Personalised Surgical Care for Pelvic Organ Prolapse.
Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when the muscles and connective tissues supporting the pelvic organs become weakened, allowing the bladder, uterus, rectum, or vaginal vault to descend towards or into the vaginal opening. It may cause a feeling of heaviness, a vaginal bulge, or difficulties with bladder and bowel function.
At Nova Femina, Nagpur, we provide consultations for women experiencing symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse and exploring suitable treatment options, including surgical repair when clinically appropriate.
Our approach focuses on identifying the type and severity of prolapse, understanding its impact on daily life, and developing a treatment plan tailored to each woman’s clinical needs, preferences, and overall health.
What Is Pelvic Organ Prolapse?
Pelvic organ prolapse develops when the supporting muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues of the pelvic floor no longer provide sufficient support to the pelvic organs.
Depending on the structures involved, prolapse may affect different areas:
- Anterior vaginal wall prolapse: The bladder may bulge towards the front wall of the vagina. This is commonly called a cystocele.
- Posterior vaginal wall prolapse: The rectum may bulge towards the back wall of the vagina. This is commonly called a rectocele.
- Uterine prolapse: The uterus descends into the vaginal canal.
- Vaginal vault prolapse: The upper portion of the vagina descends, sometimes following a hysterectomy.
Treatment depends on the type of prolapse, the severity of symptoms, previous surgeries, and individual preferences.
What Is Colporrhaphy?
Colporrhaphy is a surgical procedure used to repair a weakened or prolapsed vaginal wall by strengthening the supporting tissues, usually using the patient’s own tissue.
The procedure is commonly performed in two forms.
1. Anterior Colporrhaphy
Anterior colporrhaphy, also called anterior vaginal wall repair, is performed to address selected cases of anterior vaginal wall prolapse, commonly associated with a cystocele. During the procedure, the surgeon repairs and reinforces the supporting tissue beneath the front vaginal wall to improve support for the bladder. It may be considered for women whose prolapse symptoms persist despite appropriate non-surgical treatment.
2. Posterior Colporrhaphy
Posterior colporrhaphy, also called posterior vaginal wall repair, is performed to address selected cases of posterior vaginal wall prolapse, commonly associated with a rectocele. The procedure repairs and reinforces weakened supporting tissue beneath the back vaginal wall. It may be considered when prolapse contributes to vaginal bulging, pressure, or certain bowel-emptying difficulties. Anterior and posterior colporrhaphy may be performed separately or together, depending on the location and extent of prolapse. Important: Colporrhaphy does not treat every type of pelvic organ prolapse. Uterine or vaginal vault prolapse may require a different surgical approach, which should be determined following individual assessment.
Who May Consider Prolapse Surgery?
A consultation with a gynaecological or urogynecological specialist may be appropriate for women experiencing:
- A vaginal bulge or lump:A sensation of tissue protruding into or outside the vaginal opening.
- Pelvic heaviness or pressure: A persistent feeling of dragging, fullness, or pressure in the pelvic region.
- Bladder-related symptoms: Difficulty emptying the bladder or other urinary symptoms associated with prolapse.
- Bowel-emptying difficulties: Symptoms that may be associated with posterior vaginal wall prolapse.
- Persistent discomfort: Prolapse symptoms that interfere with walking, exercise, daily activities, or intimate wellbeing.
Surgery is not necessary for every woman with prolapse. Treatment recommendations depend on symptom severity, clinical findings, personal preferences, and the response to non-surgical management.
How Is Prolapse Surgery Planned?
1. Initial Consultation
Your consultation begins with a discussion about your symptoms, medical history, previous pregnancies or surgeries where relevant, and how prolapse affects your daily life.
2. Personalised Clinical Assessment
A pelvic examination helps determine the location and extent of the prolapse. Additional investigations may be recommended if there are associated urinary or bowel symptoms.
3. Discussion of Treatment Options
Depending on your condition, treatment may include pelvic floor muscle training, a vaginal pessary, lifestyle measures, or surgery. If surgery is being considered, your doctor will explain the appropriate procedure, expected benefits, potential risks, and alternative approaches.
4. Surgical Repair
During colporrhaphy, the surgeon repairs weakened supporting tissues in the affected vaginal wall. The technique depends on whether the anterior wall, posterior wall, or both require repair. Other procedures may be needed if prolapse affects the uterus or vaginal vault.
5. Recovery and Follow-Up
Following surgery, you will receive personalised instructions regarding wound care, activity restrictions, hygiene, and follow-up appointments. Your recovery will be monitored to assess healing and identify any complications.
What Are the Potential Benefits?
When clinically appropriate, prolapse surgery may help address symptoms associated with weakened pelvic support.
Potential benefits may include:
- Reduction in the vaginal bulge or sensation of pressure.
- Improved support of the affected vaginal wall.
- Improvement in selected symptoms related to bladder or bowel function.
- Greater comfort during everyday activities.
- Improvement in quality of life when symptoms respond to treatment.
Results vary depending on the type of prolapse, surgical technique, and individual healing. Surgery cannot guarantee complete relief of every symptom, and prolapse may recur over time.
Recovery After Colporrhaphy
Recovery depends on the extent of the repair, whether additional procedures are performed, and your individual health. Temporary discomfort, swelling, light bleeding, and changes in bowel or bladder function may occur during recovery.
Your surgeon will provide guidance regarding:
- Wound care and personal hygiene.
- Gradually returning to routine activities.
- Restrictions on heavy lifting and strenuous exercise.
- When sexual activity can safely resume.
- Follow-up appointments to assess healing.
Seek medical attention if you experience heavy bleeding, fever, severe or worsening pain, difficulty passing urine, or other concerning symptoms.
Understanding the Risks
Like any surgical procedure, prolapse surgery and colporrhaphy carry potential risks, including:
- Bleeding or infection.
- Injury to surrounding structures.
- Difficulty emptying the bladder or new urinary symptoms.
- Persistent or recurrent prolapse.
- Pain during sexual intercourse.
- Changes in bowel or bladder function.
- Scarring or delayed healing.
- The need for further treatment or surgery.
The risks depend on the specific procedure and individual circumstances.
Conventional anterior and posterior vaginal wall repairs generally use the patient's own tissues. If a mesh-based procedure is being considered, its purpose, risks, alternatives, and long-term implications should be discussed separately before making a decision.
Why Choose Nova Femina?
1. Personalised Clinical Assessment
Treatment recommendations based on the type of prolapse, symptom severity, medical history, and individual needs.
2. Individualised Treatment Planning
A discussion of appropriate surgical and non-surgical options to support informed decision-making.
3. Privacy and Confidentiality
A respectful environment where women can discuss pelvic floor and intimate health concerns comfortably.
4. Care Beyond Surgery
Personalised recovery guidance, follow-up appointments, and continued clinical assessment.
5. Recovery and Follow-Up
Following surgery, you will receive personalised instructions regarding wound care, activity restrictions, hygiene, and follow-up appointments. Your recovery will be monitored to assess healing and identify any complications.
Consult for Prolapse Surgery in Nagpur
If you are experiencing a vaginal bulge, pelvic pressure, or other symptoms associated with pelvic organ prolapse, a clinical assessment can help identify the cause and determine suitable treatment options.
At Nova Femina, Nagpur, you can enquire about a consultation with Dr. Rucha Sanap Changle to discuss your concerns and explore appropriate gynaecological care.
Understand your symptoms. Explore your treatment options. Make an informed decision.