Can prolapse bladder surgery be done through the vagina so cutting is not necessary?

I finally had my surgery on Saturday and mine was done vaginally. I had rectocele and cytocele repairs aas well as sacroscopinous fixation and my perineum was also reconstructed. As i said all done vaginally no cuts.

I had a general anaesthetic and was offered an epidural whilst i was under to make me more comfy when i came round. I declined the epidural for personal reasons.

Brie x

It's usually done via the vagina. They cut through the front wall (anterior repair). There is lots of info available. I think most women have a GA.

I had a bladder and bowel repair just over 3 weeks ago and it was done via the vagina. I had the op down with only a spinal block as well as I have a major fear of general anaesthetics. The op was just over an hour long for both repairs so one repair should be quicker. Recovery time I have been told anything between 6-12 weeks, the stitches take 12 weeks to fully disolve and I've not been adviced to try and avoid heavy lifting indefinitely . I was told there is every possibility I would need the op redone in the future but I do think it all depends on what activities you do. I am only 39 and my job requires a lot of lifting but I am going to do my best to limit the lifting as I really don't want to have to have this down again . Good luck xx

Hi Tricia. It's almost always done vaginally I believe. I had hysterectomy/anterior prolapse repair done when I was 40. Had rectocele repair at 59. I'm currently waiting to go in for another posterior/ rectocele repair and am now 73. Sooooo, it can happen again but depends on your job or activities if you're still working. I've always done quite heavy work with lifting plus gardening and decorating. I think all these are out the window now especially as I also have arthritis too. As you're now 65 it will probably last you the rest of your life if you are careful what you do, you must have fairly strong tissues to go this long. If you can get it done in UK, I think you will be much better to that as we're really up to date with these procedures now. Look at the top of this page, 'Genitourinary Prolapse' and follow the links for more help and acvice on this subject. Best wishes Pollyanna. x

Hi Tricia. I too have recently had front and back repair and sacrospinous fixation done vaginally no visible cuts to see. I had a general anaesthetic and the anethesist recommended a spinal block as well which I took. The spinal was a bit uncomfortable getting it but well worth it at the other side as I felt no pain whatsoever the first few days. For me the worse part of it was getting the pack removed the day after surgery along with the catheter. It wasn't painful but was very uncomfortable. You must make sure you take the prescribed laxatives and drink loads of cold water to make you go to the bathroom because that and heavy lifting are the two things that will damage the repair. I'm overweight and doc also advised me it was imperative I didn't gain any more weight as it would put pressure on the site. I did put on a stone in the 6 weeks post surgery due to lack of mobility and the op does take a lot out of you physically for at least 3 months then you start to turn the corner. I'm now 6 months post op, lost the extra stone and almost 100% back to normal physically and intimately but with the added bonus of not suffering incintibence issues. Good luck with your op you will never regret getting it done and wish you had done it years ago. I had a posterior repair only when I was 38 and it lasted 5 years but I gained weight and humfed furniture about willy nilly and ruined it myself I won't make that mistake again x

I had all my surgeries vaginally . Bladder repair done 11 years ago and didn't realise it could be done any other way. I had general but some do op for epidural x

Thanks so much to everyone for all your helpful information and encouragement.  It will all be so useful when the time comes for me. As I mentioned I live in Spain.  I don't have a partner at the moment (maybe just as well - lol) but have lots of friends around who have suggested we arrange a rota so that I get plenty of help.  Provided I feel happy with the prospective surgery I will have it done here.  The UK would be more difficult as I would be staying with family and have 2 young grandchildren so I know for sure I would be tempted to help and even lift them without thinking!

I am so grateful for this forum and all the kind advice.  Muchas gracias and perfect healing to all.  xxx