Anterior Vaginal Repair
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 2, 2024.
What do I need to know about anterior vaginal repair?
An anterior vaginal repair is a procedure to lift or tighten the front vaginal wall. This can help prevent you from leaking urine. The procedure is also called an anterior colporrhaphy.
How do I prepare for surgery?
Your healthcare provider will talk to you about how to prepare for surgery. He or she may tell you not to eat or drink anything after midnight on the day of your surgery. Your provider may tell you to shower the night before your surgery. He or she may tell you to use a certain soap to help prevent a surgical site infection. Your provider will tell you what medicines to take or not take on the day of your surgery. Arrange to have someone drive you home and stay with you.
What will happen during surgery?
- You may be given general anesthesia to keep you asleep and free from pain during surgery. You may instead be given spinal anesthesia to numb you from the waist down. With spinal anesthesia, you may still feel pressure or pushing during surgery, but you should not feel any pain. You may also be given an antibiotic to help prevent an infection.
- Your surgeon will use a speculum to widen the vagina and hold it open. He or she will make an incision through the skin of your vagina. This will show the damage in the front vaginal wall, particularly in the supporting tissues. The damaged area is then folded and stitched after it has been separated from the vaginal skin. This will hold the bladder and other organs into proper position. Any extra vaginal tissue may also be removed. The incision will be closed with stitches. You will need to wear a sanitary pad to help control and monitor bleeding. The pad will also protect your surgery area.
What will happen after surgery?
Healthcare providers will monitor you closely for any problems. You may be able to go home the same day of surgery. You may have a Foley catheter in your bladder to drain urine after surgery. Healthcare providers will remove it as soon as possible after surgery.
What are the risks of surgery?
You may bleed more than expected or get an infection. Problems may develop during surgery that require an abdominal incision. Your bladder or uterus may be injured during surgery. Your symptoms may only be relieved for a short time, or they may not be relieved at all. You may need additional surgeries if complications develop.
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Further information
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