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A colpocleisis (sometimes called a vaginectomy) is a procedure where the front and back vagina walls are sewn together, shortening the vaginal canal and pushing prolapsed pelvic organs back into place. A Le Fort colpocleisis also creates 2 small tunnels that allow fluid to drain from your uterus. Both variations leave the vagina too short for vaginal sexual intercourse, but the Le Fort colpocleisis is a better option for patients who have a uterus/cervix and are not good candidates for hysterectomy at the time of surgery.
Patients considering Le Fort colpocleisis must meet 3 criteria:
Le Fort colpocleisis is 90% to 95% effective at treating pelvic prolapse (when organs such as the bladder or uterus move out of position and push against the vaginal wall). It keeps the uterus in place, which is why your doctor will check for uterine disease before considering this procedure. It is a safe procedure that can be performed in a short amount of time, making it an excellent option for patients who have additional health conditions.
Your provider will remove a layer of tissue from the front and back walls of your vagina, then stitch the walls together. A Le Fort colpocleisis leaves in the uterus, so 2 small tunnels are left on either side of the stitched-together area to let any bleeding or discharge drain out. Although the internal vaginal depth is reduced, resulting in “closure” of the external vagina, the vulva does not look significantly different than before surgery.
Before surgery, you may be asked to undergo some bladder testing called urodynamic testing. You’ll need to attend a preoperative visit to undergo some basic lab work and talk about what to expect. If you need surgical clearance, you’ll be asked to get this before surgery.
Le Fort colpocleisis takes approximately 1 hour to perform, and you will be under general anesthesia. Most people stay can go home the day of surgery, but your doctor may consider an overnight stay if you have certain medical risk factors that require extended observation.
Most patients report minimal pain after a Le Fort colpocleisis. You can expect some activity restrictions for about 6 weeks, but many patients can return to a normal routine shortly after surgery. Activity restrictions include:
The risk of complications from a Le Fort colpocleisis is typically very low. As with any procedure, there is risk of anesthesia problems, pain, bleeding, infection, blood clots or damage to adjacent organs. With Le Fort colpocleisis, other specific risks include:
Check your insurance plan benefits to see if your policy covers Le Fort colpocleisis. If it does, our office will help you get prior authorization if your insurance policy requires it. If you have further questions, contact your insurance carrier.