Indications for Surgery
Posterior vaginal repair is often recommended for women experiencing:
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Rectocele: A condition where the rectum bulges into the back wall of the vagina, often causing symptoms such as difficulty emptying the bowels, a sensation of pressure or bulging in the vagina, or constipation.
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Fecal Incontinence: The inability to control bowel movements, which can be related to a prolapse of the rectum or weakening of the pelvic floor muscles.
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Pelvic Pressure: A sensation of heaviness or pressure in the pelvic region, particularly when standing or engaging in physical activity.
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Vaginal Bulging: A bulge in the vaginal wall caused by prolapse of the rectum, which may worsen with physical exertion.
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Difficulty with Bowel Movements: Women experiencing a sensation of incomplete bowel emptying or needing to apply pressure on the vaginal area to facilitate bowel movements.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, Dr. Sharon Li can help determine if posterior vaginal repair is suitable for you.
Pre-Operation
Prior to surgery, a GP referral is required to ensure that Dr. Li has all the necessary details about your health and medical history.
During the consultation, Dr. Li will:
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Discuss your symptoms and review your medical history to assess whether posterior vaginal repair is the right option.
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Provide detailed instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including any necessary pre-operative tests.
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Explain the surgical procedure and anesthesia options, as the surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia.
Complications
Though rare, potential risks and complications include:
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Recurrent Rectocele: There is a possibility that the prolapse may return after surgery.
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Fecal Incontinence: Some women may experience new or worsened issues with bowel control after surgery.
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Difficulty with Bowel Movements: Some patients may face difficulty passing stool post-surgery, which typically resolves over time.
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Injury to the Rectum or Bowel: Rarely, there may be an injury to the rectum or bowel, but if this occurs, it is usually repaired during the procedure.
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Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): As with any surgery, there is a small risk of developing a UTI post-operation.
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Excessive Bleeding: Uncommon but may occur in some cases.
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Blood Clots: Rare instances of blood clots in the legs or lungs may develop following surgery.
In most cases, posterior vaginal repair will not adversely affect sexual function, and many women report improved comfort during intimacy due to the repair.
In-Hospital Care and Recovery
You can expect to stay in the hospital for 3 to 5 days after surgery. During the early recovery period, a vaginal pack will be placed to help control bleeding, and a catheter may be used for 1 to 2 days to ensure proper drainage of the bladder.
It is crucial to avoid putting too much strain on the surgical site, so activities such as heavy lifting, straining, or any actions that might cause constipation or increased pressure should be avoided.
Full recovery takes time, and the repair will be most vulnerable during the first 3 months, so it is important to follow Dr. Li’s post-operative instructions carefully.
If you experience any issues, such as burning during urination, bowel difficulty, or persistent pelvic pressure, please contact Dr. Li for advice.
At 6 weeks post-surgery, Dr. Li will schedule a follow-up consultation to assess your healing and recovery. Sexual activity can only be resumed after this review, once Dr. Li has ensured that the repair has healed appropriately.
You may return to work at around 6 weeks after surgery, but it’s important to avoid heavy lifting or other strenuous activities that could impact the healing process.