Colporrhaphy (surgical repair of anterior vaginal wall)

Colporrhaphy is a surgical intervention aiming at suturing the walls of the vagina. It is one of the varieties of vaginoplasty. The necessity of the procedure arises because of the prolapse of the uterus below the physiological boundaries after childbirth, the stretching of the vagina as a result of repeated childbirth or because of age-related changes. The decision about plastic surgery is made on the basis of anatomical defects which cause problems in the intimate life of a woman, or because of the medical reasons.

REASONS FOR PELVIC ORGANS PROLAPSE

The abnormal location of the organ provokes the weakening of the ligaments, fascia and muscle fibers that hold it.

The causes of prolapse:

• weakening of pelvic muscles during pregnancy;

• heredity;

• long and difficult labor or delivery of a large fetus;

• congenital displacement of the uterus;

• tumors in the pelvic organs;

• obesity;

• surgeries;

• lack of estrogen (in particular, in the menopause);

• neurological disorders;

• dysplasia of the connective tissue;

• constant constipation;

• regular weight lifting.

Lack of treatment leads to diseases of the renal pelvis, bladder, to proctological problems, inflammation of the vagina and cervix. 

WHEN COLPORRHAPHY IS PRESCRIBED

Correction is necessary if the following symptoms and complaints are observed:

• urinary incontinence (caused by stretching of the urethra stoma or its displacement, bladder sagging);

• prolapse of the sphincter (manifested by incontinence of feces and gases);

• discomfort during bowel movements;

• pain syndrome during intimacy and during physical activity;

• sagging of the uterus from the vulvar slit.

Plastic surgery is carried out at the personal woman’s desire too, even if there are no listed signs. The necessity for this is the decrease in the quality of intimate life, mismatch of anatomical features of the partners’ genitals, unaesthetic outer look of the vulvovaginal area.

HOW COLPORRHAPHY IS CARRIED OUT 

Colporrhaphy is carried out in the hospital clinic. Previously the patient undergoes a complete physical examination with the purpose to identify contraindications and establish the nature of anatomical abnormalities. All manipulations during plastic surgery are carried out through the vagina. The cervix is fixed with clamps for maximum access to the vagina. The surgeon excises the stretched tissues, sutures and fixes the underlying muscles, after that the cut tissues are sutured.

Contraindications for colporrhaphy are: blood clotting disorders, diseases of the cardiovascular system, chronic diseases, mental disorders, diabetes, inflammatory processes of the genitourinary system. Plastic is not prescribed to women who have recently suffered a stroke or heart attack, in the post-traumatic and postpartum period, with cancer and venereal diseases.

COLPORRHAPHY IN THE "OXFORD MEDICAL» CLINIC

Vaginal plastic surgery in the "Oxford medical" clinic in Kiev is preceded by a gynecologist’s consultation and examination. After that the doctor announces the plan of the upcoming surgery. The day before the procedure the patient is hospitalized and begins preoperative preparation.  Surgeons of the Oxford Medical clinic perform all three types of plastic surgery of the uterine walls. What kind of operation will be carried out is determined by the type and complexity of the problem. Type of anesthesia used is general anesthesia.

The first 4 days after the surgery, the patient is ordered to bed rest and constant monitoring by the medical staff.

QUESTIONS-ANSWERS

What else is important to know about colporrhaphy:

1. How long does rehabilitation last and what are its peculiarities? How durative the pain syndrome can be depends on the type of surgery and the number of sutures. Sutures are removed after 8-10 days. Usually rehabilitation takes up to two months – that's how long it takes for stitches to heal and tissues to recover.  During the next several weeks after the procedure, the patient can not sit and squat, lift weights, visit saunas and baths. It is necessary to observe sexual rest, hygiene rules, keep to a certain diet (liquid food is preferable at this time).

2.  What does the price depend on? The cost of plastic surgery is determined by the type and complexity of the operation, the presence of complications, the type of anesthesia. The exact budget is calculated after consultation, diagnosis and choice of treatment tactics. 

3. How much time should pass after childbirth before plastic surgery? Colporrhaphy is carried out after the completion of lactation period.