Cystocele Repair: Repairing Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Cystocele Repair or any Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) repair is primarily performed to relieve symptoms, to restore normal anatomy and function of the pelvic organs, and to prevent worsening problems or recurrence. In women who cannot urinate due to their prolapse, the need for surgery is treated more urgently.
Cystocele Symptoms:
Pelvic Organ Prolapse, also referred to as POP, has a variety of symptoms that affect the vagina, bladder, rectum, and uterus. One of the most common types of POP is a cystocele or a ‘dropped bladder’. Urinary symptoms that are associated with cystocele include urinary frequency and urgency, urge urinary incontinence also known as overactive bladder, stress urinary incontinence, and difficulty voiding.
Types of Cystocele Repair:
There are three primary techniques for cystocele repair, including Anterior Colporrhaphy, Anterior Colporrhaphy with Graft, and Paravaginal Repair. In some cases, a graft of tissue from the abdominal region or another part of the body is used for support, but a synthetic mesh can be used as well. The Paravaginal Repair brings support tissue from the sides of the vagina to support the bladder.
Cystocele Repair Process:
The procedure is done in the hospital under general or regional anesthesia. While there are differences between the types of techniques, the basic process includes making an incision through the vagina, removing defective tissue, bringing normal support structures back into alignment, and suturing the support structures together underneath the dropped bladder. In general, hospital stays tend to be shorter for regional versus general anesthesia. Risks include bleeding, infection, bladder damage, nerve damage, and difficulty urinating.
If you have any questions regarding cystocele repair or if you think it may be the right fit for you, our team of professionals are here to answer any questions to help you make an informed decision. We at Western Michigan Urological Associates want to work with you to find the best option for you and your family. Ask Your Primary Care Provider for a Referral.
