posted 24th August 2022
Prolapse Repair
There are a variety of surgical procedures that entail elevating and supporting the pelvic organs. This could be accomplished by sewing them into place or by supporting the current tissues in order to make them more resilient to injury. Cutting into the vaginal wall under general anaesthesia is typically used to make surgical repairs to the vaginal wall.
This implies that you will be unconscious throughout the procedure and will not experience any discomfort. Depending on the type of surgery you undergo, you may need to take anywhere from 6 to 12 weeks off work to recover. It is possible that your doctors will advise you to postpone surgery if you plan to have children in the future because childbirth can cause the prolapse to occur again.
A common symptom of prolapse in women is a "bulging" sensation within the vaginal area, which can be caused by the descent of the uterus, vagina, bladder, and/or rectum. It is possible for these organs to protrude to a significant degree in some situations. Pelvic organ prolapse can cause a variety of symptoms, including urinary leakage, chronic pelvic pain, constipation, and discomfort during sexual encounters, among other things.
Hysterectomy for prolapse
Hysterectomy can be a choice of treatment as well. Women with a prolapsed womb who have gone through menopause or who do not intend to have any more children may be recommended to have the womb removed by a doctor (hysterectomy). As a result, it can help to relieve pressure on the vaginal walls while also decreasing the likelihood of a prolapse recurring. After having a hysterectomy, you will be unable to become pregnant, and you may experience early menopause as a result of the procedure. It's possible that you'll need to take 6 to 12 weeks off work to recover.
Closing Vagina
Occasionally, a procedure to close a portion or the entire vaginal opening may be recommended. In the case of advanced prolapse, when other treatments have failed and the patient is certain that she does not want to have intercourse again in the future, this procedure may be recommended. This procedure may be a suitable alternative for frail women who would be unable to undergo more complicated surgery.
What do you have to do after surgery?
Following prolapse surgery, you will almost certainly need to stay in the medical facility overnight or for a few days. In addition to having a drip in your arm to supply fluids, you may also have a small plastic tube (urinary catheter) in your bladder to drain pee. In order to act as a bandage for the first 24 hours, some gauze may be inserted into your vagina, which may be a little unpleasant initially.
After your surgery, you may experience some vaginal bleeding similar to that of a period, as well as some vaginal discharge, during the first few days or weeks following the procedure. This could extend for three to four weeks. During this time, sanitary towels should be used instead of tampons. After a few weeks, your stitches will generally disintegrate on their own without any assistance. Try to get up and moving as soon as possible, but take good breaks every few hours to recharge your batteries.
Once you have been discharged from the hospital, you should be allowed to wash and bathe as usual; however, you may need to refrain from swimming for a few weeks. It is recommended that you refrain from having sexual relations for around 6-12 weeks or until your wound has completely healed.