How do you prepare for Colporrhaphy? (Preoperative)

• You will be asked to undergo  blood tests, X-rays, MRI, EKG, and medical and anesthesia clearance tests
• You will be asked by your doctor to quit smoking and stop blood thinning medicines, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen
• You may be asked to go into alcohol withdrawal days before the surgery to avoid life-threatening complications like seizures or tremors
• You will be asked to stop eating and drinking after midnight before the day of operation

What happens during Colporrhaphy? (During the procedure)

You will be first given general or local anesthesia to numb the pain during anesthesia. A speculum will be inserted into your vagina to hold it open during the surgery. An incision will be made into the vaginal skin. Next your doctor will identify the defect in the underlying fascia. The vaginal skin will be separated from the fascia and the defect will be folded over and stitched. Any excess vaginal skin will be removed and the incision site will be closed with sutures.

What can you expect after Colporrhaphy? (Postoperative)

• You may be able to go home the same day of surgery.
• You will have a Foley catheter in your bladder to drain urine after surgery
• You will be given a liquid diet until normal bowel function returns.
• You will be instructed to avoid activities for several weeks that will cause strain on the surgical site

What are the risks associated with Colporrhaphy? (Risks)

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Injury to pelvic structures
• Dyspareunia (painful Intercourse)
• Recurrent Prolapse
• Fistula

Lifestyle changes

• You will be instructed to avoid straining with bowel movements, and sexual intercourse for several weeks.

Key Terminologies

Foley catheter: Foley catheter is a flexible tube which a clinician passes through the urethra and into the bladder to drain urine.
Fascia: A fascia is a band or sheet of connective tissue, primarily collagen, beneath the skin that attaches, stabilizes, encloses, and separates muscles and other internal organs.