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Care After Anterior/Posterior Bladder Surgery

An anterior/posterior bladder surgery, also called anterior or posterior colporrhaphy, is a procedure performed on women whose vaginal wall is torn. If the procedure is an anterior bladder surgery, the area between the bladder and the vagina is operated upon, while in the case of a posterior bladder surgery, the space between the bladder and the rectum is repaired.

  1. The Surgery

    • Surgery may be necessary because in some women the vaginal wall becomes weak and slides into either the bladder or the rectum. This weakness is typically caused by factors such as exercise, childbirth, age, high physical activity and genetics. The most noticeable symptom of this problem is difficulty in passing urine or stool. The surgery involves tightening the vaginal wall. A part of the vaginal wall is cut away or stitched and a synthetic material may be placed between the bladder and vagina.

    After Surgery Care

    • You are usually hospitalized for three days after the surgery. On day one, you will be helped to sit up. During the first three days, your blood pressure is monitored at frequent intervals. Other vital signs like breathing and pulse are taken frequently. Turning to the sides and exercising the legs are advised on the first day. Ensuring blood flow into the body is very important, as that can prevent post-operative complications. You can consume water in sips from day one. Once you are able to drink regular levels of fluid, your IV injections can be removed.

    Other Care

    • After surgery, to ensure the vaginal wall remains tight, the doctor may prescribe an estrogen cream or the use of a device called a pessary. Quitting smoking is also essential as it can delay recovery. You also must be very careful to take steps to prevent infection. You have to pass stools and gas on a regular basis immediately following the surgery. Holding in stool or gas can cause further pain or infections. It you do not begin emptying your bowels regularly, beginning from the day after the surgery, the nurse will administer a laxative. Controlling pain is another important aspect of post-operative care. Medications help, but relaxation techniques like listening to music can also be important.
      Once you go home, if you have certain symptoms you must report them immediately to the doctor. These include a rise in temperature, difficulty or pain while urinating, vaginal bleeding, swelling in the legs, chest pain or shortness of breath. Tampons and douching, lifting weights and sexual intercourse are best avoided.

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