1) Post Operative Processes after the Anterior Posterior Vaginal Repair with Mesh
After the Anterior Posterior Vaginal Repair with Mesh, the patient is assured to be well taken care of in a safe and professional way by our highly trained and educated staff. The patient will be wheeled to the recovery room. Expect to be conscious a minute or two after the surgery ends. However, it is very unlikely the patient will remember anything, until she is cleared to go back to her room in the Inpatient Building.
Nausea and vomiting may be experienced, as a side effect of the General Anesthesia, which is noted to be relieved as soon as its effect wears off. It is advised that the patient stay in bed until she feels better.
In the Inpatient Building, the patient will be given an antibiotic to prevent post-operative infection, a laxative drug to prevent constipation, an anti-inflammatory drug and an acetaminophen to lessen the wound pain.
2) The symptoms and processes after the Anterior Posterior Vaginal Repair with Mesh
Pain levels depend on an individual’s pain tolerance. Pain varies from person to person. If the pain cannot be relieved from the acetaminophen, the nurse will administer an analgesic by injection as ordered by Dr. Vitasna.
Urinary frequency or difficulty in urination may be noted due to the tension of the vaginal opening muscle. As a result, a urinary catheter may be inserted to avoid the retention of urine, which may be the cause of cystitis, especially during the first 3-5 days after the surgery. Then, when the tension disappears, the patient will be able to urinate normally.
In a few days after the surgery, the patient may experience an urge to pass stool (straining), and a sense of incomplete emptying, even after the enema before the surgery. This is caused by the sutured posterior vaginal wall between rectum and vagina. Taking a rest is recommended to reduce this symptom. Laxatives will be given to prevent constipation.
Within the first 3-5 days after the surgery, the patient will be able to have movement and walk around, and the patient should not take a shower, which may potentially cause infection (perhaps rub the body dry). Cleaning the surgical wound at the perineum area after fecal excretion may be done using water and toweling gently.
After 3-5 days of the surgery, Dr. Vitasna will allow the patient to go home after the following issues are checked:
1) No abnormal bleeding from the surgical wounds.
2) The patient is asked to review post-operative instructional care.
3) The patient can urinate by herself following the removal of the urinary catheter.
Read more about the related issues of the Anterior Posterior Vaginal Repair with Mesh
Frequently Asked Questions about A-P Repair with Mes
Risk, Side Effect and Complication of A-P Vaginal Repair with Mesh
3) Post Operative Care Instructions at home after the Anterior Posterior Vaginal Repair with Mesh
At home, the patient must take an antibiotic, an anti-inflammatory drug, a laxative, and an acetaminophen. The antibiotic should be completely consumed according to schedule.
After 3-5 days of the surgery, the patient is allowed to take a shower. The patient should clean the surgical wound at the perineum area with soap daily, when she is taking a shower in the morning or before bedtime. Do not put anything to clean inside of the vagina.
Within the first 5-7 days after the surgery, the patient should take a rest (refrain from work) and be still to enable the wound to heal faster, and have little movement as possible to avoid wound disruption.
The patient may experience light reddish bleeding out of the vagina in around 1-2 weeks after the surgery. A slim sanitary napkin should be used to monitor the post-operative bleeding. In case of a lot of bleeding or blood clot, swollen reddish wound and high fever, please contact the Hospital for suggestions or come to see Dr. Vitasna for the surgical wound examination.
Within 2 weeks after the surgery, cleaning the surgical wound at the perineum after urinary excretion may be done with sanitary wipes, and after fecal excretion done using water and toweling gently. The patient should try to avoid moisture around the surgical wound to keep the area day to let it heal faster.
4) Things you should know after the Anterior Posterior Vaginal Repair with Mesh
After the surgery, the patient may have all kinds of food, with the exceptions of alcoholic drinks and smoking for about 2 weeks.
The material used for the surgery is the sutures which dissolve slowly (within 6-8 weeks). However, for some women, the sutures take longer than 6-8 weeks to completely dissolve, consequently causing irritation. For women who experience itching caused by the dissolving sutures and the process of healing, Dr. Vitasna may prescribe antihistamine to control the itching.
The patient may have abnormal vaginal discharge, green-yellowish discharge after the surgery, because the vagina is full of secretion fluid and various kinds of bacteria. This can cause reaction to the surgical wound and sutures. Complete absorption of the sutures will usually occur within 6-8 weeks. Green-yellowish discharge may also persist during this time.
And you may experience itching or curd like discharge as a result of vaginal fungal infection, possibly following taking antibiotic to avoid post-operative infection. In case of smelly vaginal discharge or vaginal fungal infection, the patient has to take additional medications.
5) Recovery period after the Anterior Posterior Vaginal Repair with Mesh
Recovery varies, the patient may return to work after 5-7 days of the surgery. Dr. Vitasna will have a post-operative appointment with the patient within 1-2 weeks after the surgery, the patient should follow Dr. Vitasna’s appointment for follow up examination or treatment.
Within the first 2 weeks after the surgery, tissues are beginning to produce and form new blood capillaries, and the surgical wound is expected to start healing. The patient may start her daily activities gradually.
After the first 2 weeks to 4 weeks after the surgery, the surgical wound is expected to heal appropriately. The patient may start her usual activities gradually. Strenuous physical activities should be limited.
After 4 weeks of the surgery, the patient may do her usual activities. Relaxing exercises and lifting light weights are permitted. However, the patient should refrain from running, soaking in bathtub, swimming, heavy lifting, cycling, heavy lifting, and other heavy activities for at least 6-8 weeks after the surgery.
In our center, this surgery is recommended only for the older patients (not in sexually active women), the patient should refrain from sexual intercourse after the surgery
If you decide to have a consultation with Dr. Vitasna, please call or e-mail a member of staff to make an appointment date for the surgery.
Because of technological advances, the use of laser have been utilized in Anterior-Posterior Vaginal Repair with Mesh. Advantages of laser over old conventional scalpel procedure include: less blood loss, less risk of vessel and tissue damage, precise and accurate surgical wound control, quicker recovery time, and better overall results.