Anterior and Posterior Repair (Colporrhaphy)

Anterior and posterior repair are minimally invasive procedures used to correct pelvic organs that have dropped out of their normal positions.

When the tissues that support the pelvic organs become weak, stretched or damaged, due to age or childbirth for example, the organs can slip out of place, dropping down and pressing against the walls of the vagina. This is known as pelvic organ prolapse. These sagging organs create a bulge in the vagina, causing pressure, pain, discomfort, and urinary and bowel dysfunction, among other symptoms.

Anterior and posterior repair are used to tighten the support tissues that hold these organs in place, restoring their normal position and function.

Anterior repair is used to tighten the front (anterior) wall of the vagina. It is used when the bladder drops out of its normal position and bulges into the front of the vagina, causing the front wall of the vagina to sag. This condition is known as anterior wall prolapse, cystocele or dropped bladder.

During the surgery, the bladder is pushed back into its normal position and the support tissue between the front of the vagina and the bladder is tightened and reinforced. The procedure is also called an anterior vaginal wall repair or anterior colporrhaphy.

Posterior repair is used to tighten the back (posterior) wall of the vagina. It is used when the rectum drops out of its normal position and bulges into the back of the vagina, causing the back wall of the vagina to sag, which may result in bowel dysfunction. This condition is known as posterior wall prolapse, rectocele or fallen rectum.

During the surgery the rectum is pushed back into to its normal position, and the support tissue between the back of the vagina and the rectum is tightened and reinforced. The procedure is also called a posterior vaginal wall repair or posterior colporrhaphy.