Colpopexy (Vaginal Vault Suspension)

Colpopexy is an excellent means to provide Vaginal Vault Suspension. This procedure entails suspension of the vaginal cuff to the sacrum with fascia or synthetic mesh. In addition, many patients require surgical procedures to correct stress urinary incontinence, which is either symptomatic or latent (occurs postoperatively after prolapse correction). This procedure is intended to correct pelvic prolapse that results from inadequate support of the vaginal apex. If the physician uses an abdominal approach and attaches the vault of the vagina to the sacrum the procedure is called a Colpopexy.

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

 

 

 

 

Colpopexy (Vaginal Vault Suspension) Procedure:

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.

Recovery

General anesthesia is usually used for Colpopexy Vaginal Vault Suspension 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

Risks

As with any surgery there are risks, however Colpopexy (Vaginal Vault Suspension) carries the lowest risks of complications than any other for prolapse.

What are possible risks from this surgery?

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Damage to bowel
• Difficulty with bowel movements
• Failure of the surgery
• Rare risks include:

Blood clot in the legs or lungs

Complications from anesthesia

Talk with your doctor to understand possible risks and benefits of surgery.