Retropubic Colposuspension

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 2, 2024.

Retropubic colposuspension is surgery to lift your bladder and urethra back into place. The urethra is the tube that connects your bladder to the outside of your body.

DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if:

You feel lightheaded, short of breath, or have chest pain.
You cough up blood.

Seek care immediately if:

Your arm or leg feels warm, tender, and painful. It may look swollen and red.
Your stitches come apart.
You have a bulge out of your vaginal opening or rectum and it will not go back in.
Blood soaks through your bandage.
You are not able to urinate.

Call your surgeon or doctor if:

You have abdominal pain that does not go away even after you take medicine.
You have a fever or chills.
Your surgery area is red, swollen, or draining pus.
You have nausea or are vomiting.
You have discharge or pain in the area where the urine catheter was inserted.
You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Medicines:

You may need any of the following:

Antibiotics help fight or prevent a bacterial infection.
Bowel movement softeners make it easier for you to have a bowel movement. You may need this medicine to prevent constipation.
Prescription pain medicine may be given. Ask your healthcare provider how to take this medicine safely. Some prescription pain medicines contain acetaminophen. Do not take other medicines that contain acetaminophen without talking to your healthcare provider. Too much acetaminophen may cause liver damage. Prescription pain medicine may cause constipation. Ask your healthcare provider how to prevent or treat constipation.
Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.

Care for your surgery area as directed:

Once you are allowed to shower, carefully wash the surgery area with soap and water. Dry the area gently. If you have surgical tape, it will fall off on its own in 10 to 14 days.

Self-care:

A Foley catheter is a tube put into your bladder to drain urine into a bag. Keep the bag below your waist. This will prevent urine from flowing back into your bladder and causing an infection or other problems. Also, keep the tube free of kinks so the urine will drain properly. Do not pull on the catheter. This can cause pain and bleeding, and may cause the catheter to come out. Your healthcare provider will remove the catheter as soon as possible.
Do Kegel exercises. These exercises squeeze your pelvic floor muscles and help them become stronger. Ask when you should start doing these exercises.
Do not apply pressure on your abdomen. Do not strain, lift heavy objects, or stand for long periods of time. Do not perform strenuous exercises, such as running and weight lifting.
Drink liquids as directed. Liquid helps prevent or relieve constipation. Ask how much liquid to drink each day and which liquids are best for you.
Ask your healthcare provider about activity. He or she will tell you when to return to your usual daily activities, work, and when you can exercise.

Follow up with your doctor or surgeon as directed:

Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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