What is a Vaginal Repair?
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
A vaginal repair is a surgical procedure in which a gynecological surgeon makes a repair to the vagina of a patient to correct a problem such as prolapse or fistula. A related procedure is vaginoplasty, a cosmetic procedure which is intended to change the shape or appearance of the vagina for aesthetic reasons. Sometimes the two procedures may be combined. Patients who need a vaginal repair should plan on spending several days in the hospital.
One reason to need a vaginal repair is a fistula, in which a connection is created between the vagina and the bladder or the vagina and the rectum. Fistula repair surgeries close this opening so that the patient will not experience incontinence, infections, and pelvic pain. Another type of vaginal repair surgery known as vaginal wall repair is used to treat prolapse.
Prolapse occurs when an organ falls out of position. In vaginal vault prolapse, the vagina itself moves out of place and the inside of the vagina may be compressed, with vaginal tissue sometimes protruding from the vulva. Women can also experience bladder prolapse, in which the bladder pushes into the vagina. Prolapse causes discomfort and can lead to incontinence, pelvic pain, and abnormal vaginal bleeding as well as discomfort during sex.
In a vaginal repair for prolapse, the surgeon tightens and lifts the vaginal wall. The surgeon may also make repairs to other organs in the pelvis. These organs are interconnected and a prolapse can involve multiple organs which require repairs. Depending on the nature of the procedure, a urologist may also be involved to address issues with the bladder and urethra.
Vaginal repairs are usually performed under general anesthesia and patients will need to stay in the hospital for the first few days of recovery so that they can be monitored. The patient may be given a catheter to drain urine and this will also be used to monitor urine output to confirm that the patient is healing well. The hospital also offers advanced pain management options which can help address surgical pain experienced in the days immediately following surgery.
Patients preparing for a vaginal repair should ask about the risks of the procedure and the expected outcome of the surgery. They will also meet with an anesthesiologist to discuss anesthesia and pain management options and screening tests will be performed to check for any risk factors which could complicate the surgery. Patients may want to ask about healing time and care directions during recovery so that they know what to expect.
Mary McMahon
Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a TheHealthBoard researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.
Mary McMahon
Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a TheHealthBoard researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.
AS FEATURED ON:
AS FEATURED ON:
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![A vaginal repair is a surgical procedure in which a gynecological surgeon makes a repair to the vagina of a patient to correct a problem such as prolapse or fistula.]()
By: xixinxingA vaginal repair is a surgical procedure in which a gynecological surgeon makes a repair to the vagina of a patient to correct a problem such as prolapse or fistula. -
![Surgery to fix any abnormalities of the vagina is done during vaginal repair.]()
By: isysteSurgery to fix any abnormalities of the vagina is done during vaginal repair. -
![A vaginal repair will require the patient to stay in the hospital for a few days to recover.]()
By: uwimagesA vaginal repair will require the patient to stay in the hospital for a few days to recover. -
![Vaginal repairs are generally performed under general anesthesia.]()
By: evok20Vaginal repairs are generally performed under general anesthesia. -
![Like other operations, vaginal repair surgery could lead to infection or other complications.]()
By: redcarpettLike other operations, vaginal repair surgery could lead to infection or other complications. -
![Pain management immediately after vaginal repair surgery often includes small doses of intravenous analgesics.]()
By: tawesitPain management immediately after vaginal repair surgery often includes small doses of intravenous analgesics. -
![Vaginal repair may be performed to correct pelvic pain.]()
By: BlueSkyImagesVaginal repair may be performed to correct pelvic pain. -
![A vaginal repair may also address issues with the bladder or urethra.]()
By: joshyaA vaginal repair may also address issues with the bladder or urethra.
Discussion Comments
@turkay1-- I think surgery of vaginal skin folds (labia minora or labia majora) is considered vaginoplasty. Procedures that are included in this category are done for cosmetic reasons and are different than vaginal repair which is done for medical reasons.
The insurance bit is somewhat complicated and varies from company to company. Some insurance companies may cover a part of the expense when it's a cosmetic procedure, others may not cover it at all. If you however experience pain or other negative side effects because of your condition, you might be able to argue that it is a medical necessity and not a cosmetic surgery. It has to be taken on a case by case basis though.
I don't know for sure, but I have heard that if a patient needs vaginal repair for medical reasons, the surgeon might also be able to do a vaginal procedure for aesthetic reasons at the same time if the patient requests it. But I don't think every surgeon would be willing or capable to do that.
Does vaginal repair also include procedures relating to vaginal skin folds?
How does health insurance companies deal with such procedures? I'm sure that fistula repair and bladder prolapse surgery is considered a medical condition. But what if the procedure is for aesthetic reasons? Do insurance companies treat them the same way?
Vaginal wall repair isn't only done for prolapse surgery, it's also done for for women who experience abnormal loosening of the wall after childbirth.
My sister had this surgery after she gave birth to her fourth child last year. Usually, the pelvic wall is supposed to go back to its original shape several months after birth. Sometimes it takes longer because of hormonal changes. But for some women, the recovery doesn't happen at all and it can affect their sex life negatively.
Doctors can do vaginal repair to tighten the walls though. And some women like my sister do opt for it when time and pelvic exercises don't solve the problem.
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