(Also Called 'Cystocele Prolapse', 'Prolapse', 'Prolapse, Vaginal', 'Rectocele Prolapse', 'Vault Prolapse')
In vaginal prolapse the vagina stretches or expands to protrude on other organs and structures. Cleveland Clinic urologists are developing new minimally invasive laparoscopic surgical techniques to repair these conditions, which can greatly affect the quality of life for the patient.
What is Vaginal Prolapse?
In vaginal prolapse the vagina stretches or expands to protrude on other organs and structures. The situation seldom involves the vagina alone. Supports for the uterus often stretch allowing it to also fall (prolapse) when a woman strains during a bowel movement.
- When the protrusion involves the front (anterior) of the vagina and bladder, the presentation is called a cystocele or dropped bladder
- When the back (posterior) of the vagina and rectum are involved, the presentation is called are rectocele
- When the anterior vaginal wall and small bowel are involved the situation is called an enterocele
