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Cystocele and Rectocele Repair

Authors:
  • Cynthia M. Johnson, MA
Publication Type:

Procedure

Cystocele and Rectocele Repair

Definition

A cystocele is when the bladder wall bulges into the vagina. A rectocele is when the rectum wall bulges into the vagina. These bulges form because of problems with the pelvic muscles and tissue. These procedures fix the bulges.

Cystocele.

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Rectocele.

Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

si55551976_96472_1http://services.epnet.com/getimage.aspx?imageiid=74467446si55551976.jpgsi55551976.jpgNULLjpgsi55551976.jpgNULL\\hgfiler01a\intellect\images\si55551976.jpgNULL69NULL2008-12-04260400Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Reasons for Procedure

This repair is done to treat problems caused by cystocele or rectocele, such as:

  • Passing urine (pee) more often than usual
  • Urine leaking
  • Not being able to pass urine
  • Pain during sex

This type of repair is usually done after other treatments have not been helpful.

Possible Complications

Problems are rare, but all procedures have some risk. Your doctor will go over problems that could happen, such as:

  • Problems with anesthesia
  • Infection
  • Bleeding
  • Damage to the vagina, rectum, bladder, or other nearby organs
  • Problems passing stool (poop)

Things that may raise the risk of problems are:

  • Smoking
  • Drinking excess alcohol
  • Chronic diseases, such as diabetes
  • An earlier pelvic surgery

What to Expect

Problems to Look Out For

Call the doctor if you are not getting better or you have:

  • Signs of infection, such as fever and chills
  • Excessive bleeding or any discharge from the wound
  • Very heavy vaginal bleeding or foul smelling discharge from the vagina
  • Nausea or vomiting that is severe or that lasts a long time
  • Cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain
  • Pain or burning when passing urine
  • Passing urine more often or not passing urine at all
  • Bloody urine that does not go away when you or your doctor expect

If you think you have an emergency, call for medical help right away.

Prior to Procedure

The surgical team may meet with you to talk about:

  • Anesthesia options
  • Any allergies you may have
  • Current medicines, herbs, and supplements that you take and whether you need to stop taking them before surgery
  • Fasting before surgery, such as avoiding food or drink after midnight the night before
  • Whether you need a ride to and from surgery

Prior to Procedure

The surgical team may meet with you to talk about:

  • Anesthesia options
  • Any allergies you may have
  • Current medicines, herbs, and supplements that you take and whether you need to stop taking them before surgery
  • Fasting before surgery, such as avoiding food or drink after midnight the night before
  • Whether you need a ride to and from surgery

Anesthesia

The doctor may give:

Description of the Procedure

A tube will be inserted to drain the bladder. This will ease pressure in the area.

An cut will be made in the vagina so that the doctor can see the muscle and tissue. The muscle and tissue may be sewn to themselves to make them stronger. Weakened tissue may be removed. Excess lining of the vaginal wall may also be removed. The doctor may also put extra sutures in to support the bladder. The cut will be closed with stitches.

How Long Will It Take?

45 minutes to 2 or more hours

Will It Hurt?

There may be some pain in the vagina for 1 to 2 weeks. Medicine and self care can help with healing.

Average Hospital Stay

Some people can go home after the surgery. Others need to stay 2 to 6 days. You may need to stay longer if there are problems.

Post-procedure Care

At the Hospital

For a rectocele repair, the tube used to drain the bladder will be removed when you can use the bathroom on your own. For cystocele repairs, the tube needs to stay for up to 6 days to give the bladder more time to work normally.

The staff will give you pain medicine.

During your stay, staff will take steps to reduce your chance of infection, such as:

  • Washing their hands
  • Wearing gloves or masks

There are also steps you can take to reduce your chances of infection, such as:

  • Washing your hands often and reminding visitors and staff to do the same
  • Reminding staff to wear gloves or masks

At Home

There will be some limits to physical activity for a few weeks. This will affect working, daily habits, and sexual activity.

RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

References

  • Bladder prolapse (cystocele). Urology Care Foundation website. Available at: http://www.urologyhealth.org/urologic-conditions/bladder-prolapse-(cystocele)?article=118.
  • Cystocele and rectocele repair. Charleston Area Medical Center website. Available at: https://www.camc.org/cystocele-and-rectocele-repair.
  • Cystocele (fallen bladder). Cleveland Clinic website. Available at: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15468-cystocele-fallen-bladder#management-and-treatment.
  • Fathy, M., Elfallal, A.H. et al. Literature review of the outcome of and methods used to improve transperineal repair of rectocele. World Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery, 2021; 13(9): 1063-1078.
  • Pelvic organ prolapse. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/pelvic-organ-prolapse.
  • Surgery for pelvic organ prolapse. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists website. Available at: https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/surgery-for-pelvic-organ-prolapse.

Contributors

  • Elizabeth Margaret Prusak, MD
Last Updated:
2023-06-01

(C) Copyright 2023 EBSCO Information Services

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.