Posterior Colporrhaphy

Posterior Colporrhaphy in Dubai at Emirates Hospitals Group. Our team of  best gynaecologists in Dubai are experts in treating pelvic floor disorders. One such condition is posterior compartment prolapse, often addressed through posterior colporrhaphy surgery. This procedure repairs a bulge in the posterior vaginal wall caused by a weakening of the pelvic floor muscles and tissues that support the rectum. Here, we explore the causes, treatment options, benefits, and recovery process for posterior colporrhaphy.

Causes of Posterior Compartment Prolapse

Several factors contribute to posterior compartment prolapse, also known as rectocele:

• Childbirth: Vaginal delivery, particularly with complications or multiple births, can weaken the pelvic floor muscles that support the rectum.
• Chronic straining: Repetitive straining during activities like heavy lifting, constipation, or chronic coughing can weaken the pelvic floor muscles and contribute to rectocele.
• Menopause: Hormonal changes associated with menopause can lead to a decrease in muscle tone and strength, making the pelvic floor more susceptible to prolapse.
• Obesity: Excess weight puts additional strain on the pelvic floor muscles and organs, increasing the risk of rectocele.
• Connective tissue disorders: Conditions like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome can affect the strength and integrity of the pelvic floor tissues, making them more prone to prolapse.

Symptoms of Posterior Compartment Prolapse

Women with posterior compartment prolapse may experience a range of symptoms, including:

• Pelvic pressure or heaviness: This can feel like a bulge or sensation of something pressing down in the vagina.
• Incomplete bowel emptying: Difficulty emptying the bowels completely, leading to a feeling of residual stool or incomplete evacuation.
• Straining during bowel movements: The need to exert extra effort to pass stool due to weakened pelvic floor muscles.
• Fecal incontinence: Leakage of stool, which can be occasional or continuous.
• Pain during intercourse: Discomfort or pain during sexual intercourse.

Severity of Symptoms: The severity of symptoms can vary greatly from woman to woman. Some women may only experience mild difficulty emptying their bowels, while others may have significant fecal incontinence and require assistance with bowel movements.

Treatment Modalities for Posterior Colporrhaphy

Treatment options for posterior compartment prolapse depend on the severity of symptoms and a woman’s individual needs. At Emirates Hospitals Group, our gynecologists offer a personalized approach:

• Lifestyle modifications: Dietary changes to promote regular bowel movements and avoid straining, along with weight management, can help alleviate symptoms.
• Pelvic floor muscle exercises (Kegels): Strengthening the pelvic floor muscles with targeted exercises can improve bowel control and reduce pressure on the rectum.
• Biofeedback: This therapy utilizes real-time feedback to help women identify and strengthen specific pelvic floor muscles.
• Bulk-forming laxatives: These medications help soften stool and make bowel movements easier.
• Posterior Colporrhaphy Surgery: For moderate to severe cases, posterior colporrhaphy surgery is an effective way to restore the rectum’s proper position and enhance bowel function. Our gynecologists perform various surgical techniques depending on the specific needs, including minimally invasive approaches and traditional vaginal surgery.

Benefits of Posterior Colporrhaphy Surgery

Posterior colporrhaphy surgery offers several benefits:

• Improved Bowel Control: The surgery reinforces the pelvic floor and restores the rectum’s position, significantly improving stool passage and reducing or eliminating fecal incontinence.
• Reduced Straining: With improved rectal support, straining during bowel movements becomes less necessary.
• Enhanced Quality of Life: By restoring bowel function and reducing associated symptoms, posterior colporrhaphy surgery can significantly improve a woman’s quality of life and well-being.
• Minimally Invasive Options: Our gynecologists often utilize minimally invasive surgical techniques, resulting in smaller incisions, faster recovery times, and minimal scarring.

Recovery after Posterior Colporrhaphy Surgery

Recovery time following posterior colporrhaphy surgery varies depending on the specific procedure performed. Typically, it takes a few weeks to return to normal activities, with a longer period for complete healing. Our gynecologists provide detailed post-operative care instructions, including pain management strategies, activity restrictions, and a bowel management plan to promote optimal healing and prevent constipation.