Pelvic Organ Prolapse: Surgery for Vaginal Vault Prolapse
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| Vaginal vault prolapse |
Vaginal vault prolapse is when the walls of the vagina fall in on themselves. This can happen after the uterus has been removed. The goal of surgery is to repair the problem and relieve your symptoms.
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| Vaginal vault suspension |
The Surgical Procedure
A vaginal vault suspension may be used to correct vaginal vault prolapse. This type of surgery can be done through the vagina or the abdomen. The vagina is attached to strong tissue in the pelvis or to the sacrum (a bone at the base of the spine that forms the back of the pelvis).
Possible Risks and Complications of Surgery
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Infection
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Bleeding
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Risks of anesthesia
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Damage to nerves, muscles, or nearby pelvic structures
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Blood clots
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Prolapse of the pelvic organ or organs occurring again
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Your Incisions
During surgery, the doctor reaches your pelvic organs through the vagina or the abdomen. An incision may be made in the vaginal wall. If incisions are made on the abdomen (lower belly), they can be vertical (up and down) or transverse (across).
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| Incision made in vaginal wall. |
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| Abdominal incisions. |
Publication Source:
Miklos JR Moore RD, Kohli N, Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinics of North America 31(3), Laparoscopic pelvic floor repair, Sep 1 2004, pp 551-565
Online Medical Reviewer:
McDonald, Thad, MD
Date Last Reviewed:
1/15/2007
Date Last Modified:
7/9/2002