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What is Pelvic Floor Repair Surgery ?

The pelvic floor muscles are a group of muscles at the base of your pelvis that support the vagina, womb, bladder and bowel. When the pelvic floor muscles (and other ligaments that provide support) weaken or stretch, a prolapse can occur. This is where one or more of the organs within your pelvis lacks support and drops or falls down.
Many women with prolapse are aware of a 'bulge' and have a feeling of heaviness or 'something coming down out of vaginal opening.The majority of prolapse surgeries are performed via the vagina. This means that there are no surgical incisions (cuts) made on the abdomen (tummy).

The type of pelvic-floor repair operation may be:

Cystocele repair/anterior repair:

This operation is performed to treat a prolapse of the front wall of the vagina. The operation is performed vaginally. We will make a cut in the front wall of the vagina so that the bladder can be pushed back into place and will then stitch the vaginal wall back together after a small portion has been removed. This will give the vaginal wall more strength. Any stitches will dissolve internally.

Rectocele repair/posterior repair:

This operation is performed to treat a prolapse of the back wall of the vagina. It is also done vaginally and is similar to the anterior repair. There will usually be some stitches just outside the back of the vagina as well as inside the vagina. Any stitches will dissolve internally.

Vaginal hysterectomy:

This operation is used to treat prolapse of the uterus and is often performed in conjunction with a vaginal repair. The operation involves removal of the uterus (womb) and the cervix. The ovaries and the fallopian tubes are not routinely removed. After this operation you will no longer have periods.