Surgery for prolapse

Is there an alternative to a hysterectomy to treat fibroids?

Operation to remove fibroids

Question

I am going into hospital for a posterior musculotal prolapse repair using an elastic band.

What can I expect? Will anaesthetics be involved? Will I have discomfort during and after the procedure?

Answer

A uterine prolapse occurs when the womb descends from its normal position down into the vagina. Posterior prolapse implies that there is a weakness in the back wall of the vagina so that the intestine behind bulges in towards it.

If pelvic floor exercises are not sufficient to strengthen the muscles of the vagina, and if a plastic ring-shaped pessary inserted into the top of the vagina cannot hold the uterus in position, there are a number of surgical options that will help.

This involves a vaginal repair where the support ligaments that hold the uterus up are tightened, and the back wall of the vagina strengthened. This is the simplest operation.

The alternative is a vaginal hysterectomy, which means the removal of the uterus through the vagina, again with tightening of the support ligaments. This procedure ensures that the womb can never descend again, because it is actually removed.

Whether you have a vaginal repair or a vaginal hysterectomy, you will need to have a general anaesthetic and you can anticipate about a week to 10 days in hospital.

There will be a little discomfort after the operation, but within a few days you will feel a lot more comfortable without that dragging sensation and difficulty going to the loo that you have been suffering from for several years.

Yours sincerely

The Medical Team

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