How it Works

WCJC would never recommend any surgery to a patient unless we believed it to be both 100% safe and effective for their needs. That said, all pelvic surgeries incur some level of risk of things like infection, clotting, reaction to anesthesia, and/or scarring. If you have any particular concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us or discuss this with your provider at any point in the process.

Depending on the strength of the anterior & posterior walls, your doctor may recommend the use of a surgical mesh to help ensure proper placement. Please refer to the website for the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists for more information regarding procedures using surgical mesh.

Most of our patients find that their insurance companies cover the cost of their colporrhaphy, or at least the majority of it. However, your specific insurance carrier and insurance plan will determine your coverage for this procedure. Be sure to contact your insurance company using the phone number on the back of your card to inquire about the costs you might be responsible for. Typically, we will ask that you receive pre-approval from your insurance company before proceeding with a surgical procedure to help prevent any “surprises” later.

We will help provide all the information and instructions you need to prepare for your procedure. While full healing may take up to 12 weeks, most women are able to gradually ease back into their normal lifestyle (with the exception of any heavy lifting or strenuous physical activity).

At WCJC, we believe in providing the best possible care for our patients. And for a woman in need of a surgery, we understand the need and will do our best, to get you scheduled promptly. However, as Colporrhaphy is considered a major surgery, we do require an initial exam and testing before we will perform this procedure.

• Please use the narcotic pain medication prescribed only as needed. Narcotics will increase constipation and can exacerbate pain with bowel movements.
• It is important to take a stool softener such as Colace® while taking narcotic pain medication such as Percocet or Vicodin. Please purchase a stool softener before your surgery.
• You may take “over the counter” pain relievers that do not contain aspirin such as acetaminophen (Tylenol®) or ibuprofen (Motrin® or Advil®). Do not exceed the daily recommended dose.
• If the pain is not relieved by pain medication, becomes worse, or you have difficulty breathing, call our office.

• You may resume the diet you had prior to surgery.
• Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water daily.

• For the first couple of days following surgery, you may experience discomfort with urination due to catheterization of your bladder during the procedure.
• It is normal to have trouble initiating your stream for a few days after the procedure due to swelling.
• If you have persistent urinary urgency, pain with urination, or inability to empty your bladder, please call our office.

• It is important to prevent constipation and straining during the healing of your posterior repair.
• Your doctor has prescribed stool softeners such as Colace® as well as a laxative such as Miralax® to keep stools soft during the first four weeks after recovery.
• Please call our office if you are unable to move your bowels 48 hours after discharge.

• You may gradually return to your normal activity after surgery. No vigorous exercise or activities that strain the incisions.
• Wear loose fitting clothing with cotton underwear and a panty liner.
• You should not do any heavy lifting, greater than 10 lbs, for six weeks after surgery or until cleared by your doctor.
• Do not drive while taking prescription pain medication or if your level of discomfort could inhibit your ability to operate a motor vehicle safely.
• You may shower the day after surgery. Do not soak in a bathtub for six weeks after surgery.
• Use a spray bottle with warm water to cleanse after using the restroom until the site is healed (approximately two weeks).

• Light vaginal bleeding, spotting or brown discharge are common for up to two weeks after surgery.
• Note: If you have heavy, bright red vaginal bleeding, call our office. Bleeding that fills a pad in one hour is considered heavy bleeding.

Call your WCJC Officer if you are experiencing…

• A fever higher than 100.4º F
• Increasing pain not controlled by pain medication
• Inability to eat or drink without vomiting
• Shortness of breath
• Inability to empty your bladder
• Redness and tenderness at the incision site, or a large amount of drainage
• Heavy, bright red vaginal bleeding, or foul smelling discharge. You can expect to have a small amount of reddish-brown colored discharge for up to six weeks. Do not be alarmed by this.

If you feel you need to be seen urgently, please go to the Emergency Department where your surgery was performed so that our physicians may care for you.

Any questions regarding your surgery or post-operative recovery should be directed to the staff at the Women’s Clinic of Johnson County rather than your Primary Care Physician.