Vaginal wall prolapse, a condition frequently seen in postmenopausal women due to weakening of pelvic floor muscles, is often silently endured because many consider it a normal part of ageing. However, timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment can provide complete relief, says Dr. Bindu Priya, Senior Consultant Urogynecologist at KIMS Cuddles, Secunderabad.
The hospital recently managed a complex case of recurrent vaginal vault prolapse in a 65-year-old woman, who had previously undergone multiple surgeries without achieving lasting relief.
Patient Experienced Recurrence After Multiple Surgeries
As per the press release, the patient had earlier undergone a hysterectomy for uterine fibroids. A few years after the surgery, she began experiencing a bulge in the vaginal region, a common symptom of vaginal vault prolapse that significantly affected her daily activities and quality of life.
In 2023, she underwent a laparoscopic sling surgery to correct the prolapse. Later, in 2024, doctors performed an abdominal mesh repair (sacrocolpopexy). Despite these interventions, the prolapse recurred within four months, leaving the patient distressed and seeking further medical guidance.
Doctors Initially Recommended Conservative Management
When the patient approached the Urogynecology specialists at KIMS Cuddles, the team conducted a comprehensive clinical evaluation. Considering her surgical history, doctors first recommended a conservative approach using a vaginal pessary, a supportive device designed to help manage prolapse symptoms without surgery.
The patient used the pessary for nearly a year, which helped manage the condition temporarily.
Reconstructive Surgery Using Patient’s Own Tissue
Eventually, the patient decided to opt for a permanent surgical solution. The medical team then performed vaginal reconstructive surgery using the patient’s own tissue supports, ensuring stronger and more natural pelvic support.
The procedure involved multiple corrective steps, including:
- Anterior vaginal wall repair
- Uterosacral ligament suspension to restore strong pelvic support
- High perineorrhaphy to reinforce the perineal muscles
Following the surgery, the patient recovered well and experienced significant relief from her symptoms, marking a successful outcome in a complex recurrent prolapse case.
Individualized Treatment Is Key in Prolapse Management
Speaking about the case, Dr. Bindu Priya emphasized the importance of personalized treatment planning.
“Each case of prolapse is unique. Factors such as the severity of the condition, previous surgeries, and associated health issues must be carefully evaluated before deciding the most appropriate line of treatment,” she explained.
Women Should Not Suffer in Silence
Dr. Priya also highlighted that pelvic organ prolapse and urinary incontinence are common conditions associated with ageing, but women should not consider them inevitable or ignore them.
“Early medical consultation can significantly improve a woman’s quality of life. Unfortunately, social stigma and misconceptions often delay treatment. Women should feel encouraged to seek medical advice without hesitation,” she added.
Raising Awareness About Women’s Pelvic Health
Dr. Bindu Priya, along with Dr. Sai Snehitha and the clinical team, stressed that raising awareness about pelvic health is essential. They noted that families, healthcare providers, and society must work together to encourage open conversations about women’s health concerns, ensuring that conditions like prolapse receive timely diagnosis and treatment.