Vaginal prolapse surgery in Chichester

Why choose Nuffield Health Chichester Hospital for your vaginal prolapse surgery?

A vaginal prolapse is very common in women who have had a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus). This is because the uterus supports the top of your vagina. Other causes of a prolapse can include childbirth or hormonal changes in menopause. If your vaginal prolapse does not respond well to conservative treatment, your consultant in Chichester may recommend surgery.

At Nuffield Health Chichester Hospital our experienced gynaecologists specialise in vaginal prolapse repair and will be with you every step of the way throughout your treatment. From your initial consultation, right though to your thorough aftercare.

We are conveniently located on the outer edge of Chichester's historic city centre, are easily accessible by local public transport and provide ample free parking. Our refurbished patient rooms provide both comfort and entertainment, featuring widescreen TV's, wireless internet and a large en-suite bathroom.

What happens during vaginal prolapse surgery at Nuffield Health Chichester Hospital?

• Vaginal prolapse surgery is usually performed under general anaesthetic
• In some cases it can be performed as laparoscopic surgery
• The length of the procedure will depend on the extent of your prolapse
• Your consultant will make incisions inside your vagina and strengthen the supporting tissues with stitches. They may make repairs to both the back and front vaginal walls
• Additional supporting stitches may be needed may be needed at the top of your vagina or into your cervix
• In some cases surgical mesh may be used
• Any wounds will be closed using dissolvable staples
• At the end of your procedure they may insert a catheter into your bladder to drain urine and your vagina may be packed with material to prevent bleeding. These will be removed in 1-2 days
• You may need to stay in our Chichester hospital for 3-5 days
• You will be able to go home once you are able to move about confidently and you can pass urine with no problem.

Going home after vaginal prolapse surgery in Chichester

• You will not be able to drive until release to do so by your consultant
• Please arrange for someone to take you home on your day of discharge
• You will need to rest and recover for several weeks
• Take over the counter pain relief such as paracetamol as needed for any post-operative pain
• You may experience light vaginal bleeding for up to 2 weeks
• You should avoid lifting anything heavy including shopping, laundry or young children for the first 2-4 weeks
• You should avoid any strenuous sports activities for at least 4 weeks
• Any stitches you have will dissolve in about 10-14 days and there is no need to remove them.

Most women make a good recovery from vaginal prolapse surgery. As with any operation there can be complications:

• Bleeding
• Pain
• Infection
• Blood clots (deep vein thrombosis).

Specific complications of vaginal prolapse surgery include:

• Perforation of bladder or rectum
• Injury to the uterus
• Recurrence of symptoms.