LeFort Colpocleisis
LeFort colpocleisis is a procedure to treat pelvic organ prolapse by narrowing and shortening the vagina. While the LeFort colpocleisis procedure is minimally invasive and low risk, it results in a surgically closed vagina, which prevents sexual intercourse.
Pelvic organ prolapse is a common condition in women that involves a pelvic organ such as the bladder, uterus or rectum, moving from its normal position to push against the vaginal walls, causing pressure, stretching and pain. Treatment for this condition may vary depending on the location and severity of the prolapsed organ. Patients with mild symptoms can often treat their condition conservatively by losing weight and through kegel exercises that strengthen the pelvic muscles. Cases of pelvic prolapse that do not respond to home treatments may require the insertion of a pessary, a small device inserted into the vagina to relieve pain and pressure and hold the organs in place. More severe cases may benefit from surgery to repair damaged tissue, close the vagina or remove the uterus.
For women who are interested in the least invasive surgical approach to pelvic organ prolapse and who do not wish to be sexually active in the future, LeFort colpocleisis may be an option. The LeFort colpocleisis procedure involves stitching the vaginal walls together to prevent prolapse. The prolapsed organs are moved back into their normal positions after this type of procedure. The benefits of the LeFort colpocleisis procedure are :
- Non-invasive and short surgical time
- Quick recovery
- Minimal pain
- No reoccurrence of prolapse
The main side effect of the LeFort colpocleisis is that patients can no longer engage in sexual intercourse due to the closing up of the vagina. For that reason, serious consideration should be taken prior to undergoing the LeFort colpocleisis procedure.
