Colporrhaphy for vaginal prolapse

Colporrhaphy is the surgical repair of either the front (anterior) or rear (posterior) vaginal walls, or sometimes both, to treat a vaginal prolapse.

Colporrhaphy (also known as ‘vaginal repair’, ‘vaginal wall repair’ or ‘prolapse repair’) is the surgical repair of a defect in the wall of the vagina. A colporrhaphy returns the prolapsed organ back to its natural position, repairs the wall tissue and can strengthen the structure of the vagina to help prevent a prolapse reoccurring.

Treatment may be required to treat a vaginal prolapse - when one of the pelvic organs (uterus, bowel or bladder) bulges into the vagina. Such a prolapse isn't life-threatening, but may affect your quality of life.

You’ll need to stay in hospital for two or three days. Immediately after surgery we’ll help you manage any pain or discomfort with painkillers. We’ll discuss your aftercare and arrange any follow-up appointments with you before you leave hospital.

You may experience vaginal bleeding or discharge for a couple of weeks or so after your operation.

You’ll need to eat a healthy diet and you may need to take laxatives to avoid constipation and straining when you go to the toilet. You won’t be able to drive for about four weeks or lift anything heavy for around eight to twelve weeks. Depending on the type of work you do you may not be able to return to work for four to six weeks.

The operation may be carried out under a general anaesthetic (so you’ll be asleep) or a spinal anaesthetic (so you’ll stay awake but won’t feel anything).

The surgery is carried out through the vagina. The vaginal wall will be cut so the protruding organ can be lifted back into its correct position. Normally sutures will be used to strengthen the wall repair and the cut will be stitched using dissolvable sutures. Occasionally it may be suggested that a synthetic or biological mesh will be used.