Vault Repair (Sacro-Colpo Pexy)

Item Number:

Prolapse of the Vault of the Vagina

Why is it done?

The aim of surgery is to relieve the symptoms of a vaginal bulge and/or laxity
Improve bladder function without interfering with sexual function
Used where own natural tissue is too weak to use
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.

How is it done?

This procedure is done under a general anaesthetic.
Sacrocolpopexy is performed either through an abdominal incision or ‘keyholes’ (using a laparoscope or Robotic-assisted)
The vagina is first freed from the bladder at the front and the rectum at the back.
A graft made of permanent synthetic mesh is used to cover the front and the back surfaces of the vagina.
The mesh is then attached to the sacrum (tail bone)
The mesh is then covered by a layer of peritoneum that lines the abdominal cavity; this prevents the bowel from getting stuck to the mesh.
Sacrocolpopexy can be performed at the same time as surgery for incontinence or vaginal repair for bladder or bowel prolapse.
A pelvic drain is left post-operatively
A cystoscopy may be performed to confirm that the appearance inside the bladder is normal and that no injury to the bladder or ureters has occurred during surgery.
A pack may be placed into the vagina and a catheter into the bladder at the end of surgery.
If so, this is usually removed after 3-48 hours. The pack acts as a compression bandage to reduce vaginal bleeding and bruising after surgery.

Complications

Pain (generally or during intercourse) in 2-3%
Exposure of the mesh in the vagina in 2-3%
Damage to bladder, bowel or ureters in 1-2%
There are also general risks associated with surgery:

– Wound infection,
– Urinary tract infection,
– Bleeding requiring a blood transfusion and
– Deep vein thrombosis (clots) in the legs,
– Chest infection

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