Colporrhaphy (vaginal wall repair)

The loyalty program applies to surgical interventions in the inpatient department, making treatment even more affordable.

Prolapse of the vaginal walls is a problem that women face much more often than is commonly discussed. It can develop after childbirth, as a result of age-related changes, significant physical exertion, or due to weakening of the pelvic floor muscles. At first, the symptoms may be minor, but over time discomfort during sexual activity, physical exertion, or even ordinary walking often appears. In some cases, urination or defecation disorders may be bothersome.

In such cases, colporrhaphy may help. It makes it possible to eliminate prolapse of the walls and, if necessary, also perform narrowing of the vagina. At Oxford Medical, the operation is performed by experienced gynecologists and genital surgeons using modern minimally traumatic techniques. Book a gynecologist consultation to undergo an examination, learn about possible treatment options, and receive individual recommendations.

Colporrhaphy is a surgical intervention during which the anterior, posterior, or both vaginal walls are sutured. It is one of the types of vaginoplasty used for prolapse of the walls of the organ caused by childbirth, age-related changes, weakening of the pelvic floor muscles, or other causes.

Doctors at Oxford Medical recommend not waiting until the symptoms begin to significantly limit daily activity. If the discomfort persists or intensifies, it is worth consulting a gynecologist to determine the cause of the complaints and choose the optimal treatment strategy.

Colporrhaphy may also be performed at the woman's request if anatomical changes after childbirth or for other reasons negatively affect well-being, intimate life, or self-confidence.

After consultation and examination, the doctor assesses the degree of anatomical changes and determines which treatment method will be most effective. Surgery is not required in all cases. If the changes are minor, a sufficient result may be provided by laser vaginal rejuvenation, whereas in cases of pronounced prolapse of the vaginal walls, colporrhaphy is usually the optimal treatment method.

Colporrhaphy is a planned surgical intervention, so before the operation the doctor обязательно assesses the patient's general state of health and excludes possible contraindications. Some of them are temporary, so after treatment or stabilization of the condition, the operation can be performed.

Colporrhaphy is usually not performed in cases of:

• acute inflammatory diseases of the genital organs or pelvic organs;

• acute infectious diseases accompanied by an increase in body temperature;

• blood clotting disorders that increase the risk of bleeding;

• severe decompensated diseases of the cardiovascular, respiratory, or other body systems;

• uncontrolled diabetes mellitus;

• pregnancy;

• malignant neoplasms if surgical treatment is not coordinated with the main therapy plan.

Doctors at Oxford Medical recommend informing the doctor in advance about all chronic diseases, previous operations, and medications that are taken continuously. This helps correctly assess possible risks, carry out additional preparation if necessary, and determine the optimal time for the operation.

Preparation for colporrhaphy begins with a consultation with a gynecologist and an examination, which help assess the degree of prolapse of the vaginal walls, the woman's general state of health, and exclude possible contraindications. The doctor determines the extent of the preoperative examination individually, taking into account age, concomitant diseases, and the planned surgical intervention.

Before the operation, the following are usually prescribed:

• vaginal swabs to exclude an inflammatory process and infections;

• complete and biochemical blood tests;

• general urine test;

• coagulogram to assess blood clotting;

• determination of blood group and Rh factor;

• testing for HIV, viral hepatitis B and C, syphilis;

• electrocardiography.

If necessary, the doctor may recommend additional examinations or consultations with other specialized specialists if this is necessary for the safe performance of the operation.

If colporrhaphy is performed under general anesthesia, food should be avoided for 6–8 hours before the intervention. Clean still water can usually be drunk no later than 2 hours before the operation, unless the doctor has provided other recommendations.

Colporrhaphy at the Oxford Medical medical center is performed by experienced gynecologists and genital surgeons in a modern inpatient setting. The course of the operation depends on the type of colporrhaphy and the extent of the intervention, but usually includes the following stages:

1. Anesthesia. Most often, the operation is performed under general anesthesia to ensure maximum comfort for the patient.

2. Main stage of the operation. The doctor performs the correction according to a predetermined plan: restores the normal position of the vaginal walls, strengthens weakened tissues and, if necessary, eliminates accompanying anatomical changes.

3. Completion of the operation. Self-absorbing suture material is usually used to suture the tissues, so the sutures do not need to be removed after the operation.

The surgical technique is determined individually depending on whether the anterior, posterior, or both vaginal walls require correction. If indicated, colporrhaphy may be combined with other reconstructive gynecological operations. On average, the operation lasts 60–120 minutes, although its duration may vary depending on the complexity of the clinical case and the extent of the surgical intervention.

Doctors at Oxford Medical note: during the preliminary consultation, the patient receives detailed information about the course of the operation, the type of anesthesia, the specifics of recovery, and postoperative restrictions. This makes it possible to prepare for treatment in advance and feel calmer before the intervention.

In the first days after colporrhaphy, moderate pain, a feeling of tissue tension, slight swelling, and bloody discharge are possible. Usually, these symptoms gradually weaken as healing progresses.

After the operation, the patient stays in the inpatient department under medical supervision. The duration of hospitalization depends on the extent of the intervention and well-being, but most often it is 1–2 days. Before discharge, the doctor conducts an examination, assesses the course of recovery, and provides individual recommendations.

During the next few weeks, it is recommended to:

• after colporrhaphy, it is recommended to avoid a sitting position (during the first 2 weeks).

• avoid lifting objects weighing more than 5 kg;

• temporarily refrain from sexual activity;

• not use tampons;

• not visit a swimming pool, sauna, bathhouse, or take hot baths;

• attend follow-up examinations within the timeframes determined by the doctor.

Returning to the usual way of life occurs gradually. If the work is not associated with significant physical exertion, most women can return to it after approximately 1–2 weeks. Intensive physical exertion and sports activities are allowed only after a follow-up examination by a doctor.

Recovery after colporrhaphy proceeds individually. For the result of the operation to be as predictable as possible, it is important to follow all recommendations and not rush to return to the usual level of physical activity.

Serious complications after colporrhaphy occur rarely. According to US National Library of Medicine, they occur in only approximately 1.6% of cases.

Despite this, like any surgical intervention, colporrhaphy is still associated with certain risks. Possible complications include:

• postoperative bleeding;

• infection of the postoperative wound;

• formation of a hematoma;

• separation of sutures;

• formation of a coarse scar;

• recurrence of vaginal wall prolapse some time after the operation, especially in the presence of risk factors, including repeated childbirth, obesity, chronic cough, or regular lifting of heavy objects.

Doctors at Oxford Medical note: if heavy bleeding appears after discharge, body temperature rises above 38 °C, pain intensifies, or discharge with an unpleasant odor appears, do not postpone consulting a doctor. Such symptoms may indicate the development of postoperative complications.

Although it is impossible to completely eliminate the risk of complications, Oxford Medical has created all the conditions to reduce it as much as possible. Operations are performed by experienced gynecologists and genital surgeons in modern operating rooms equipped with expert-class equipment. During the intervention, a team of anesthesiologists constantly monitors the patient's condition, and after the operation she remains under medical supervision.

The total cost of colporrhaphy depends on the type of operation and its complexity, as well as the duration of the stay in the inpatient department. You can find out in advance what the price of colporrhaphy is here. The doctor will provide more precise information regarding the cost of the operation after the examination and assessment of the individual clinical situation.

You can book a consultation through the online appointment form on the website or by calling the contact center. The doctor will answer all your questions, explain the specifics of the upcoming operation, and draw up an individual treatment plan.

The information is for informational purposes and does not replace a doctor's consultation.

Sources:

• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists

• International Urogynecological Association

• US National Library of Medicine