A posterior repair involves repairing the weakened connective tissue which lies underneath the back wall of the vagina, between the vagina and the rectum. The repair is performed through a cut in the back wall of the vagina and uses dissolvable stitches. The aim of the operation is to get rid of the prolapse bulge.

How long does it take to recover from a posterior repair?

Typical recovery for the procedure is 2-3 weeks. Your doctor may prescribe pain medication to make you feel more comfortable. You can expect to resume normal physical activity within hours of your procedure.

Why do you need a posterior repair?

Posterior repair is used to tighten the back (posterior) wall of the vagina. It is used when the rectum drops out of its normal position and bulges into the back of the vagina, causing the back wall of the vagina to sag, which may result in bowel dysfunction.

How painful is a posterior repair?

Painful Intercourse and Vaginal Shortening: After a posterior repair, the depth of the vagina may be lessened and the angle changed, causing some women to complain of pain or difficulty with intercourse after surgery. This pain is usually temporary but may be permanent.

How do you know if you need a posterior repair?

Surgical repair might be needed if: The posterior vaginal prolapse protrudes outside your vagina and is especially bothersome. You have prolapse of other pelvic organs in addition to posterior vaginal prolapse that is bothersome. Surgical repair for each condition can be completed at the same time.

Is walking good after prolapse surgery?

It’s important to get out of bed and start walking as soon as you’re sufficiently recovered after prolapse surgery. The goal of walking after prolapse surgery is to minimise physical decline and avoid common postoperative complications. Walking after surgery is never directed towards increasing fitness or weight loss.

How do you poop after Rectocele surgery?

  1. Sit on the toilet seat (never hover)
  2. Place your feet flat on the floor.
  3. Rest your hands or forearms on your thighs to support your trunk.
  4. Lean your trunk forwards.
  5. Keep the inward curve in your lower back during emptying (see bowel emptying position above)

What is considered a large rectocele?

If a rectocele is present, this study can document the size and the ability to completely empty the rectum. In general, if the rectocele is larger than 2 centimeters and/or has significant retention of contrast, it is considered abnormal.

Can I have a bath after prolapse surgery?

After four weeks you may use the bath but avoid soaking for long periods of time. Avoid using perfumed products in the bath water for three months. It is recommended you do not go swimming for six weeks after your surgery. After three months you may go back to your normal bathing routine.

How long is hospital stay after prolapse surgery?

You’ll usually need to stay in hospital overnight or for a few days. Most women can go home once their bladder is emptying well. In rare cases, you may need a catheter for a week or so. You’ll still be able to go home, but you’ll need to come back in a week or two to have the catheter removed.

Article first time published on

How do you repair posterior?

A posterior repair involves repairing the weakened connective tissue which lies underneath the back wall of the vagina, between the vagina and the rectum. The repair is performed through a cut in the back wall of the vagina and uses dissolvable stitches. The aim of the operation is to get rid of the prolapse bulge.

How long does it take for a Rectocele to heal?

Most women can return to their normal activities in about 6 weeks. Avoid strenuous activity for the first 6 weeks. And increase your activity level gradually. Normal bowel function returns within 2 to 4 weeks.

How long is hospital stay after Rectocele surgery?

In most instances, you will be admitted to hospital on the day of your operation. You may be able to go home within 24 hours or, depending on your circumstances, you may need to stay in hospital for two to three days. You may have a catheter (tube) in your bladder to allow drainage of your urine.

Why do I have to push on my perineum to poop?

Splinting involves inserting a clean finger into the vagina to push on the wall between the vagina and rectum, or the perineum. The push helps evacuate stool during a bowel movement. It’s estimated that up to 30% of women use this technique to occasionally help with bowel movements.

Does walking make prolapse worse?

Prolapse symptoms may be worse at different times in the day. Some women notice that they feel more pressure after walking or standing for long periods of time.

What is the main cause for a rectocele?

Rectocele is caused by prolonged pressure on the pelvic floor. Risk factors for rectocele may include: Pregnancy and childbirth, especially repeated vaginal deliveries and/or tearing or episiotomy during delivery.

Is rectocele repair major surgery?

Rectocele repair is a major surgery. A doctor will often suggest it only after other treatments have failed to correct your problem.

What can you not do after rectocele surgery?

  • Avoid constipation by following a high-fiber diet (more than 25 grams of fiber per day) and drinking six to eight 10-ounce glasses of water per day.
  • Avoid straining during bowel movements and long periods of sitting on the toilet.
  • Use stool softeners if needed.

Is a rectocele painful?

If the rectocele is small, the person may not notice it. If it is large, they may notice tissue protruding through the vaginal opening. There may be some discomfort, pressure, and, in some cases, pain.

How painful is prolapse surgery?

Usually the graft is anchored to the muscles of the pelvic floor. Generally this surgery is not very painful. You may feel as if you have been ‘riding on a horseback’. You will have some discomfort and pain, so please do not hesitate to take pain medication.

What can you not do after bladder prolapse surgery?

Avoid strenuous activities, such as biking, jogging, weightlifting, and aerobic exercise, for 4 to 6 weeks after open surgery and 1 week after laparoscopic surgery. You may shower. Pat the incision dry when you are done. Do not take a bath for the first week after surgery or until your doctor tells you it is okay.

What is the prep for prolapse surgery?

To prepare for rectal prolapse surgery, your doctor may ask that you: Clean with special soap. Before your surgery, you’ll be asked to shower using antiseptic soap to help prevent germs on your skin from causing infection after your surgery. Stop taking certain medications.

Does a prolapsed bladder smell?

You may actually be able to feel a lump or protrusion. You may experience pain in your vagina, back or tummy (abdomen). Sometimes, you may also notice a discharge from your vagina, which may be blood-stained or smelly.

Can you use a tampon if you have a prolapse?

İt’s aim is to mechanicaly lift the prolapsed vaginal organs. You can be sexualy active with the ring and use tampons for your period.

Does having a prolapse make you tired?

This most common symptom results from the internal pressure of pelvic organ tissue pushing against the muscles in the pelvis making the muscles ache and feel like something is “falling out.” Watch out for pain in the lower back, lower belly, groin or leg fatigue.

Can you feel a rectocele with your finger?

Posterior Wall Prolapse (Rectocele or Enterocele) Symptoms typically include: A bulge sensation. Problems having a bowel movement. The need to put your finger in or around the vagina or rectum to help empty bowels.

Can a colonoscopy detect a rectocele?

Your caregiver will be able to find your rectocele by doing a physical exam. You may need other tests, such as a barium enema, colonoscopy, MRI, or ultrasound. Treatment may include a high fiber diet, biofeedback therapy, or estrogen medicine.

Is prolapse surgery considered major surgery?

Vaginal prolapse surgery is a major surgery with serious risks and potential complications. You may have less invasive treatment options depending on your circumstances.

How many hours is prolapse surgery?

The length of operative time for laparoscopic colposuspension can vary greatly (3-5 hours) from patient to patient depending on the internal anatomy, shape of the pelvis, weight of the patient, and presence of scarring or inflammation in the pelvis due to infection or prior abdominal/pelvic surgery.

What is the success rate of prolapse surgery?

Approximately 94% achieved surgical success when it was defined as the absence of prolapse beyond the hymen. Subjective cure (absence of bulge symptoms) occurred in 92.1% while absence of re-treatment occurred in 97.2% of participants.

What can you eat after Rectocele surgery?

High-fiber foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, soften bowel movements. This helps bowel movements pass more quickly through your colon. Slowly add fiber into your diet to avoid bloating, stomach pain, and gas.