Cystocele Repair
Cystocele, also known as anterior vaginal wall prolapse or bladder prolapse, occurs when the supportive tissue between the bladder and vaginal wall weakens, causing the bladder to sag into the vaginal canal. This condition can lead to symptoms such as pelvic pressure, discomfort, urinary issues (like incontinence or difficulty emptying the bladder), and can significantly affect a woman's quality of life.
About Cystocele Repair
Cystocele repair is a surgical procedure aimed at correcting bladder prolapse, where the bladder descends into the vaginal canal due to weakened support between the bladder and vaginal wall. This surgery restores the bladder’s normal position by strengthening the supportive tissues in the anterior vaginal wall, relieving symptoms such as discomfort, urinary issues, and pelvic pressure.
Procedure of Cystocele Repair
The surgical approach for cystocele repair depends on factors like the severity of the prolapse, the patient’s health, and the surgeon’s expertise. Below are common methods:
Anterior Colporrhaphy:
a. Anesthesia: General or regional anesthesia is administered for patient comfort during the procedure.
b. Incision: An incision is made in the anterior vaginal wall to access the weakened tissues.
c. Vaginal Wall Repair: The supportive tissues and fascia are reinforced and tightened to reposition the bladder.
d. Closure: The incision is closed with sutures to secure the repaired tissues.Mesh Augmentation:
a. Anesthesia: General anesthesia is used for the procedure.
b. Mesh Placement: A synthetic mesh is inserted through an incision in the vaginal wall, providing extra support to the weakened tissues. The mesh acts as a scaffold to encourage tissue growth and stability.
c. Securement and Closure: The mesh is securely positioned, and the incision is closed with sutures or surgical adhesive.Minimally Invasive Techniques:
Minimally invasive methods, such as laparoscopic or robotic-assisted surgery, may also be used. These techniques involve small incisions and specialized instruments to repair the prolapse, offering a less invasive alternative to traditional surgery. The procedure steps depend on the specific technique used.
These surgical approaches are tailored to the patient’s needs, aiming to restore bladder support, reduce symptoms, and improve quality of life.