Anterior vaginal wall repair

Alternative names:

A/P repair; anterior and/or posterior colporrhaphy; anterior and/or posterior vaginal wall repair; vaginal wall repair

Definition:

This is a surgical procedure that tightens the vaginal wall, thus repairing a cystocele, urethrocele, and/or rectocele. A rectocele is repaired by tightening the posterior vaginal wall.

Description:

To perform the anterior vaginal repair, an incision is made through the vagina to release a portion of the anterior (front) vaginal wall that is attached to the base of the bladder. The pubocervical fascia is folded and stitched to bring the bladder and urethra in proper position. There are several variations on this procedure that may be necessary based on the severity of the dysfunction.

This procedure may be performed using general or spinal anesthesia. You may have a foley catheter in place for 3 to 14 days after surgery. You will be given a liquid diet immediately after surgery, followed by a low residue diet when your normal bowel function has returned. Stool softeners and laxatives may be prescribed to prevent straining with bowel movements since this can cause stress on the incision.

A similar procedure can be performed on the posterior wall of the vagina to repair a rectocele.

Indications:

This procedure is used to repair the vaginal wall herniation that occurs with urethrocele, cystocele, or rectocele. This is occasionally performed to treat stress incontinence in women by supporting the bladder and urethra in its proper position, so it can function properly. As with most other surgical procedures, it is advised that you try medication and bladder retraining therapy first, before resorting to surgical treatment.

Updated Date: 02/09/00

Updated by:

J. Gordon Lambert, MD, Associate Medical Director, Utah Health Informatics and adam.com editorial