Colporrhaphy

Colporrhaphy is a surgical procedure used to repair defects in the vaginal wall. It is commonly performed to correct pelvic organ prolapse, which can occur when the muscles and tissues supporting the pelvic organs weaken. This procedure can be classified into two main types: anterior colporrhaphy and posterior colporrhaphy, depending on the location of the defect.

Types of Colporrhaphy[edit | edit source]

Anterior Colporrhaphy[edit | edit source]

Anterior colporrhaphy is performed to repair a defect in the front wall of the vagina, often due to a cystocele, which is the prolapse of the bladder into the vaginal canal. During this procedure, the surgeon makes an incision in the vaginal wall and tightens the underlying supportive tissues to restore normal anatomy.

Posterior Colporrhaphy[edit | edit source]

Posterior colporrhaphy is used to repair a defect in the back wall of the vagina, typically caused by a rectocele, where the rectum bulges into the vaginal canal. Similar to anterior colporrhaphy, the surgeon makes an incision in the vaginal wall and sutures the supportive tissues to correct the prolapse.

Indications[edit | edit source]

Colporrhaphy is indicated for patients experiencing symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse, such as:

Vaginal bulging
Pelvic pressure
Urinary incontinence
Difficulty with bowel movements
Discomfort during sexual intercourse

Procedure[edit | edit source]

The procedure is usually performed under general or regional anesthesia. The steps include: 1. Making an incision in the vaginal wall. 2. Identifying and isolating the defect. 3. Suturing the supportive tissues to reinforce the vaginal wall. 4. Closing the incision with absorbable sutures.