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Vaginal prolapse is a common condition and can cause symptoms such as a sensation of a vaginal lump, constipation, difficulty emptying the bowel or bladder or problems with sexual intercourse. An operation is only indicated when the prolapse is symptomatic. The majority of women will have improvement of symptoms following an operation.
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Some women will be suitable to try a vaginal pessary instead of surgery. This is a device that supports the vagina and will be changed every 4 to 6 months.
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Depending on the site of the prolapse, your doctor may suggest you have surgery that is performed from the abdomen. The vagina or uterus is then supported by mesh or stitches that are attached to the front of the tail bone (sacrum). This provides good support to the top of the vagina or uterus. A repair inside the vagina may also be required at the same time. The operation can be performed in combination with other procedures.
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Studies from our hospital show that this operation is successful to support the top of the vagina or uterus in over 90% of women.
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What happens during surgery?
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- The surgery is performed under general anaesthetic (you are completely asleep).
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- The operation may require an incision on your abdomen or be performed laparoscopically (key hole surgery). Your surgeon will advise you which method is best for you.
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- The top of the vagina or the cervix is then stitched with permanent stitches or using mesh (a synthetic material) to the back of the tail bone (sacrum). This provides very strong support to the vagina or uterus.
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- The lining of the abdomen is then used to cover the stitches or mesh inside you.
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- A surgical repair of the vagina may be required, depending on the type of prolapse you have.
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- At the end of the operation, a catheter will be inserted into the bladder to drain urine and a material pack will be placed in the vagina to prevent bleeding. These will remain in place for 1-2 days.
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Are there any complications?
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- If you are having key hole surgery, there is a small possibility that this may need to be changed to a larger incision during the operation due to difficulties or to repair any unforseen problems.
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- Possible complications and discomforts from surgery for prolapse include pain, infection, perforation of the rectum or bladder, and pain with intercourse.
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- Recurrence of symptoms and/or prolapse may occur. Usually this is in another site of the vagina, due to further weakness in the area.
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- If mesh is used, there is a small risk (about 2%) of mesh coming through the vagina. This is usually treated with oestrogen if the vaginal skin is thin or a small vaginal operation to cover the mesh.
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- The ureter (the tube running from the kidneys down to the bladder) could be damaged during the surgery. A cystoscopy (looking inside the bladder) will be performed at the end of the surgery to check that no damage has occurred.
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- There are general risks involved with having an operation, including the anaesthetic, bleeding and blood transfusion, infection within the pelvis or wound and clots in the legs that can travel to the lungs.
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Recovery time
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Most women stay in hospital for 4-5 days. You will be sent home once you are feeling well and once you are able to pass urine with no problem.
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It is important to rest after the operation and allow the area to heal. Generally it is recommended:
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- You restrict activity for two weeks.
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- After 2 weeks do light activity only.
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- Avoid heavy lifting for 6 weeks, including shopping bags, washing baskets and children.
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- Abstain from sexual activity for 6 weeks.
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- Avoid playing sport for 6 weeks.
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Your surgeon will be happy to answer any questions you have, and can give more specific advice.
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