✦ Pelvic Organ Prolapse Treatment

Anterior + Posterior Colporrhaphy

Q: Is combined colporrhaphy better than sacrocolpopexy?

Sacrocolpopexy has higher long-term durability; colporrhaphy is preferred for patients who prefer vaginal surgery or are unfit for abdominal procedures.

Q: What is the recurrence rate after combined colporrhaphy?

Anatomical recurrence rates are 20–30% at 5 years; symptomatic recurrence is lower as minor anatomical changes may not cause symptoms.

Q: Can I have intercourse after colporrhaphy?

Sexual activity should be avoided for 6–8 weeks post-operatively; tightening of the posterior repair can occasionally cause dyspareunia. Your consultant will provide specific guidance based on your individual clinical situation and recovery.

Combined Anterior and Posterior Vaginal Repair for Multi-Compartment Prolapse

60–90 min PROCEDURE

1–2 Days HOSPITAL STAY

>75% SUCCESS RATE

4–6 Weeks RECOVERY

What is Anterior + Posterior Colporrhaphy?

Combined Anterior and Posterior Colporrhaphy repairs both the front (cystocele — bladder prolapse) and back (rectocele — rectal prolapse) walls of the vagina in a single operation. The anterior repair plications the pubocervical fascia under the bladder; the posterior repair plications the rectovaginal fascia behind the vagina. It is the most commonly performed vaginal prolapse surgery, providing effective multi-compartment repair through a vaginal approach without any abdominal incision. The procedure is performed under general or spinal anaesthesia with a hospital stay of 1–2 Days.

Women with symptomatic anterior and posterior vaginal prolapse (cystocele and rectocele) suitable for vaginal surgical repair, particularly those not requiring vault suspension. Patients must be adequately fit for anaesthesia and free from active systemic infection before proceeding.

How the Procedure Works

Anterior Incision & Plication

Anterior vaginal wall incised; pubocervical fascia identified and plicated.

Bladder Dissection

Bladder dissected; central and lateral defects repaired with absorbable sutures.

Posterior Incision & Plication

Posterior vaginal wall incised; rectovaginal fascia identified and plicated.

Levator Repair

Levator ani muscles approximated to support the posterior repair.

Wound Closure

Vaginal epithelium trimmed and closed with interrupted absorbable sutures.

Outcomes

60–90 minDURATION

1–2 DaysHOSPITAL STAY

>75%SUCCESS RATE

4–6 WeeksFULL RECOVERY

Who Needs This Treatment?

→Repairs both anterior and posterior compartment prolapse in one operation.
→Vaginal approach — no abdominal incision required.
→Mesh-free repair using native tissue.
→Shorter operative time than abdominal sacrocolpopexy.
→Suitable for elderly patients or those unfit for abdominal surgery.
→Most widely practised vaginal prolapse repair with extensive outcome data.

"Combined colporrhaphy is the workhorse of vaginal prolapse surgery. In properly selected patients, it provides effective multi-compartment repair through a pure vaginal approach — no abdominal incision, no mesh."

— — Dr. Vipin Reddy, Consultant Urologist, Andrologist & Renal Transplant Surgeon

Common Questions

Frequently Asked

Is combined colporrhaphy better than sacrocolpopexy?+

What is the recurrence rate after combined colporrhaphy?+

Can I have intercourse after colporrhaphy?+

Not sure which treatment is right for you?

Book a consultation with Dr. Vipin Reddy and get a personalised treatment plan.

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