Vaginal Vault Suspension: What is it?

Many women who suffered from
a vaginal prolapse have resorted to the surgical emplacement of a medical
device most commonly known as vaginal mesh to treat their symptoms. But, can
vaginal mesh be removed successfully?

To perform vaginal vault
suspension, there are varied approaches that may be utilized based on the
severity of the prolapse, and each of these methods are associated with
different risks. With an abdominal approach, negative outcomes like bleeding,
ureteral injuries, and graft  erosion are
most common. It is the vaginal approach that is connected with more risks such
as lower urinary tract injury, pelvic infections, hemorrhage, and nerve damage,
among many others. In the case of placements, exposure of the mesh is the
mostly occurring complication alongside dyspareunia, infections, stress
incontinence, and recurrence of prolapse among others.

In vaginal vault suspension,
there may be a need for the patient to remain in the hospital setting for one
to two days. Typically, the patient is expected to allow the involved tissues
to heal for three to five weeks after the operation

There is a number of
laboratory tests that the patient is expected to complete three days before the
date of surgery to have a medical clearance. This includes chest x-ray, blood
and urine tests, and ECG (electrocardiogram).Also, doctors should be informed
of the current medications the patient is taking to identify the ones that
should be discontinued for at least one week prior to surgery. Smoking is
discouraged for six to eight weeks prior to the procedure.

Following surgery,
activities may also need to be lessened. Day- to-day activities may be resumed
by the patient even a few hours after her surgery, but it would still depend on
her capability. Climbing stairs, lifting certain loads, and other activities
that may strain the body, however, are slowly resumed with care. The patient
must not carry items heavier than 10 pounds for four to six weeks.

The patient may be allowed
to shower at least 24 hours after the operation, but soaking in bath is not
allowed for a week. Driving may also be postponed for at least three to five
days, but patients taking pain pills should consider after effects like
dizziness or drowsiness. Marital relations may be restricted for six to eight
weeks while the wounds are recovering.

A follow-up checkup after
four to eight weeks will be scheduled by the doctor. If you are thinking of
resorting to surgery for your prolapse condition, inquire if your surgery
involves the placement of a vaginal mesh implant. It is also important to know
its benefits and potential risks.