Cystocele (anterior) and
rectocele (posterior) repair

• A cystocele occurs when the bladder and/or urethra   
  prolapses or 'drops' into the front wall of the vagina. A   rectocele occurs when the rectum prolapses or 'drops'
  into the back wall of the vagina.

• Repair involves removing a piece of vaginal skin, then   stitching the bladder and urethra, or the rectum, back into   their normal positions and repairing the vagina.

• Both types of repair and vaginal hysterectomy may be   undertaken at the same time.

• The operation is carried out under a general anaesthetic
  and takes 40-60 minutes.

• During the operation, a catheter may be passed up the   urethra into the bladder to drain off the urine. A vaginal
  pack made of gauze may also be inserted to prevent
  postoperative bleeding.

• There will be some discomfort following surgery which
   will be controlled with pain killers.

• The average hospital stay is 4-6 days and normal
   activities can usually be resumed within 6 weeks.

• The vagina may be left slightly narrowed, but this does
   not usually interfere with sexual intercourse.