Repair of Vaginal Wall Prolapse (Vaginal Vault Prolapse)

Vaginal vault prolapse occurs when the upper portion of the vagina loses its normal shape and sags or drops down into the vaginal canal or outside of the vagina. It may occur alone or along with prolapse of the bladder (cystocele camera.gif), urethra (urethrocele camera.gif), rectum (rectocele camera.gif), or small bowel (enterocele camera.gif). Vaginal vault prolapse camera.gif is usually caused by weakness of the pelvic and vaginal tissues and muscles. It happens most in women who have had their uterus removed (hysterectomy).

Symptoms of vaginal vault prolapse include:

• Pelvic heaviness.
• Backache.
• A mass bulging into the vaginal canal or out of the vagina that may make standing and walking difficult.
• Involuntary release of urine (incontinence).
• Vaginal bleeding.

During surgery, the top of the vagina is attached to the lower abdominal (belly) wall, the lower back (lumbar) spine, or the ligaments of the pelvis. Vaginal vault prolapse is usually repaired through the vagina or an abdominal incision and may involve use of either your tissue or artificial material.

Pelvic Organ Prolapse: Should I Have Surgery?

What To Expect After Surgery

General anesthesia is usually used for vaginal vault prolapse repair. You may stay in the hospital from 1 to 2 days. You will probably be able to return to your normal activities in about 6 weeks. Avoid strenuous activity for the first 6 weeks. And increase your activity level gradually.

Most women are able to resume sexual intercourse in about 6 weeks.