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Vaginal repair

Sometimes a condition known as a vaginal prolapse may occur whereby one organ surrounding the vagina may descend into the vaginal canal. This may happen after childbirth, as we age, or after a hysterectomy if the ligaments and muscles that support the pelvic structure become weak and are stretched. In some cases, a prolapse of one type may cause another because the muscles and ligaments of the pelvic floor are interconnected and supportive of each other. If this happens, a procedure known as a vaginal repair is required to tighten up the ligaments and correct the problem. A vaginal repair is usually done under general anesthetic although some patients may opt to have a spinal or epidural anesthetic instead. The options available to you will depend on the doctor doing the surgery and the recommendations of the anesthesiologist. Often a local anesthetic will be injected into the procedure site to aid with pain control once the operation is completed and the patient regains consciousness. This procedure may be done on an out-patient basis and patients will be allowed to go home as long as their vitals are stable and the nursing staff or doctor feels confident the patient will be all right at home. Depending on the patientís medical condition, the complexity of the procedure performed, or other individual circumstances, an overnight stay may be required. Once the patient is released from the hospital, it is important that she avoid lifting, stretching, or strain on the abdominal muscles and ligaments in order to prevent the tearing of stitches or sutures used to do the vaginal repair. Some discomfort may be felt when standing up from a chair or getting out of a car but this will gradually decrease as the tissues heal and get stronger. Some vaginal bleeding or discharge may be experienced for the first two weeks or so, but again, this will abate as the stitches dissolve and the tissues knit together. In most cases, the success rate of a vaginal repair is excellent as long as the patient uses caution and follows the instructions of her doctor. The recovery time involved varies from patient to patient, but many may resume most normal activities in about 10-14 days. Sexual intercourse should be avoided for about six weeks and tampons should not be used for about the same period of time. A follow-up appointment with the doctor is usually scheduled for two weeks after the procedure and again after six weeks during which time patients may discuss the progress of their recovery and have any questions regarding the resumption of normal activity answered.