Retropubic Colposuspension
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Sep 1, 2024.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
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.
HOW TO PREPARE:
The week before your surgery:
- Arrange to have someone drive you home when you are discharged.
- Tell your surgeon about all medicines you take. Include prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, herbs, and supplements. Your surgeon will tell you if you need to stop taking any medicine before your surgery, and when to stop.
- Keep a record of the number of times you urinate each day. Describe the color and amount of your urine for each time you use the bathroom. Bring this record with you when you see your healthcare provider.
- Practice Kegel exercises, and keep doing them even after surgery. These exercises squeeze your pelvic floor muscles and help them become stronger. Ask your healthcare provider for more information about Kegel exercises.
- You may need blood and urine tests before surgery. You may also need cystoscopy and a chest x-ray. Talk to your healthcare provider about these or other tests you may need. Write down the date, time, and location for each test.
- You may be given contrast liquid during surgery. Tell healthcare providers if you have ever had an allergic reaction to contrast liquid.
The night before your surgery:
- You may be told not to eat or drink anything after midnight.
- Your bowel may need to be emptied and cleaned out before surgery. Healthcare providers may give you a liquid medicine called an enema. This medicine will be put into your rectum to help empty your bowel. Your healthcare provider will teach you how to do this.
The day of your surgery:
- You or a close family member will be asked to sign a legal document called a consent form. It gives healthcare providers permission to do the procedure or surgery. It also explains the problems that may happen, and your choices. Make sure all your questions are answered before you sign this form.
- Take only the medicines your surgeon told you to take.
- An IV may be put into a vein. Medicine or liquid may be given through the IV.
- An anesthesiologist will talk to you before your surgery. You may need medicine to keep you asleep or numb an area of your body during surgery. Tell healthcare providers if you or anyone in your family has had a problem with anesthesia in the past.
WHAT WILL HAPPEN:
What will happen:
Your surgeon will make an incision just above your pubic hairline. He or she will place 2 to 4 stitches to suspend the bladder and support the pelvic ligaments. These stitches may go through the vaginal wall on either side of the neck of the bladder. Contrast liquid may be injected through the catheter to check for any damage to the bladder. A drain may be placed to remove extra fluid or blood from the surgery area. Your surgeon will close the incision with stitches or staples.
After your surgery:
You will be taken to a room to rest until you are fully awake. You will be monitored closely for any problems. Do not get out of bed until your healthcare provider says it is okay. You will then be able to go home.
CONTACT YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IF:
- You have a fever.
- You get a cold or the flu.
- Your urine is leaking more often than usual.
- You have questions or concerns about your surgery.
Seek Care Immediately if
- You feel something is bulging into your vagina and not going back in.
Risks
You may bleed more than expected or get an infection. Your bladder or intestines may get injured during surgery. You may get a blood clot in your leg or arm. This may become life-threatening. Your symptoms may only go away for a short time, or not at all.
Care Agreement
You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.© Copyright Merative 2024 Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.
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
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