Repair of Vaginal Wall Prolapse (Vaginal Vault Prolapse)

Vaginal vault prolapse occurs when the upper portion of the vagina loses its normal shape and sags or drops down into the vaginal canal or outside of the vagina. It may occur alone or along with prolapse of the bladder (Reference cystocele Opens New Window Reference Opens New Window), urethra (Reference urethrocele Opens New Window Reference Opens New Window), rectum (Reference rectocele Opens New Window Reference Opens New Window), or small bowel (Reference enterocele Opens New Window Reference Opens New Window). Reference Vaginal vault prolapse Opens New Window Reference Opens New Window is usually caused by weakness of the pelvic and vaginal tissues and muscles. It happens most in women who have had their uterus removed (Reference hysterectomy Opens New Window).

Symptoms of Reference vaginal vault prolapse Opens New Window include:

• Pelvic heaviness.
• Backache.
• A mass bulging into the vaginal canal or out of the vagina that may make standing and walking difficult.
• Involuntary release of urine (Reference incontinence Opens New Window).
• Vaginal bleeding.

During surgery, the top of the vagina is attached to the lower abdominal (belly) wall, the lower back (lumbar) spine, or the Reference ligaments Opens New Window of the pelvis. Vaginal vault prolapse is usually repaired through the vagina or an abdominal incision and may involve use of either your tissue or artificial material.

Opens New Window Pelvic Organ Prolapse: Should I Have Surgery? Opens New Window

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