Important Facts about Vaginal Vault Suspension

Many women who suffered from a vaginal prolapse have resorted to the surgical emplacement of a medical device most commonly known as vaginal mesh to treat their symptoms. But, can vaginal mesh be removed successfully?

Depending on the degree of the prolapse, there are different approaches that may be used to perform vaginal vault suspension following a vaginal prolapse, and each has its own complications. Through an abdominal incision, bleeding, ureteral damage, and erosion of the graft are most likely to occur. It is the vaginal approach that is connected with more risks such as lower urinary tract injury, pelvic infections, hemorrhage, and nerve damage, among many others. In mesh placements, exposure of the mesh is the mostly occurring complication partnered with dyspareunia, infections, stress incontinence, and recurrence of prolapse among others.

Vaginal vault suspension requires the patient to stay in the health care facility for a day or two. Typically, the patient is expected to allow the involved tissues to heal for three to five weeks after the operation.

At least three days prior to the surgery, patient should secure all the laboratory analysis required to have a medical clearance. This includes chest x-ray, blood and urine tests, and ECG (electrocardiogram). At the same time, patients should inform their physicians of the current medications they are taking since there are medications that need to be stopped at least seven days before the operation. Smoking also needs to be stopped at least six to eight weeks before the scheduled surgery.

There are also limitations of activities after the procedure. Normal daily activities are resumed a few hours after the procedure, depending on the patient’s recovery. However, strenuous activities, like climbing stairs and lifting may be done gradually. For four to six weeks, the patient must not carry items weighing over 10 pounds.

The patient may be allowed to shower at least 24 hours after the operation, but soaking in bath is not allowed for a week. Driving may also be postponed for at least three to five days, but patients taking pain pills should consider after effects like dizziness or drowsiness. Sexual activities may be resumed six to eight weeks after the procedure, but wound healing must also be watched carefully.

A post-operative follow-up will be scheduled by the physician four to eight weeks after the surgery. If you are planning on having a prolapse treatment, ask your doctor if there is a need for a transvaginal mesh implantation. Also ask about its advantages and complications.