GYNAECOLOGICAL DISORDERS

Prolapse

Prolapse is a very common condition, mainly affecting more elderly women. The ligaments and supporting tissue of the pelvis is often damaged in childbirth. Over the years this damage can lead to a stretching of the ligaments and this results in a prolapse of the vaginal walls and/or the uterus and cervix. Patients with chronic cough, obesity or those who have undergone previous surgery, are also at increased risk of developing prolapse. The prolapse can cause discomfort and people often describe a “dragging sensation”. The discomfort is often worse when people have been standing for a long time or straining. When a prolapse becomes severe then a lump can be noticed protruding through the entrance to the vagina.

In different women the prolapse may involve the front wall of the vagina (including the bladder) the back wall of the vagina (including the bowel) or the cervix and uterus.

Depending on what part of the vagina is prolapsing, different surgical operations may be appropriate. There are an increasing number of options available to the gynaecological surgeon when deciding to treat prolapse surgery.