Why is this procedure done?
Muscles and strong bands of tissues support all the organs in a womans pelvis. Some examples are the bladder, colon, and uterus. If the muscles and tissues get weak, your organs may drop. When your organs drop, they may bulge in the birth canal or vagina. You may have a full feeling in your vagina. You may also have pain during sex. ‚
A cystocele is when the bladder falls or swells into the vagina. You may have urine leaking when you laugh, sneeze, or cough. You may also not be able to drain the bladder fully. ‚
A rectocele is when the lower part of the large bowel (the rectum) falls or swells into the vagina. You may also have pain or problems passing stool. ‚
Surgery may improve your signs. The doctors put your bladder and rectum back in place and fix the weakness in your pelvic muscles. The doctors also take out any extra tissue that is bulging into your vagina. ‚
What will the results be?
- Bulging tissue or muscles removed
- Signs are gone
- Bladder and rectum work well
- Leaking of urine will lessen or go away completely
What happens before the procedure?
- Your doctor will take your history. Talk to your doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some examples are Coumadin ‚ ®, ibuprofen, Aleve ‚ ® (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about all of your drugs.
- When you need to stop eating or drinking before your procedure.
- Your doctor will do an exam and may order:
- You may need to take an enema as directed by your doctor the night before your surgery.
- You will not be allowed to drive right away after the procedure. Ask a family member or a friend to drive you home.
What happens during the procedure?
- Once you are in the operating room, the staff will put an IV in your arm to give you fluids and drugs. You will be given a drug to make you sleepy. The drug will also help you stay pain free during the surgery. You will have a tube in your bladder to drain urine.
- Your doctor will remove the weak tissues or muscles. Sometimes, the doctor puts in a patch (sling) to support your bladder or rectum. The doctor then repairs and stitches the vaginal wall.
- Your doctor will close your cut with stitches or staples and cover it with clean bandages.
- The procedure takes 45 minutes to 2 hours.
What happens after the procedure?
- You will go to the Recovery Room and the staff will watch you closely. You may have to stay in the hospital for 1 to 2 days.
- Your doctor will give you drugs for pain.
- You may have a gauze pack inside your vagina for 1 to 2 weeks.
- The tube is left in your bladder if you had cystocele repair. Keeping the tube in helps the bladder heal faster. After a rectocele repair, the tube is taken out as soon as you can pass urine.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
- Fight an infection
- Make your stools softer
What problems could happen?
- Infection
- Vaginal bleeding
- Urine leaks during sneezing or coughing
- Uterus bulges out of place (uterine prolapse)
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Avoid hard stools or straining when going to the bathroom.
- Keep a healthy weight.
- Do special exercises, called Kegels, to build up muscles around the bladder.
Where can I learn more?
American Society of Colon & Rectal Surgeons ‚
http://www.fascrs.org/patients/conditions/rectocele/ ‚
National Kidney & Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse ‚
http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/cystocele/ ‚
The American Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists ‚
http://www.acog.org/~/media/For%20Patients/faq183.pdf?dmc=1&ts=20140407T2122238448 ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚