About Vaginal Vault Suspension
For many patients, vaginal vault suspension is the best treatment available for
vaginal vault prolapse. Vaginal prolapse, like any kind of pelvic prolapse, can
be unpleasant to think about, but it is a common occurrence for women who have previously
undergone a hysterectomy. Usually developing long after surgery - sometimes up to
20 years later – vaginal prolapse develops when the top of the vagina (known as
the vaginal vault) starts to sag. If it is not corrected with a method such as vaginal
vault suspension, vaginal prolapse can progress to the point where the entire vagina
ends up inside out.
Los Angeles urologist Dr. Michael Safir is an expert in performing vaginal vault suspension, restoring vaginal anatomy and providing durable support.
Cause of Vaginal Vault Prolapse
Vaginal vault prolapse is a common long-term complication of hysterectomy. In a
hysterectomy, the uterus is removed. The uterus provides an anchor to support the
top of the vagina; without it, the vagina can slowly collapse. Vaginal vault suspension
is frequently performed along with rectocele surgery or treatment for other forms
of pelvic prolapse – such as uterine prolapse or bladder prolapse - that can often
coexist with vaginal prolapse.
Symptoms of Vaginal Vault Prolapse
- Painful intercourse
- Urinary urgency (needing to urinate suddenly)
- Needing to urinate very frequently
- Vaginal pressure or heaviness
- Constipation
- A mass bulging into, or out of, the vaginal canal
- Weak or interrupted urine stream
- Leaking/dribbling (urinary incontinence)
- Feeling incomplete emptying of bladder after urinating