Surgery Overview
Two common forms of pelvic organ prolapse are
bladder prolapse () and urethral prolapse (). A cystocele occurs when the wall of the
bladder presses against and moves the wall of the vagina. A urethrocele occurs
when the tissues surrounding the urethra sag downward into the vagina. Both
conditions are easy for your doctor to see during a physical exam. They often
occur at the same time and are usually caused by damage that happens when a
baby is delivered through the mother's birth canal (vagina).
While many women have some degree of
and
prolapse, few ever have any symptoms, or the
symptoms do not appear for years. When symptoms do appear, they may include
difficulty urinating, involuntary release of urine (), and pain during sexual
intercourse. Surgery is not required unless your symptoms interfere with daily
activities.
Unless another health problem is present that would
require an abdominal incision, the bladder and urethra are usually repaired
through an incision in the wall of the vagina. This surgery pulls together the
loose or torn tissue in the area of prolapse in the bladder or urethra and
strengthens the wall of the vagina to prevent prolapse from recurring.
There are several types of surgery to correct stress urinary
incontinence. These surgeries lift the urethra and/or bladder into their normal
position. To learn more about these surgical procedures, see the topic
Urinary Incontinence in Women.
Pelvic Organ Prolapse: Should I Have Surgery?
What To Expect After Surgery
usually is used during repair of the bladder and urethra. You
may stay in the hospital from 1 to 2 days. You may go home with a catheter in
place. You can most likely return to your normal activities in about 6 weeks.
Avoid strenuous activity, such as heavy lifting or long periods of standing,
for the first 3 months, and increase your activity level gradually.1 Straining or lifting after you have resumed normal activities
may cause the problem to recur.
Most women are able to resume
sexual intercourse in less than 6 weeks. Urinary function usually returns to
normal in 2 to 6 weeks.
Why It Is Done
Repair of the bladder and urethra is
done to manage symptoms such as pressure on the vaginal wall from the movement
of those organs, difficulty urinating, urinary incontinence, and painful
intercourse. If you are experiencing involuntary release of urine (urinary
incontinence), further testing may be needed to determine what procedure is
needed.