder or bowel
- Problems passing urine
- Mesh-related complications