Anterior Colporrhaphy (Cystocele Repair) with or without Mesh

Anterior Colporrhaphy (Cystocele Repair) is the surgical repair of a defect in the vaginal wall, including a cystocele (when the bladder protrudes into the vagina) and a rectocele (when the rectum protrudes into the vagina).
The anterior is (front) and/or posterior (back) walls of the vagina.

Before the Procedure

Always tell your health care provider or nurse what drugs you are taking, even drugs, supplements, or herbs you bought without a prescription.

During the days before the surgery:

• You may be asked to stop taking aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), warfarin (Coumadin), and any other drugs that make it hard for your blood to clot.
• Ask your health care provider which drugs you should still take on the day of your surgery.

On the day of your surgery:

• You very often will be asked not to drink or eat anything for 6 – 12 hours before the surgery.
• Take the drugs your health care provider told you to take with a small sip of water.
• Your health care provider or nurse will tell you when to arrive at the hospital.

Surgical Repair

The Anterior Colporrhaphy (Cystocele Repair) the patient is first given general, regional, or local anesthesia. A speculum is inserted into the vagina to hold it open during the procedure. An incision is made into the vaginal skin and the defect in the underlying fascia is identified. The vaginal skin is separated from the fascia and the defect is folded over and sutured (stitched). Any excess vaginal skin is removed and the incision is closed with stitches.

After the Procedure

A Foley catheter may remain for one to two days after surgery. The patient will be given a liquid diet until normal bowel function returns. The patient will be instructed to avoid activities for several weeks that will cause strain on the surgical site, including lifting, coughing, long periods of standing, sneezing, straining with bowel movements, and sexual intercourse.

Risks of the procedure

Anterior Colporrhaphy (Cystocele Repair) is a relatively safe procedure. However; with all surgeries carry some risks. You will need to sign a consent form that explains the risks and benefits of the surgery.

• Damage to the urethra, bladder, or vagina
• Irritable bladder
• Changes in the vagina (prolapsed vagina)
• Urine leakage from the vagina or to the skin (fistula)
• potential complications associated with anesthesia
• infection
• bleeding
• A fistula is a rare complication of colporrhaphy in which an opening develops between the vagina and bladder or the vagina and rectum.

There may be other risks, depending on your specific medical condition. Be sure to discuss any concerns with your surgeon before the procedure.