Colpocleisis

Permanent closure of the vagina in the elderly who suffer from pelvic organ prolapse and who aren’t and never will be sexually active.

The aim of surgery is to relieve the symptoms of vaginal bulge and / or laxity.
Improve bladder function.
Used where women are elderly and have no desire to be sexually active again.
Vaginal prolapse is a common condition causing symptoms such as a sensation of dragging or fullness in the vagina, and difficulty emptying the bowel or bladder and back ache.
About 1 in 10 women need surgery for prolapse of the uterus or vagina.

This procedure is done under a spinal / general anesthetic, as decided by the anesthetist.
A large portion of the vaginal mucosa is removed on the bladder and rectal side, from the vault to the introitus.
The edges of the front wall are sewn to the back wall, therefore occluding the whole urethra.
The side of the vagina is not occluded to allow drainage of fluids.
A catheter is placed into the bladder at the end of surgery.
The catheter is removed the next day

Complications?

There are also general risks associated with surgery:

Wound infection.
Urinary tract infection.
NO MORE VAGINAL INTERCOURSE.
Rarely – Bleeding requiring a blood transfusion and Deep vein thrombosis (clots) in the legs, Chest infection.

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Wes Colpocleisis