When the
ligaments and tissues supporting the organs become weak in the pelvic
region it slips from its place getting dislocated and bulging down the
vagina wall. Restoring the organs back surgically to its anatomical location
is called the colporrhaphy surgeryor the vaginal wall repair. Colporrhaphy
surgery repairs cystocele (when the bladder bulges into the vagina) and
the rectocele (when the rectum protrudes into the vagina).
This coporrhapy are performed in two ways – On the anterior side
of the vaginal and the other on the posterior side of the vaginal wall.
Obesity, pregnancy and childbirth, constipation, persistent cough, and
menopause are the related reasons that weaken the ligaments and muscles
of the vaginal wall resulting in prolapse of the organs in the pelvic
region. The prolapse can be so grave that the person finds it difficult
to pass urine or open the bowels.
When the prolapse is mild, vaginal pessaries and pelvic exercises help
to solve the problem. On the other hand, when the problem is severe surgery
is the only option.
When the bladder or the urethra slips into the vagina, anterior wall type
of colporrhaphy surgery is performed to tighten the anterior walls of
the vagina. The procedure is done with general or spinal anesthesia.
A cut is made in the front wall of the vagina and the bladder is put back
in its normal position folding or cutting away the parts of the vaginal
wall. Sutures made between the vaginal wall and the bladder holds the
vagina in position. Synthetic material is placed between the bladder and
the vagina to hold it in place. If necessary, stitches help in fastening
the walls of the vagina to the tissues of the pelvic region.
The similar process is done in the posterior wall of the vaginal wall
to repair the area between the bladder and the rectum. The stitches are
mostly dissolvable and do not need removal. A cystocele is repaired by
anterior colporrhaphy and the rectocele is repaired with the posterior
colporrhaphy.
The hospital stay of the patient takes three days and the blood pressure,
heartbeat and pulse are monitored regularly. Turning to the sides and
exercising are done to maintain the proper blood flow in the body.
To ensure that the walls of the vagina remains tight, the doctor prescribes
estrogen cream or a device called pessary. In case of constipation, the
nurse gives laxative as holding the gas or stools can bring about infections.
Once the bowel functions normally, the patient can get back to their normal
diet.
The risks of the surgery are irritable bladder, changes in the vagina,
the urethra, vagina or the bladder is mutilated, fistula – a condition
where the urine leaks to the vagina or the skin.
This colporrhaphy surgery lasts long and is effective in treating the
prolapsed condition of the bladder and the rectum relieving the patient
of its symptoms.
