Vaginal hysterectomy and repair

• Vaginal hysterectomy and repair is the most commonly
  used operation to correct a prolapse or 'dropped' uterus   caused by weakness in the muscles of the pelvic floor.   Prolapse causes the uterus, bladder and sometimes the   rectum (or back passage) to 'drop' through the vagina.

• In this operation, the uterus and cervix are removed
  through the vagina rather than through an abdominal
  incision. The bladder and rectum are also restored to
  their normal positions. The vagina is closed off and
  remains its normal length. The ovaries are left intact.

• The operation is carried out under a general anaesthetic
  and takes about 1 to 1-and-a-half hours.

• 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. Some postoperative   bleeding and discharge should be expected.

• The average hospital stay is 4-5 days and normal
  activities can usually be resumed within 6 weeks.